Daniel W. Thurm, OD

My children have attended Goddard for the past 4 years and I only have amazing things to say about the programs and teachers at this school. Everyone is so pleasant and friendly and have always made us feel like our children are just as special to them as they are to us. I have not had one complaint throughout the years and the communication and response to questions is amazing and quick. The daily electronic updates I receive about my youngest daughters activities is so fun to see and helps me feel more involved in her day and helps promote better conversations in the evenings when I pick her up. The other day, in the middle of the day, I received a random email from Goddard with a picture of her along with a note about something cute she said and it made my day! They are very conscious and careful regarding her food allergies and are quick to call if there are questions about foods and any other concerns or minor injuries. It is hard to find a place where you feel comfortable leaving your little ones, knowing they are safe and loved, and we have certainly found that in Goddard!

We absolutely love the Glen Allen Goddard School! Our oldest began six years ago, completed the private Kindergarten program, and now enjoys the after-school program. The private Kindergarten program was exceptional and made for an extremely easy transition into public school. Our youngest is in the toddler room and simply cannot wait to get to school everyday. The teachers are outstanding caretakers and educators, and the management is superb! I would recommend this school to anyone looking for quality care and education for their young children.

The Glen Allen Goddard school has been an amazing place for my children to learn and grow. I am a teacher that also has a child care background. I searched several day cares before making my decision on Goddard. The cost was daunting at first but it is worth every penny. Returning to work and leaving my 8 month old for the first time caused a lot of anxiety. The teachers in the infant room were very loving with my child and by the second week my anxiety was gone. They encouraged my child to crawl, begin pulling up. The students in my first child's infant class were the same ones she had in her kindergarten class. Every class and new set of teachers brought out a different quality in my child. I have loved watching her grow and bloom at Goddard. My first child is timid but Goddard taught her how to use her words and to speak for herself. She learned to be confident in herself and make friends. Her education was top notch and her test scores and grades in first grade show it.

My second child is having the same experience as my oldest child. She loves coming to school every day and playing with her friends. Her teachers love telling me stories about the cute things she did in class. A few times she did some not so cute things but the teachers and I talked about them and how to change the behavior. The terrible threes and potty training were made so much easier with her teachers' support. She is recognizing letters and their sounds when she sees them and counting objects. She really enjoys the special programs and visitors (firefighters, dentists, animal shows). I have a hard time pulling her away at the end of the day.
I make a point to get to know the teachers that are taking care of my children. I also stay a few minutes and let me kids finish an activity if I have the time. In doing so I get to see what goes on in the classrooms and the expectations of the teachers. This has also helped to keep the lines of communication open. My children love Goddard. Knowing that my children are in a loving,safe, and educationally strong environment is worth every penny.

After weeks of searching for just the right day care for my first child, I decided on Goddard because it was a bright, colorful space full of happy teachers that were focused on teaching and developing children — not just babysitting.

Six years later, I consider it one of the best decisions I've made as a father, and both my girls have been there since before they could walk. My children have learned valuable language, math, history and social skills at Goddard — all before entering grade school. My oldest daughter has graduated from Goddard and is now thriving in her kindergarten class — especially with her reading and writing level. I credit Goddard for building the fundamentals that are already helping her be a good student that loves to learn.

I highly recommend this Goddard school to parents looking for a warm, comforting place where their kids can grow. It gives me piece of mind every day go to such a warm and loving place that has been a second home to my children.