The Goddard School of Strongsville

"We had our daughter start here at 8 months old, and cannot speak more highly of this facility. They have great teachers that really care about the kids, and the owner, Melanie, is fantastic. They know every child and have communication skills to parents. Our daughter learned so much during her time there, and we would recommend to anyone looking for a nurturing, safe, dependable place for their child!"

"I'm really torn in writing portions of this review. Our two children are attending, one for over a year and the other more recently. We have some things we absolutely love with this location and some things we aren't crazy about. Our biggest issue has been the fact that they added smartboards to all of the classrooms for kids 2.5+. One of the reasons we selected this location originally was the fact that there were not screens for the kids to use but that changed in the last few months. Now, it seems that the older kids, at least in Pre-K, have a YouTube video playing most mornings until the kids go into their separate classrooms (around 8:30a). Almost every day during pickup there is also either a YouTube video on or a video reading a story to the kids. Throughout the day we also receive pictures of the kids on the smartboard consistently (albeit playing educational games). Still, for what the tuition is at this location, I really expect less screentime. I can't speak for screen utilization in the rooms under Pre-K. I can only imagine how stressful it is for the teachers to watch all of these kids for the entire day without getting a solid break. But the tuition sets an expectation for the level of engagement. For this reason, we are seriously considering moving our youngest to a different daycare before she turns 2. Another huge negative is that they do not serve breakfast or lunch here. Again, at the cost of the tuition, which is the highest in the area, I would expect more. They do provide snacks during the day. The indoor play area is also very underwhelming compared to All Around Children and The Nest in Strongsville. Turnover with teachers in some of the rooms also seems to be fairly frequent but that just seems to be common these days in daycare. I do really appreciate that they have all of their teachers and administrators listed on the webpage along with their pictures, tenure, and education. Most daycares are not that transparent. Now, even with all of the negatives I listed above, there are some HUGE positives here. First and foremost, the teachers, administration, and owner are truly wonderful. My kiddos have really loved Ms. Pam, Ms. Shannon, Ms. Steph, Ms. Xenia and Mr. Jacques. Ms. Shannon is adored by so many kids and my kiddo constantly wants to go back to the classroom to say hello and get a hug. Ms. Christina, the Director, is often requested by the Pre-K kids to eat lunch with them and she seems to eagerly engage with them whenever she is able to. Part of the reason the screen time is so disappointing is the fact that there are such quality teachers and admins who seem to have great connections with the kids. I want more of that. My kiddo has clearly been accelerating with what she's learned the last two years (age 3+) and we've been satisfied overall with the school. I'm just afraid that the quality of future education is going to dip with the reliance and availability of the smartboards."

"Such a family environment. Each one of the office staff and owner knows each family and child by name and face. They care. They try. What more can you ask for. My son has come to love his class and teachers and this gives him an outlet for his energy, development and emotions."

"Great school and curriculum from early age and throughout. We love the teachers have made lots of friends and good memories, and saying Thank You!"

"We have been so happy with our Goddard school experience. Both my son and daughter went through Goddard Strongsville and it was wonderful. The school is cheerful, bright, safe and clean. There is an emphasis on playing outdoors daily (weather permitting), which I love. The teachers are amazing and the administration is great to work with. My daughter loves going to school and I am so thankful for the foundation Goddard Strongsville has built for her as she starts kindergarten."