I was surprised to see the negative review of the Goddard School. My child has attended the school since it opened in January 2013. The administrative staff and owner have been professional and eager to help since day one. My child was delayed in his language development and the teachers were constantly providing additional support to him and spent extra time teaching him new sign language and prompting him to speak. Of course, every new program has growing pains when it first opens. Everyone who has experience managing something from the grass roots can understand that and the parents at this preschool understood that during the first days and today are reaping the rewards of a thriving program. I had frustrating days in the begining as the program staffed up and worked out its kinks but having prior experience starting new programs, I had to remind myself of the start-up phase. But the staff accepted my constructive feedback and were ready to respond with solutions. I am sad to see the family with the child that experienced a negative experience couldn't stick it out. My child loves his teachers and the administrators. When the children arrive and leave they want to say hello and good bye to the owner and director. Children wouldn't do that if they weren't in a caring and loving environment. The unhappy reviewer is doing a disservice to the community with their negative review. They had a bad experience in conjunction with a challenging issue for any school to manage. I think the start of a new program and a child that bites was just poor timing. Parents are thrilled with the school and the school community is wonderful. Overall, the school has to be safe and unfortunate consequences happen. Not every school is the right match for every family but if you are looking for an immaculate building, with a gym, beautifully equipped playground, well stocked class room with equipment ordered from quality vendors, days filled with art, yoga, reading, singing, motor skill development, safe with security measures and staffed with caring teachers and administrators then look no further because I checked out every school in the lower Dutchess area and they don't match up to the Goddard standards or my experience over the past year. Also the place looks the same as it did on day one. Another big difference is the staff have preschool education credentials that the other schools I toured didn't have. I would like my child to have someone heading their classroom with an early childhood development degree not someone with experience baby sitting or working at the Mall. Go check out the Goddard School. It is an incredible place filled with very happy children and staff!! read more

The Goddard School in Wappingers has been our kids home away from home for almost 5 years now, between my 2 little ones. The only reason we've left is because they've aged out into their school system. In the beginning it was very hard leaving my son, who cried at drop-off hysterically. However, his teacher would coddle him and he grew attached to her, and eventually comfortable. The level of care she showed for him, and truly the entire staff helped tremendously as a 1st time working mom. With my 2nd, it was a little easier as her Big brother was attending and walked her to class. But her favorite teacher was Ms. Pamela, who also took such excellent care of her while she was away from us for the first time. She has since moved into several classes, and her current teacher is Ms. Kristen, who she adores. It's Ms. Kristen, this and Ms. Kristen that - she gets so excited to talk about her day! The Pre-K program is fantastic as well. Ms. Linda is great with the kids. They learned so much in the span of a few months. I love the photos that keep me included through the app. The Daily Reports are wonderful -a complete recap of how they spent their day. Pre-covid, they have traveling gymnastics with Gym on Wheels, dance with Betty Jean's, and Parents Night Out. I miss all those options dearly, as they are very enriching for the kids. During Covid, the teachers worked so hard for us even though school was out. They drove to each and every student and left a card and a balloon saying how much they missed their students. It was such a special treat. They also started a channel on Youtube, The Goddard School of Wappingers Falls. My kids loved those videos so much. The thought, the effort, the time the teachers took -especially Ms. Casey. It was really special during a time the kids were feeling isolated from their classmates and friends. I wish YouTube accurately recorded the number of repetitious views, because my kids watched them over and over, they still do. Last, but not least, is the administration. Allison and Maureen work so hard for everyone and constantly have smiles on! Every time I see them -I swear! It's a secret skill! Rupal, the owner, is wonderful to work with. She listens and does what she can to work with you within her ability to do so. She's watched our kids grow and she truly cares. While us leaving is very bittersweet, we will be back with our third! Goddard is a wonderful school. Any family will feel at home attending. read more

We searched high and low for an early childhood school that provided a quality education in a safe, nurturing environment. We found these attributes in the Goddard School. Our 21 month old comes home just about every day humming or singing a new song that she's learned, and/or a new word that she's been taught in English, Spanish, and in sign language. The Goddard's accredited curriculum was exactly what we wanted for our daughter that's showing signs of advanced development. Goddard employs college-educated teachers to teach and care for our kids. This was essential in our quest for a preschool facility, as we wanted our pre-toddler to get the most out of each day while she was at pre-school. Each day our daughter participates in actives that develop her language and creative skills, as well as exploring nature and science. But most importantly, the school enhances the child cognitive development and motor skills, which are tools in life building. This particular Goddard School has advanced security features. There are two entry points that require a visual check-in, as well as a special electronic feature that assures only the right person gains access into the school. Additionally, each classroom has its own emergency exit, which is undeniably very important. The best things about Goddard are the staff and the nurturing way they take care of our kids. The owner on site, the director, the teachers and all of the staff are warm, welcoming, sensitive genuine and authentic. You won't find a better pre-school than Goddard read more

