The Goddard School’s Curriculum Focuses On The ‘Whole Child’ By Michael Smith Parents who are looking for a preschool program that goes beyond reading, writing and arithmetic may want to consider The Goddard School, which is now accepting student applications for the 2009-10 school year. According to owner Brad Toston, The Goddard School, which is part of a franchise headquartered in the Philadelphia area, has a curriculum that focuses on “the whole child,” and includes such areas as music appreciation, art history, nutrition and even manners, in addition to traditional pre-school subjects like reading readiness, math and science. “We give them all the tools so they are very well prepared for a lifetime of learning,” Toston says, adding that play is an important part of The Goddard School’s curriculum, which is known as the Flex Learning Program. “Play removes stress from the environment, which allows children to learn easier and faster,” he says. That’s why, in addition to having teacher-directed activities during their classes, students at The Goddard School also have periods of free time throughout the day, during which they can explore the “interest centers” that are a part of each classroom and focus on different areas they are interested in, such
as science or computer technology. In addition, although the school is licensed for 154 children, Toston says that enrollment is kept at around 130 students, to ensure a lower pupil-toteacher ratio in the classrooms. “That gives each child more individual attention,” he says. Toston also says that teachers at The Goddard School are “generally better qualified” than those at other programs. All of the lead teachers have at least earned their Bachelor’s degrees, he says, and all teachers are required to go through both state-required yearly training and advanced training through the “Goddard University.” The Goddard School program is open to children from 6 weeks of age through pre-school, and is adding a voluntary pre-kindergarten program for children who will be at least 4 years old by September 1. (After-school care for children up to 10 years of age also is offered, and a private kindergarten program is planned to be added for the 2010-11 school year). Right now, the school also is in the midst of its summer program, which runs through August 21. Toston says the theme of the program is “Hurray for the USA,” and focuses on a different state each week. Students can join the summer program on a week-to-
The Goddard School, located in the Tampa Oaks professional office park near Fletcher Ave. & I-75, is part of a national franchise with more than 320 locations around the country. week basis, but enrollment during the school year is month-to-month, as long as there is room available. Toston says there still is some space available for the 2009-10 school year, but it is filling up quickly. Right now, the school is offering 50-percent off the first month’s tuition to all new students. Parents are welcome to come and tour the school, which is located at 13401 Tampa Oaks Blvd. (in the Tampa Oaks office park near I-75 and Fletcher Ave.), but they are asked to make an appointment first. To make an appointment, call 978-8100. For other information, visit www.goddardschool.com.
For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 15 • July 24, 2009 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com
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