Day Care CenterPreschoolPrivate SchoolChild Development Center
At The Goddard School located in Lithia (FishHawk), we're more than just a daycare. The Goddard School is a private preschool, offering childcare to infants and toddlers to pre-k. Our programs are designed to nurture each child's curiosity in a safe and caring environment.
I have never experienced a daycare center that puts as much genuine care, thought, and intention into getting to know each child, planning meaningful lessons, and offering extra activities as the Goddard School of Lithia. The entire staff truly feels like an extension of your family.
The teachers here stay many of them have been with the school for years, which is so rare in childcare. That stability and consistency is unmatched, and it shows in how deeply they connect with the kids. You’re greeted every day with warmth, and the environment feels like home from the moment you walk in.
Amanda, Shelby, and Emily put incredible effort into planning events like Family Appreciation and keeping us involved in everything the kids are learning. And the teachers Marisol, Teresita, Hope, Karla, Sylvia, and Ana have played such a huge role in my children’s lives. Ana has been with my youngest since she was 5 months old, and she’ll be turning 4 in February. I truly couldn’t imagine trusting anyone else.
All three of my girls have gone here, and my only regret is not finding this school sooner. We absolutely love it here and can’t recommend it enough.
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Sandi DonLevy
Oct 14, 2025
5.0
I would highly recommend The Goddard School of Lithia to any parent. The teachers are consistent, caring, and effective. The admin team is always going above and beyond to make things feel special for our kids and their families. The communication is thorough and frequent. We couldn’t ask for a better preschool!
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Hugo Teixeira
Sep 22, 2025
5.0
The school is great. My kids enjoying attending the school. Staff are great as weel. I recommend.
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Grant Sadowski
Sep 20, 2025
5.0
Goddard is an excellent daycare. They’ve totally exceeded our expectations across the board from the high caliber teachers and staff to the warm environment they’ve created to help your kids thrive and learn. Our oldest went there is now in kindergarten and appears to be ahead of almost everyone in his class and I attribute a lot of that to his experience at Goddard. They’ve created an amazing community where we feel very comfortable and have lots of friends there and now outside of those 4 walls. Safety is a priority and it shows there. I 110% recommend Goddard to anyone who wants their kids to grow, thrive, and develop lasting relationships.
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Natalia Montilla
Sep 14, 2025
5.0
The Goddard School Lithia is the best daycare around the area. Our daughter graduated from Goddard and she was so ready for kindergarten, both academically and emotionally, when she visits she’s happy to see her teachers. Our son goes to Goddard and we couldn’t be happier. Teachers and staff are caring, kind, compassionate and protect these kids as it was their own. The level of trust that I have in this institution is top level. I feel my kids are in the best hands. We don’t mind driving 30 minutes out because we know that our kids are safe, secure and loved. Teachers are highly trained, communication is constant, honest and transparent and best of all our kids are happy. Our family is grateful for the Goddard School - Lithia!
Frequently Asked Questions About The Goddard School of Lithia (FishHawk)
Are you Licensed?
We take extra care to ensure that each of our Goddard School locations is licensed in their specific state before opening. States also conduct annual and semi-annual licensing visits to ensure our Schools remain in compliance. If you have any further questions regarding licensing, please contact your local Goddard School to learn more.
What are your rates?
Our tuition rates are comparable to others in your local premium childcare market. Because each School is an individually owned and operated franchise, rates vary. Please contact your local Goddard School to learn more.
Do you have a waiting list?
Availability is based on each individual School. Please contact your local Goddard School to learn more.
Do you offer discounts?
Because each Goddard School is an individually owned and operated franchise, special offers vary by location. Please contact your local Goddard School to learn more.
Do you provide education or only childcare?
Yes, The Goddard School® is an early learning institution that focuses on the social, emotional, physical and academic development of children from infancy to pre-k. Our highly trained and motivated faculty develop experiential lesson plans for all age groups that reflect the skills, abilities and interests of the children in each classroom.
