Day Care CenterPreschoolPrivate SchoolChild Development Center
At The Goddard School located in Grand Rapids (Southwest), 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.
We have been at the Goddard school since August and it has been the BEST choice we have made. Moving here from out of state with a toddler who did not have to use childcare before was very scary but every member of this school has made it the best experience possible. From the first time we toured and met Brittany, we knew this was the place we wanted our daughter to be at everyday. No other daycare we toured even came close to how comfortable we would feel dropping her off there each morning. Miss Sarah, Mr Caleb and Miss Winter have been so incredible and welcoming and our daughter comes home each day talking about how much fun she has. Truly the best!
ME
Madison Even
3 days ago
5.0
My son loves his teachers and learns new things everyday! The curriculum is well thought out and executed well
AM
alescia moon
3 days ago
5.0
We’ve only been at The Goddard School for a short time, but we have absolutely loved everything about it. The biggest blessing has been Miss Sarah — she has been incredible with our child. Her communication is outstanding, and she always seems to know exactly when to send an update or when our little one needs a bit of extra attention. The care and support she provides truly mean the world to us. We are so grateful to have found this school!
SS
shelby Slenk
4 days ago
5.0
We are so happy we found Goddard, we fare confident our daughter will be well prepared educationally for kindergarten. Not only is education a pillar that is focused on but her social-emotional development is as well!
BB
Brooke Bouchard
Nov 14, 2025
5.0
I regret not sending my children to Goddard sooner! From day one, the structure and curriculum have been exactly what we hoped for — engaging, consistent, and perfectly balanced between play and learning. You can tell the teachers truly care about every child. They’re not only highly skilled but also incredibly warm, patient, and genuinely invested in helping each student grow socially, emotionally, and academically.
The building is always spotless and well-organized, which gives me so much peace of mind as a parent. The staff clearly takes pride in maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment every single day.
I also really appreciate the reliability and thoughtful schedule. Being open full days is such a help for working families, and you handle snow days and schedule adjustments with great communication and professionalism.
Most of all, you can feel the love and care in everything Goddard does — from morning drop-off greetings to afternoon updates. My daughter goes to school happy and comes home full of stories, and that says it all. Goddard truly sets the standard for early childhood education in our area!
Frequently Asked Questions About The Goddard School of Grand Rapids (Southwest)
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 Grand Rapids (Southwest) serve?
The Goddard School offers childcare and preschool programs for infants, toddlers, and children up to pre-kindergarten age.
What are the operating hours of The Goddard School of Grand Rapids (Southwest)?
The school is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM and is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Is The Goddard School licensed and accredited?
Yes, each Goddard School location is licensed according to state requirements and holds accreditations such as AdvancEd Corporate and Middle States Corporate Accreditation.
What type of curriculum and programs does The Goddard School provide?
They offer early learning programs focusing on social, emotional, physical, and academic development with specialties in areas like language arts, math, science, technology, and art.
How can I schedule a tour of The Goddard School of Grand Rapids (Southwest)?
You can book a tour online through their official website or directly via the provided reservation link.
What payment options are accepted at The Goddard School?
The school accepts various payment methods including American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa.
Are there any nearby restaurants where families can dine before or after visiting the school?
Yes, nearby dining options include Chubby's, K-Pocha (a Korean restaurant), Subway, Blue Ginger Asian Kitchen, Le Kabob Mediterranean, Hunan Chinese Restaurant, Pho House GR, Quiznos, and BIGGBY Coffee.
Are there services nearby that parents might find helpful while visiting the school?
Yes, nearby services include Shoreline Cleaners for dry cleaning and alterations, Midnite Sun tanning and skin care salon, Douglas J Salon for hair and beauty, and multiple Verizon Authorized Retailers for telecommunications needs.
What nearby amenities support families with children at The Goddard School?
Families can access pet supplies and grooming at Chow Hound Pet Supplies and financial advice at Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Matthew J Scothorn, among other local businesses.
How does The Goddard School cater to children’s development each day?
The school provides hands-on, playful, child-centered learning experiences tailored to each child's developmental stage, including play, exploration, socialization, and academic readiness activities.