Day Care CenterPreschoolPrivate SchoolChild Development Center
At The Goddard School located in Columbia, 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.
The Columbia Goddard School is outstanding! Teachers are caring and dedicated, making sure kids learn and thrive. Snacks are high quality, classrooms spotless, and the whole team from owners to staff are welcoming and always helpful. I feel happy and safe having my child here.
LL
L. Li
Nov 14, 2025
5.0
This daycare has been an excellent environment for my son. The teachers are highly attentive, communicative, and truly care about the children’s growth. We’ve seen so much improvement in his social and language skills. We love our bumblebees teachers! Highly recommend!
AR
Amy Ruppert
Nov 4, 2025
5.0
We’ve had such a wonderful experience with The Goddard School of Columbia thus far! The teachers are warm, attentive, and truly care about each child’s growth and well-being. They take the time to get to know every student and create such a nurturing, fun, and educational environment.
Communication with parents is excellent — we’re always kept up to date on our daughter’s day, progress, and upcoming activities. I really appreciate how open and proactive the staff are when it comes to sharing updates and celebrating milestones.
Another thing that stands out is how involved families are encouraged to be. The daycare regularly hosts family events, classroom activities, and special theme days that make everyone feel part of a close-knit community. It’s clear they put a lot of thought and effort into building those connections.
We feel so grateful to have found this Goddard School — our daughter loves going every day, and we couldn’t be happier with the care and attention she receives!
TG
Thomas G
Sep 3, 2025
5.0
Cannot recommend this place enough. The Goddard curriculum is stellar, but this location takes it a step further. From the owners, directors, teachers, and staff; everyone has made us and our daughter feel special!
Frequently Asked Questions About The Goddard School of Columbia
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 programs does The Goddard School of Columbia offer for children?
The Goddard School offers private preschool programs providing childcare and education for infants, toddlers, and pre-k children designed to nurture each child's curiosity in a safe and caring environment.
What are the typical operating hours of The Goddard School of Columbia?
The school is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM and is closed on weekends.
Is The Goddard School of Columbia licensed and accredited?
Yes, it is licensed in its state and associated with MSDE - Level 1 and Maryland Excels - Level 5 accreditation.
What qualifications do the teachers at The Goddard School of Columbia have?
Teachers meet all state and local regulations with continuous training through Goddard University, ensuring expertise in health, safety, and educational standards.
What types of payment options are accepted at The Goddard School of Columbia?
They accept American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa.
How can I schedule a tour of The Goddard School of Columbia?
You can book a tour through their website or via the provided tour booking link.
What should I provide for my child enrolled at The Goddard School of Columbia?
Parents should provide personal care supplies such as diapers, wipes, change of clothes, and naptime bedding. Infants need a crib sheet, toddlers and older children a blanket or sleeping bag, and many locations request packed lunches.
What nearby facilities can I visit around The Goddard School of Columbia?
Nearby you can find Salvere Health and Fitness gym for wellness activities and YogaWorks Columbia for yoga classes, making it convenient to manage your fitness routine before or after dropping off your child.
Are there nearby services to support parents in the Columbia area?
Yes, nearby businesses include Secom Security for security services and Humphrey Management for property management, offering valuable resources close to the school.
What healthcare facilities are close to The Goddard School of Columbia?
Seton Medical Group, an obstetrician and hospital, and Spay Now Laurel Animal Surgery Clinic are nearby, providing convenient medical and veterinary care for families in the area.