Against the backdrop of a warm, safe and caring environment, The Goddard School supports children on their journey to becoming confident and joyful learners who are ready for school, careers and life.
What is a typical day at The Goddard School like?
In each classroom, we provide hands-on, playful, child-centered learning experiences that vary based on the children’s levels of development. Teachers help children grow into happy, healthy, intelligent little humans who are ready to take on the world around them.
For infants, we follow the care schedule set by your family and utilize personal care moments to connect with and expand your little one’s individual development. Our teachers also incorporate songs, finger play, books and sensory and physical exploration each day.
Our busy toddlers flex their independence as they learn to walk, talk and safely explore the world around them. Their curiosity and interests drive the classroom structure.
In our preschool and pre-k classrooms, we add more school preparation and readiness by focusing on academic skills as well as interpersonal and collaboration skills. Teachers support children as they investigate the world around them. Children learn how to ask and answer questions, work with others, navigate social situations and understand and communicate their own thoughts and feelings.
Our teachers expertly create supportive classrooms for all children to safely learn and test new social, academic and physical skills throughout a typical routine that includes morning and afternoon snack time, lunch, naptime, exploration time, small and large group experiences and outdoor play.
What types of qualifications do Goddard School teachers and caregivers have?
Our experienced Goddard School teachers meet all state and/or local regulations and have access to continuous training provided by their state and our own Goddard University. We train teachers on a regular basis in health and safety regulations, education standards and more.
Can any of the families in the School opt out of vaccinating their children?
In many states, children who are not vaccinated because of exemptions based on medical condition or sincerely held religious beliefs attend The Goddard Schools. If your child is not vaccinated, please contact the owner of The Goddard School to inquire as to whether exemptions may apply as not all exemptions are recognized in every state. To ensure the health and safety of everyone, if an outbreak occurs and a child has not been vaccinated, they will be asked to stay at home.
What supplies do I need to provide for my child?
Please provide any necessary personal care supplies for your little one, such as diapers, wipes, a change of clothing and naptime bedding. For infants, please supply a crib sheet. For toddlers and older children please bring a blanket and/or sleeping bag. Many of our locations also ask that you pack lunch for your child each day. Please contact your local School for additional details.
What age groups does The Goddard School of Lithia (FishHawk) serve?
The school offers childcare and educational programs for infants, toddlers, and pre-kindergarten children.
Is The Goddard School of Lithia (FishHawk) licensed and accredited?
Yes, each location is state-licensed and the school is accredited by AdvancEd and Middle States Corporate Accreditation.
What are the typical hours of operation?
The school is open Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM and closed on Saturday and Sunday.
What programs and specialties does the school offer?
The school offers preschool, educational daycare, and summer camp programs with specialties including art, engineering, handwriting, language arts, literacy, manners, math, music appreciation, physical fitness, science, sign language, technology, world cultures, and yoga.
What should I provide for my child's daily needs at the school?
Parents should provide personal care supplies such as diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, and bedding. Infants need a crib sheet, toddlers and older children require a blanket or sleeping bag, and lunch may need to be packed depending on the location.
Does the school offer educational programs in addition to childcare?
Yes, The Goddard School focuses on social, emotional, physical, and academic development with experiential lesson plans tailored to each age group.
Are there any nearby places of interest that families might visit along with The Goddard School?
Families can visit nearby places such as Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard for a sweet treat after school, Domino's Pizza for convenient meal options, or Publix Super Market at Alafia Commons for grocery needs.
How can the nearby presence of Rumble Boxing and IM=X Pilates benefit parents who use The Goddard School?
Parents can take advantage of local fitness centers like Rumble Boxing and IM=X Pilates for their own health and wellness while their children are at school.
Are there nearby services convenient for families using The Goddard School?
Yes, services such as GoodVets for pet care, Foundation Title and Trust for real estate and legal needs, and various real estate agents are close by to support families.
What payment options does The Goddard School of Lithia (FishHawk) accept?
The school accepts American Express, cash, check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa as payment methods.