I highly recommend the Goddard School in Wappingers Falls, New York. We have been with them for about 6 months now. I struggled for some time to find the perfect daycare for my 2 year old son.... I was immediately impressed when I walked into the school. The technology and security system on entering the building is state of the art. The facility is gorgeous and exceptionally clean. The curriculum is excellent and the staff is nurturing and knowledgeable. The structure of the classroom environment is perfect for my 2 year old while it still allows for plenty of playtime. The owner is on site daily and is very hands on. She takes pride in her school and loves those children... It's very obvious. My son had a hard time adjusting in the beginning and the staff worked closely with me to make it a comfortable transition for both of us. They send me pictures of him doing activities throughout the day which is fantastic. As a working parent, it's a struggle leaving your child so being able to see him having fun during the day is the best feeling ever. At the end of each day I also receive a detailed report describing his day. My son is also involved in Early Intervention. I have multiple therapists visiting the school weekly. His teacher works closely with the therapists to meet my son's needs. At the Goddard they care about him and work hard to help in any way that they can. My husband and I could not be more pleased. read more

Both of my children started the Goddard School at 6 months old. I could not be happier with all that the school has done for my children. My son recently graduated from Goddard and started kindergarten. He suffered from many developmental delays in his early years. The teachers at the Goddard School worked closely with us and his therapists to ensure he was getting all that he needed. His teachers were super attentive to all of his needs. Because of them, he was more than prepared and ready for Kindergarten. The progress that he made in his last year at Goddard was simply amazing. His kindergarten teacher recently asked me which pre school he went to because she was so impressed by him. There are many pre school / daycares out there but I only recommend the Goddard School. The facility is state of the art and the teachers are fantastic. The owner, Rupal, is always on site and available if you need her. I am thankful that I still have a few more years with them. My daughter just turned 2 and she is thriving as well... reciting the alphabet and singing many songs. Everyday they engage in so many projects and sensory activities ... and it's wonderful to receive pictures of them throughout the day. It really makes it easier as a parent to feel confident in the people that are taking care of your child. Danielle S read more

I searched 9 different schools before I choose The Goddard School in Wappingers Falls and I couldn't be happier with the decision I made to take my daughter Giada to this school. The security and cleanliness of this school is hands down the best I've ever seen. The teachers and staff are extremely attentive and personable. They really make you feel like your child is special to them and not just a number in a class. My daughter loves this school, has learned to much since attending there and is extremely comfortable with the teachers and staff. The owner Rupel is extremely friendly, making me and my daughter feel at home when we are there. She and Emily are very flexible and really do their best to attend to our scheduling needs. I would highly recommend this school to others. Choosing a school for your children is an extremely important decision to make and I would guarantee that choosing this school is something you would never regret. From education, security, cleanliness, the friendly staff I rate The Goddard School 5 stars ! read more

Our child has been attending Goddard for a few months. I could not be happier. The moment we hit the front door we are greeted with warm welcomes, friendly waves and smiles, and an extensive security system. I love that visitors must have a standing appointment, are escorted through the school, and have to sign in and hand print analyzing before entering the building. With everything happening these day it puts my mind at ease that they are doing their best to keep everyone safe. Mrs Patel explained everything in great detail which reassured us about her leadership and ability to take care of my child. The teachers are amazing. They take time to talk to you and tell you all the accomplishments and behavior throughout the day. Every day is packed with activities. A detailed written report is sent home everyday which tells us everything he did that day. I recommend them to all my friends and family. Great school. read more

I have two of my children currently attending the Goddard School and we cannot say how happy we have been thus far. They joined the school in September and have learned so much since then. I have to admit the first month was an adjustment for them as this was their first school environment and they had been home with me until this point, but eventually they got use to going to school. Now the look forward to school and their friends and teachers. Its nice to actually see the results in your child. I would recommend this school to everyone (we looked a almost all of the schools in the area and couldn't find anything that compares). THe teachers and the facility are great. Love how clean the school is!!! read more

Because I am a single parent, and a child psychologist, I tend to be pretty picky when it comes to where my children spend their time. I was looking for a program for my 4 year old son for the summer, but only wanted to do a few days a week...not only were the people at Goddard flexible and cooperative, but the cost was very reasonable. He also has had the most AMAZING time there, learning a lot more than I have seen in a lot of other summer programs. I wish they had an elementary program, I would send him in a heartbeat! read more