The Goddard School of Independence

Having had experiences with both the Broadview Heights Goddard School and the Independence Goddard School, I would highly recommend the Independence location. My three children have been enrolled and thriving for years! Each teacher greets them every morning very energetically. Lesson plans and content are age appropriate, fun and hands-on. The office staff is very inviting and welcomes me personally on a daily basis. In addition, the owner is onsite everyday with an open door policy. I am at ease everyday while at work knowing my children are in the best possible environment.
--Submitted by a parent

My son (an only child) has been attending this school since 18 months of age and he is now 3 1/2 years old. He has been continually attending monthly without any hiccups. Words can not express how encouraged I am at his progress in social skills, developmental skills, emotional control, and overall sense of personal worth. He is only 3 and amazes me with what he has learned outside of the home. Granted he is the only child in the household, but I work with kids, therefore have a comparable source. The director and owner work with you as a family towards your needs for your child. The preparation for the next stage of the child's life is supported within a comfortable, engaging learning environment. I DON"T recommend any place else.
--Submitted by a parent

Wonderful experience for both of my children! Both have been there since they were babies and I take exception to those who say that the teachers are glorified babysitters. There has been very little teacher turnover and the social and academic skills both of my children have learned have more than prepared them for elementary school. This Goddard is a warm, loving environment that gives children their freedom (including individual and group play -- YES play!!), but also a educational cirriculum with rules and expectations -- skills that are needed once they get outside of the daycare/preschool environment and into the larger world. I can ask the teachers, or director any questions and get them answered because they are THERE and ACTIVELY engaged with the children and also those parents who want to be. It was the best decision I could make for my kids and my family and my oldest, now in kindergarten, is well-prepared and well-adjusted.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has attended Goddard since he was 3 months old, he is now almost 4. I cannot say enough good things about this school. I am amazed at how much he has already learned. The teachers and staff are well educated, affectionate and actively engaged. My son is excited every day to learn and play with his friends and teachers. It is worth every penny.
--Submitted by a parent

Both of our children have been enrolled at this school since they were 6 weeks. They are now 4 and 3. The teacher creativity and tenderness is one towards the children is one of the highlights of the school that has made us feel as parents like the school is an extension of our parenting unit. We try to mirror what the girls are learning in school, like manners, spanish words, letters, and seasons so that they are getting all that learning reinforced at home. I highly recommend this school to anyone who is searching for a school that will love your children and help them grow and love learning.
--Submitted by a parent

There was little to no encouragement and guidance that you would expect from the teachers. The xerox copy of the daily activities did not accurately reflect my childs participation; the teachers would write one thing and then remark differently completely negating my childs progress. Nothing was being changed on their end to promote a comfortable acclimation no matter what I suggested; the children were simply told to find something to do, or find a playmate instead of being guided. Someone else has already said it and I've always felt the same way, they're just glorified babysitters.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers are not very affectionate and are often short with the children. Children are grouped by age with little apparent regard for levels of ability. School to parent communication is poor. For what you pay, it is little more than glorified babysitting.
--Submitted by a parent