08 March . 2024
Where Curiosity Meets Community: The Goddard School is coming to Nexton
We’re born curious. And just get curiouser and curiouser. Peaking, some might say, at age five with 92 questions a day. The Goddard School understands and embraces that sense of curiosity we’re all born with.
“The Goddard School is truly a preschool, not a daycare,” owner Bill Strickland told us. “Many of our teachers hold degrees in elementary education, early childhood development, or related fields, and we teach to a national common core kindergarten standard to support kindergarten readiness from the moment children join our program.”
The Goddard School serves children from 6 weeks old to five years. Their teaching philosophy is rooted in inquiry. “If you make learning fun, kids don't realize they're learning; they just think they’re having fun,” Bill explained.
A national brand headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, The Goddard School was started over 30 years ago and now boasts over 600 schools nationwide. The Nexton location will be owned and operated by husband-and-wife team of Bill and Amy Strickland. They are parents of three adult daughters, two of whom reside in Nexton and one who attended Goddard School as a preschooler.
The Stricklands started their Goddard School journey in Fort Mill, SC, where they launched a number of nationally recognized, unique programs. “In Fort Mill, our school was recognized nationally as a 21st Century Community Exemplar School, which emphasizes the six Cs: communications, critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, contemplation and citizenship,” he said. “We were also among the first 3 preschools accredited in Early Learning and STEM by COGNIA.”
Similar programs will be rolled out at the Goddard School in Nexton.
The Goddard School also ensures students are well-rounded. “We stress social and emotional growth, not just cognitive. We want to build confident, enthusiastic learners. We want them to take chances, learn from their failures, and collaborate with their classmates,” Bill explained.
It’s truly a school for early learners. “Even as young as infants, the teachers are interacting with children in ways shown to encourage brain development.”
So, what is it about Nexton that drew the Stricklands to open a Goddard School here?
“It’s clear the people who move into Nexton value education and the Nexton community needs excellent childcare,” he explained.
Sounds like a smart move to us. Welcome to Nexton, Goddard School!
The Goddard School is currently under construction, with an expected opening this summer. They’ll be hosting information sessions at Serendipity Labs on March 16th and April 6th at Serendipity Labs from 9AM to 11AM. You can sign up for more information here.