As a first-time mom with an only child, every "first" has felt monumental. Our first daycare, first drop-off, first time placing our trust in others to care for our little one all were huge moments for us. We enrolled at Goddard few years ago under the previous owners, Amy and John, and we genuinely felt good about the environment they had created. Their warmth and involvement were a big part of why we chose the school. When new ownership took over, things slowly began to shift. At first, I chalked it up to transition pains and told myself it might just be part of the process. Especially since I had no prior experience to compare it to. But over time, the changes became more obvious and harder to ignore. Longtime staff started leaving, and a revolving door of new faces took their place. One of the most noticeable differences was in the classroom experience itself. One example, in the early days, my son's teachers put so much thought and care into their lessons. If they read a book about butterflies, there would be a related craft--cut-out shapes, some prep work clearly done ahead of time, the kind of effort you'd expect in a thoughtful early learning environment. You could see and feel the intention behind it. But as time went on, that kind of quality just faded. Instead of meaningful activities, the kids were often given torn pieces of paper to scribble on. No connection to a lesson, no structure and It became visibly and tangibly clear that the care and planning were no longer there. Still, I kept wondering: maybe this is just what it's like? Maybe I'm expecting too much as a new mom who hasn't done this before? But after switching schools a few months ago, it became crystal clear--it wasn't me. Our new school has been a breath of fresh air. Communication is strong, the staff is happy and consistent, and there's a level of organization and warmth that I knew we were missing. In hindsight, I think the biggest issues at Goddard came down to two things: a lack of communication (sometimes I wouldn't hear back at all after several emails), and a lack of leadership that resulted in declining quality and consistency. By the time we left, the only classroom I felt truly confident in was the kindergarten one and from what I suspect that will be discontinued soon. I also understand the onsite owner may have stepped away, which might be for the best, as her presence was largely absent. I share all of this not out of bitterness, but in the hopes it might help another parent who's unsure of what "normal" or "good enough" should look like. I truly hope the school can find its footing again, because every child deserves an environment where they're nurtured, engaged, and truly cared for. read more

We have had our three kids at the Goddard School of VB for over two years. The new leadership that took over six months ago has completely turned the school around. The environment shifted immediately and the school is now cheerful, friendly, staff doesn't turnover, children are happy and I have 100% faith in the owners, directors and teachers to keep my children safe and engaged. I could not recommend the school more! Hannah and Rachel, specifically, are absolutely amazing! read more

The new leadership in this facility is unbelievably impressive with how fast they have turned this school around. It is remarkable how much the service has improved in a short time and the value our family gets for knowing the children we love and care about are getting the best care around, is worth every penny. I've recommended several people look into Goddard in Redmill for exceptional childcare and staff. read more

Took a tour last week with my daughters and grandchildren. What a fantastic facility: Awesome layout, nice sized rooms, front door security is good, great location, two awesome playgrounds, and friendly leadership! Enrolling immediately! read more

We had a terrible experience at that school. The staff was rude and unhelpful. I would not recommend this place to anyone.

This is supposed to be a private school for a reason, a solid education and staff/teachers shaping the kids. It is the opposite. The teachers turnover quicker than anywhere I have seen in the 6 years my children have been in school. The last 7-8 months being the worst. There are no teachers with a degree, most of them are straight out of high school. Not sure what experience a new HIGH SCHOOL graduate has in child development. The owner and office staff keep you in the dark. They treat their staff like a revolving door. they don't supply enough snacks for the children during the day. They over crowd classrooms with not enough staff. They don't care about the kids education, but rather the money they bring in. Save yourself the trouble. this is not a private school you want to attend. The Goddard on McComas Way is a waste of time. read more

False advertisement for a "private" school. INSANELY high turnover like new teachers every month. The website is not accurate. The teachers listed are no longer there, and I am pretty sure no one there has a degree. The current teachers are young and some straight out of high school. What sets this school apart from the public? I have since taken my two children out. read more

Honestly, I probably shouldn't be writing this when I'm annoyed. But I am. I literally just called to See if by slight chance they had an opening in October and the girl who answered blatantly laughed. Like really? Clearly I know it's a shot in the dark and I even mentioned that before she answered. Total disrespect. Snarky and unprofessional. If this is the first impression I get from this facility..... I'm all set. I'll take my baby elsewhere. Thanks but no thanks Ms.Sasha. read more

Let me start with the bad...tuition and no meals provided. BUT...if you're going to pay to have someone else watch your child...I don't believe you can put a price on it...especially for the quality provided. They do provide two snacks a day but you'll have to pack your child's lunch. BUT...they will heat up the food for you. We had our daughter enrolled from when she was a 1YO to 2.5YO. Then we moved and came back...for her to enroll for the second half of her kindergarten year. I had corresponded with the local public elementary school and was VERY unimpressed by the principal's seeming uninterest in my daughter and to the fact that we were a military family moving mid-school year. So...back to Goddard where we knew the quality was superb and the very low child to teacher ratio reigned supreme. Was it worth it? Heck ya! Our daughter is currently in public school but the few months she was at Goddard she learned things so quickly and I never feared that she would be behind...not even for a second. Yes, it's pricey...but we definitely wanted to best for our daughter. We didn't check out The Wave Church's child care program until recently (pre-K for our son)...but their curriculum seems on par with Goddard and cheaper. But, Goddard is closer to our home and still...we don't regret it at all and would highly recommend it to anyone. The facilities are clean. The teachers are great and truly listen to you. Administrative staff is wonderful. Quality, quality, quality. You can't expect less from this award-winning school. read more

