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The Goddard School of Darien

School Address: 8350 Lemont Road
, Darien, Illinois 60561
School Phone Number: 630-985-7117 , School Hours: 7:00 am - 5:30 pm
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Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

Kick off Teacher Appreciation Week with this message from our Chairman and CEO, Dennis R. Maple.

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Welcome to Our School

The Goddard School of Darien is more than a warm and nurturing place. It's more than a great education for your child. It's peace of mind.

We are dedicated to providing the very best preschool experience possible in which we are committed to cultivating the unique nature and potential of every child. Children will be encouraged to explore and learn with hands-on activity based learning. We will strive to develop a lifelong love of learning in every child to help make them school-ready, career-ready, and life-ready.

Meet Michael

Meet Michael

Owner
Michael Petrucelli - On-site Owner - As a father, business owner, and community member, Michael recognizes the important role that a caring and supportive environment plays in helping to create a fun, engaging, and dynamic learning atmosphere in which children can thrive and develop a life long love of learning. After a 20-year career in the financial services industry, Michael wanted to start and operate a business that could make a positive difference for the families and the communities it would serve. Believing strongly in the opportunities that education can provide (Michael holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, an M.B.A. in Finance and an M.A. in Economics) and wanting to pursue his interest in education, while serving the community, Michael decided to open The Goddard School® located in Darien. Michael and The Goddard School are committed to providing the highest quality preschool experience possible, that will enrich every child's emotional, social, intellectual and physical development, while providing the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
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    Our School

    Welcome! We’re committed to your child’s health, safety and education, which is why we provide children with safe and healthy learning environments at our School.

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    Faculty

    Our teachers blend the highest standards in early childhood education and development with nurturing care.

    Meet Our Teachers
  • Drawing of a knight and pawn chess pieces on a green circular background.

    Special Programs

    We enhance our play-based curriculum with a range of enrichment programs designed to fit your child’s interests.

    See Our Programs
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    Reviews & Recognition

    We greatly value feedback we receive from parents and our communities, and are proud to share these publicly.

    Read Our Reviews

Something Fun Is Always Happening at Goddard!

Upcoming Events

  • May 29 Memorial Day
  • June 6 Mary Macaroni Music & Magic 10 AM - 12 PM
  • June 7 Water Day!
  • June 9 Crazy Hair Day
View Event Calendar
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GODDARD LOVE FROM FAMILIES LIKE YOURS

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Our daughter has been part of the Goddard school family since it opened. We've been so impressed with the owner, directors, and teachers. They focus on making learning for kids fun! My 4 year old loves going to school! We are grateful for the kind of environment Michael, Lu Ann, Lisa and all the teacher's have created. They listen to your concerns and address them and make sure education is the main focus. I would highly recommend them to parents.
Gia & Ishaan's Mother
Preschool Classroom
The friendliness of the staff the security of the building the additional activities the school puts on for families. Being able to take to the teachers with ease.
Gavin & Avery's Mother
Preschool Classroom
Varied content and structured environment is fantastic to keep a 3 year old engaged
Lawson's Mother
Preschool Classroom
We love our Goddard School. Everyone is so kind and helpful. The school is very clean, even before COVID and the owner is very transparent about everything. We love being kept in the loop and I feel like it really shows how much the whole team cares about the students and families.
Baby & Charlotte's Mother
Preschool Classroom

It's Their Time to Thrive!

This year is your child’s time to thrive! Find out how The Goddard School sets your child up for success, so they’re prepared to confidently take on the world around them. 

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What Teachers Mean to Me

Every member of the Goddard faculty has special, often extraordinary, gifts they share with their students. When a child comes home happy and can't wait to see their teacher the next day, tell us about it. Take this moment to celebrate your child's teachers!

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LEARNING YOUR CHILD LOVES

We work tirelessly to ensure children thrive in a healthy, safe and warm environment. Within this secure and nurturing environment, children can discover their unique gifts.

Our programs go beyond academics and help children develop important social-emotional skills like kindness, empathy, responsible decision making and more.  

The F.L.EX.® Learning framework is designed to provide a well-rounded learning experience in a safe, nurturing environment to help prepare children for school, careers and life. 

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