Business Details
About
Day Care CenterPreschoolPrivate SchoolChild Development CenterKindergarten
At The Goddard School located in Chester (River's Bend), 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.
Location
The Goddard School of Chester (River's Bend)
13036 River's Bend Boulevard, Chester, VA
23836, United States
Hours
Reviews
4.7
88 reviews
5 stars
80
4 stars1
3 stars0
2 stars0
1 star
7
- LCLauren C4 days ago5.0Both of our daughters are enrolled at The Goddard School - River’s Bend, and we couldn’t be happier with our decision to have them attend this school. All of the staff are incredibly caring and make a genuine effort to know every single child and their family. This school truly feels like one big family. You can tell how wonderful the environment is by the way that the staff is treated and how happy and proud they are to work at this school. Our daughters have grown so attached to the teachers here and we trust and love them, too. I have trouble getting my girls to leave at the end of each day because they love their school that much! Our family has so much trust and confidence in this school and would happily recommend The Goddard School - River’s Bend to anyone that is looking for a nurturing and educational environment to send their children.
- BMBethany Magus4 days ago5.0I am so happy with my decision to have my daughter attended Goddard. It has been such a wonderful experience and they made the transition for myself and my daughter very easy. Everyone is so kind and knows all the kids names. You can really tell that the teachers genuinely care about each child in their classroom and want them to succeed and grow. My daughter has learned so much in just the short 6 months she has been there. I can’t say enough good things about this daycare and how much they have helped my child's growth and development.
- MAMariam Alkazemi4 days ago5.0The Goddard School has a great community for daycare. There are many events, including school photos, Thanksgiving lunches and more. Our kid has learned to speak more rapidly since starting at Goddard and the stimulation has been receiving is clearly helping our kid grow. The teachers sing songs and read books to the kids. The children in her class are well-groomed and her classroom is well decorated. We toured more than 7 schools, and this one gave us a lot more value for a similar price. We feel lucky to be around teachers who truly care about our kids. When we ask them what they mean by social and emotional learning, they give specific examples of teaching the kids to sit in a circle for story time, share with their toys and stand in line eventually. The way administrators speak is informed and they don’t just tell you they teach the kids to be kind repeatedly as they have in other schools. The parents are approachable and warm. Overall, I leave the online world with the advice I’ve been giving my friends: just tour the school to help set expectations of what a school for tiny kids should be like: clean, colorful, warm and filled with healthy, developmental-appropriate activities.
- KBK Baytops6 days ago5.0I’ve had children enrolled at The Goddard School for almost 9 years now, and I can honestly say this school has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my family. My three kids currently attend, and my newborn will be starting next year. That alone should tell you the level of trust I have in their team. The teachers truly care. They know each child personally, communicate well, and create an environment where kids feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. I’ve watched my children grow emotionally, socially, and academically here, and the consistency over the years has always impressed me. The school is clean, organized, and structured in a way that keeps the kids engaged without overwhelming them. I also appreciate how responsive the staff is—any question or concern I have is always met with patience and professionalism. As a parent, having a place where you feel confident leaving your children every day is priceless. Goddard has been that place for us for nearly a decade. I can’t recommend them enough.
- BJBrooke JOct 27, 20255.0I can't say enough good things about this school and the staff here!!! Our daughter started back in March and my only regret is that I didn't enroll her so much sooner! It has been such an amazing experience watching my daughter learn and have so much fun there. Every single staff member we encounter is so pleasant and caring. Everyone knows my daughter by name and she feels so special! I can tell that her teachers genuinely care about her. We also have more needs than most because our daughter was recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. I was so concerned that we wouldn't be able to keep her in school because I didn't know if they would want to or were able to help us manage her condition while she was at school. When I informed them about her new diagnosis, it was an immediate relief to hear that not only were they willing to take care of her new needs, but they are also completely trained and skilled at helping us. They have several staff members who are trained in T1D management and they give my daughter her shots at school with no hesitation. It gives me such peace of mind knowing that she is in great hands when she isn't with us. They are so responsive with any changes or needs that come up. I completely trust them with her care, and even more than that she LOVES going here! She has made great friends and loves everyone she interacts with. She comes home telling me new things she has learned all the time. They do such amazing and educational activities with the kids. I could go on and on about how great this school is. I am so grateful that our daughter has gotten the Goddard experience. I would recommend this school to anyone and everyone, especially other nervous T1D parents!!! Thanks for being so amazing, Goddard! We love y'all! ❤️
Frequently Asked Questions About The Goddard School of Chester (River's Bend)
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 Chester (River's Bend) cater to?
We offer childcare and educational programs for infants, toddlers, and pre-kindergarten children.
Is The Goddard School of Chester (River's Bend) licensed?
Yes, our location is licensed in Virginia and complies with all state regulations, with regular inspections to ensure quality and safety.
What are the school's hours of operation?
We are open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and closed on weekends.
What kind of educational programs does The Goddard School offer?
Our programs focus on early childhood development including social, emotional, physical, and academic growth through hands-on, playful learning experiences.
Do teachers at The Goddard School have special qualifications?
Our teachers meet all state requirements and receive continuous training through Goddard University to ensure high educational standards and safety.
What payment options does the school accept?
We accept payments via cash and check.
Can I schedule a tour of The Goddard School of Chester (River's Bend)?
Yes, you can easily schedule a tour online through our website or the provided booking link.
What nearby places can parents visit before or after dropping off their children at The Goddard School?
Families can visit nearby places such as The Chandlery (a jewelry store), Narita Japanese Restaurant for a meal, or River's Bend Grill for American cuisine.
Are there other educational institutions close to The Goddard School of Chester (River's Bend)?
Yes, Alma Bella Academy, an elementary school, is nearby and may be of interest for families with older children.
How can nearby services facilitate families using The Goddard School?
Nearby services like Well Care Pharmacy, Chester Jewelry, and various notary publics provide convenient access to health, shopping, and professional services for families in the area.