Not military friendly esp if your hours change and you need a refund due to the fact you don't need your child watched anymore because you work weekend nights and they don't offer weekends. The owners are very knowledgeable and will talk down to you and repeat themselves till they get their way. Also very greedy with money esp when a military member cannot control their work hours. In other words I'm out more than a thousand dollars and my son hasn't even stayed there a day yet. read more

For the money you pay, the teachers are not Patient with the children. An absolutely not military friendly. The bathroom the Toddlers use always smell like poo. My child really dislike going there. If you are one of the parents that can afford the high tuition, save your time, money, child and yourself by sending them someplace else. read more

This school is AMAZING! My son grew tremendously in his time here. The staff is all so friendly and I love the fact they have been there for a long time. Previous schools he attended had super high turn over and I hated having to adjust him to new teachers every other month. The education aspect of this school is outstanding! Their curriculum is unlike any other we have seen through the years. My only regret is not finding them sooner. read more

The Goddard School in Virginia Beach in the Redmill/Strawbridge area is amazing! My two boys went to that school for several years and we can not say enough good things about it. The owners, directors and teachers truly care about the children and it is wonderful that my boys learned so much. They were more than ready for elementary school when they left there and often ask to go back and visit. They may have a little turnover like all schools but the majority of the teachers have been there for years! I remember walking down the hall more than once and being greeted (along with my sons) by name and from a teacher that my sons hadn't even had yet. It is truly a family atmosphere. Enroll--if you can--you will not be sorry!!!!! read more

My infant daughter has been enrolled here since she was 12 weeks old. The staff and teachers in the infant room are wonderful. I love that they spend one-on-one time with her each day. The crafts, activities and songs they teach them each day are the highlight of my day to read about each evening. They recently switched to an email daily report - with a picture attached. I have it forward to her grandparents that live far away and they enjoy reading about her day too. read more

They're not up front about their pricing. They fail to inform you that your child needs to attend year round (during summer) in order to have a spot secured for the actual school year. The owner is very rude, especially if you do not share her same opinion. read more

Coming from an amazing Goddard School in our hometown, I was so incredibly disappointed by our experience at this location. The problems begin at the top and trickle down. The owner, Amy, is a high strung mess. She's disorganized, loses things, and then accuses you of not giving her the item(s) in question. The director, Lauren, is a nightmare of a human being. She's rude, condescending, and unpleasant to deal with. I overheard a conversation between her and a contractor who provides cleaning services for the building, and I was APPALLED by the tone she used with him. The reason I mention this is that I am a firm believer that a good gauge of people is how they treat people over whom they have some measure of power. Imagine how she probably treats helpless children! The teaching staff at this location is just okay. The teachers aren't required to have degrees like the Goddard we went to before, so, frankly, it seemed like there were a few dim bulbs on staff--Not a big deal, but my stepson was in PreK, an age where the quality of a teacher's knowledge becomes important. Here's the thing--There's a MUCH better Goddard School in VA Beach. Save yourself a headache. Go there!! read more

We took our son to Goddard and loved the teachers and curriculum but the owner's (married couple) have a lot of PR flaws. I found them to be very friendly and welcoming until you enroll and then they don't even seem to be able to "Hi" when passing by. I've seen them be very rude to their staff in front of parents/children and I've even seen them argue with each other in the lobby. Their tuition is WAY too expensive for that nonsense. read more

I am so pleased with Goddard. Before I went back to work I worried endlessly about whether or not I would be comfortable and if she would be loved and taken care of at the level I expect for her. Goddard has exceeded my expectations! The communication is stellar, I get details everyday that are very specific about her feedings, naps, diapers and play. Also the directors know every child in the building and have great communication with us about things like upcoming activities etc. They do activities with her everyday like art and buggy rides outside, a lot of one on one time- and she is happy, smiling ear to ear when I drop her off with her teachers. The teachers Donna, Tonya and Tiffany are outstanding! It is clear that they genuinely love every single baby in the room. The turnover is low in my observation which is something I've heard as top complaint with other centers. I just can't say enough about how much I've loved our experience here - I'm so thankful for the extended family that my baby girl Emerson has at Goddard!! read more

The Goddard School of Virginia Beach - Example of daily picture they send home with her report card - Child Care & Day Care Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

The Goddard School in Strawbridge has been nothing but fantastic for my children. My older child was more than prepared for first grade and is excelling in every subject. My younger child, who has also been at Goddard since she was an infant, loves going to "her Goddard school" every day. If you are looking for a supportive, family atmosphere that nurtures the whole child, academically as well as socially, then this school is it! read more

My child attended this school for nearly a year and at first we were very pleased with the care. We began to have concerns and found the owners were not open to working with us to address them. Prior to my enrolling my child, the owners were very friendly and open however afterward were distant and seemed bothered to have issues brought to them. When we met with the owners prior to enrolling our child, we were promised that they hire high qualified and exceptional staff, reason why the tuition is higher than other schools. I have found that the staff are uneducated, lack experience, and are paid very low hourly rates. The most recent hires had just graduated from high school and found the job off of craigslist. Unfortunately, I found that the good money you pay for great childcare in turn is used to support the owners lavish lifestyle. I would not recommend this school due to the owners and their management of the school and lack of qualified staff to provide the great care that was promised. read more