Testimonials
"YOU WILL NOT FIND A BETTER SCHOOL for your child then The Goddard School [located] at Rivers Bend. Our son, who is now 20 months, has been attending Goddard since he was 8 weeks old. He LOVES going to school! It has been amazing to watch him grow socially and intellectually over the last two years. As a first time mom, I was terrified to leave my child to return to work. My husband and I toured a few daycares in the area, but none of them came close to Goddard. The owner, Mr. Stephen gave us a tour himself. He went through every detail of the program, introduced us to the teachers and allowed us to asked tons of questions. We knew within minutes that Goddard was the place for us! The facility is so clean, bright and inviting! The children's artwork is displayed on the walls; there is a fenced outdoor playground as well as an indoor gym. The teachers and staff are the most caring, supportive individuals you will ever meet. Due to relocation out of state, we had to leave our "Goddard family." We are now struggling to find a school that can even compete on the same level as Goddard. Once you have experienced the best, it is hard to settle for anything else. If we ever come back to Richmond, we will certainly be coming right back to Goddard!" ~Nathan’s Mom
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Recently, one of our school-age children who attends our before- and after-school program, wrote an essay about what community and community responsibility meant to her. She wrote about our Goddard School. We are so proud of her. Below is a passage from her essay:
"Community responsibility means what each person in their community needs to do to help it. The Goddard School is a community of kids, teachers, and preschoolers that learn and have fun. Helping with homework, getting toddlers prepared and ready for kindergarten, even doing fun games in the gym and outside are all examples of this community. I have been part of this community since 2009. It is a really fun and educated community.
One responsibility for people in this community is to help kids with their homework. This is one of the most important responsibilities. Each afternoon, when the buses drop us off at the school age building, each grade level goes to their class's room to do homework. If you don't have any homework then you just sit down and read quietly. There is always a teacher in the classroom to help you or answer any questions you have. They will help you with any subject you have for your homework.
Another important thing about this community is getting toddlers prepared and ready for kindergarten. This really helps preschoolers and toddlers learn fast and have fun while doing it . In the preschool building, many toddlers and even month olds are learning sign language, counting, and reading. They have snacks, playtime in the home center, circle time, naps, and fun games that help them learn. My little sister is in a class that is preparing her for elementary school. Inside her class, she and the other students learn Spanish, yoga poses, and the alphabet. At the end of the day, everyone in that class gets homework.
To me, community responsibility means to help your friends, family, and any neighborhood you are part of. The Goddard School is a really fun, friendly, and educational community to me. I have had some help with my homework, my little sister is prepared for elementary school, and all the games we play in the gym are really fun. This community is the one that I love."
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"My children have attended The Goddard School at River's Bend since my youngest was in the 3 year old Pre-School and my eldest was in Pre-K. What has resulted from their time spent at Goddard? To name a few: an above average foundation for their educational futures, where opportunities abound for growth of knowledge, even in the youngest years; lasting friendships with their classmates; and strong relationships with their teachers that emphasize mutual respect, appreciations for differences, encouragement for children to be children at all times, and care-taking that complements children's own families. In fact, everyone at The Goddard School has become like family to us...." ~ Ava Kate and Emma's Mom
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"We have been taking our two sons here since July 2008 when my youngest was 2½ and my oldest was 4. I had previously been a stay-at-home mom and was very concerned and rather picky about my choice of preschools/daycares. I researched a lot of places and am very happy that I chose The Goddard School at Rivers Bend to take care of my sons when I went back to work full time. Stephen, the owner, has gone above and beyond in making sure everyone is happy. I feel completely safe in leaving my children here while I’m at work. The boys love going here and have made great friends and love their teachers. They enjoy the variety of activities and special guests. I am absolutely thrilled with the Pre-K curriculum. My oldest son was completely prepared for Kindergarten and tested excellent in his elementary school’s entry test. I feel he easily adjusted to elementary school because of this preparation. Also, The Goddard School held a Pre-K graduation program that was very special. The after-school program is also very good. I am especially thankful for the bus drivers keeping track of my ever-changing schedule (I now work three days a week but not always the same three days). My five-year-old son has to either get on The Goddard School bus or our neighborhood bus after school depending on whether or not I’m at work. I rely on them staying on top of my schedule and making sure he gets on their bus on their designated days. They do an excellent job! They will not leave the elementary school without him if he does not show up at their bus. Stephen and Paula give each family individual attention and are genuinely concerned with each child’s well-being. The teachers and staff put a lot into the learning while making it fun. I highly recommend this school." ~ Anthony & Aiden's Mom