Goddard School of Waldorf

This school is definitely over-priced for the services that you receive. There is no set curriculum as a previous parent stated. If you want your toddler (3 year olds) to have books read to them and songs played to them all day long, this is the place. They are not preparing preschoolers for kindergarten! They are not teaching sign language or Spanish! There are also language barriers with some of the teachers which presents issues for the children as well as the parents. The turnover rate for the teachers is unbelievable. I strongly suggest that you continue looking for a school before settling for Goddard.
--Submitted by a parent

am a single dad living in the Waldorf, Maryland area. I went through a very intense divorce, and gained custody of my daughter. Needless to say I was not ready for all the pitfalls and lessons I would have to learn. I enrolled my daughter in the Goddard School, on a very short notice and right from the start was treated to a very kind hearted staff. Since this time, I have never had much to complain about when it comes to the teaching Staff. Especially one of the teachers Mrs. Crystal of the "Sea Turtles room", who all the Parents know and love is simply outstanding. If she represents how the teachers are trained by this organization then Goddard gets my vote. When I am late, she will assist in picking up my daughter. When my daughter comes home she tells me Mrs. Crystal has checked my homework, and also helped me with reading. Never in all my life have I seen a more carrying individual at it relates to children. I will agree the price is more then most of the other schools, and that can be a drawback, but I still must say, I don't think I will ever find a staff more dedicated to the education and treatment of my child
--Submitted by a parent

WATCH WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!!!! Upon relocating from NC to Waldorf, Md I settled for the convenience of The Goddard School. Being new to the area, it was located right outside of our neighborhood. I feel that the school is over-rated and over priced. It does have its advantages: computer programs, indoor gym activities, friendly staff, beautiful facitlities. I feel that my $600/month for before/after care (he's only there 4 hours a day) goes more towards 'upgrading the facility' than actual care. There has been new hardwood floors installed, new paint, hand painted murals on the walls, marble bannisters, etc...all in a 6 month time frame..now the summer program has started and our tuition is over $900/month, and I still have to provide my child with lunch, because they DO NOT. They claim to teach sign language, Spanish, etc...if they do, it's not being reflected by my child...LOOK ELSEWHERE..
--Submitted by a parent

This school used to be good but things are starting to go south academically especially for the older kids . If you are just looking for a great looking school, loving staff, lot of fun and a place where there is no set curriculum, you got it . But if you want you child to be academically ready for kindergarden or 1st grade, you better think again. It is unacceptable that in their curriculum at the pre_k level they are not introducing any phonics . There is no set curriculum in this school. They start projects that are left unfinished; for example at the begin of the year in one of my child class they started introducing the different continents but never finished it. There is no follow-up on what are being taught. They advertise sign language and spanish just to attract people. Please don't waste your money and your child
--Submitted by a parent

I can't say enough great things about this school and the teachers. The condition of the school itself is great; very clean, very bright and engaging. The teachers really seem to care about the kids there. The curriculum is pretty varied, my kids have learned a lot socially and academically. Best of all, when I talk to the teachers and staff, they really seem to understand my kids. Staff will take time to talk to you about any concern or question, and the parents are invited to be involved quite a bit.
--Submitted by a parent