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Review content:
My children have attended The Goddard School at River's Bend since my youngest was in the 3 year old Pre-School and my eldest was in Pre-K. What has resulted from their time spent at Goddard? To name a few: an above average foundation for their educational futures, where opportunities abound for growth of knowledge, even in the youngest years; lasting friendships with their classmates; and strong relationships with their teachers that emphasize mutual respect, appreciations for differences, encouragement for children to be children at all times, and caretaking that complements children's own families. In fact, everyone at The Goddard School has become like family to us.
My children started at the school with only 1/2 day Pre-School experience, and have progressed to scoring above average on the Kindergarten ""readiness"" test required by Chesterfield County, have adjusted remarkably well to the classroom environment, and continue to have learning experiences before and after school in the care of the Goddard teachers. The summer program (for pre-schoolers) and summer camp (for school agers) the school provides is exceptional! Not once during the summer did I hear from my children ""Do I have to go?"". They experienced an enriching program that included guest visitors with stories and experiences from around the world, multiple field trips, and tons of fun indoor and outdoor activities thrown in every week.
The owners, Paula and Stephen Graham, as well as the outstanding staff they have assembled, continue to impress and amaze me. They know the name of every child and parent in their school. They make special times incredibly special, like the Pre-K graduation ceremony and the first time a new Kindergartener climbs onto the school bus, both of which are sure to draw a tear from every mother's eye. They are there, with tissues and support - and coffee if required. They understand the needs and limitations of working parents and give great considerations to those needs. For example, dance classes and soccer coaching is available to pre-school children during the day, undoubtedly freeing up after-school time for families to spend together. There is an opportunity for school agers to receive tutoring or homework assistance before and after school by the Goddard teachers, but it is not presumed they will do so. It is aways the sole discretion of the parent regarding the amount of schoolwork is done after school at Goddard. Beyond the school day, The Goddard School provides opportunities for families to enjoy themselves with the rest of the Goddard family. Just within the last year, we attended a Flying Squirrels game, participated in a 5k race and decked out the family mobile for ""Trunk-or-Treat"".
Not once in the time our family has been a member of The Goddard family have I regretted sending my children to them. On my initial interview, Stephen described the philosophy of The Goddard School, which is essentially educating children in a loving atmosphere with the center of focus being fun. As a Registered Nurse (and a mothe ) with knowledge in pediatrics, I know and appreciate that ""Play is the work of children"". Thank goodness they agree with this at The Goddard School, River's Bend!
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