Goddard School near JCCC - Anyone W/ Any Opinions/experience on This School?

My daughter has been going to the Goddard School in Shawnee for the last 18 months (she'll be 3 and a half in December). I was also very impressed with the school on my tour however, the results have not lived up to my expectations. When she first started she would regularly do things that surprised me such as singing a song about the months of the year etc. however, that hasn't happened in a while. In fact I've been wondering what exactly they are teaching her because she doesn't seem to be progressing with things such as number and letter recognition. She's no dummy so I really don't think that the issue is with her (or at least not entirely). The other thing that really bothers me is that they don't visibly put money back into the school. My daughter loves to do arts and crafts but never comes home with more than some pencil scribbles or paint on scrap pieces of paper. We just attended the fall festival (Halloween party) and it just didn't seem like they had even made an effort. There were very little decorations and the activities were pretty pathetic.
Having said that I know that she is safe and well cared for and she loves to go and play with her friends. But the Goddard School is not cheap and I'm sure I'd could find a much cheaper provider if all I cared about was her having fun!!
I also think that the learning issue probably has more to do with her teacher then the school curriculum. The probably is that some of her teachers have been great but others aren't so good and you have little control over that.
As a result I am in the process of moving her to the Kids Count program that is run by the Olathe School district and I will then enroll her in all day kindergarten in 2010.
I hope this helps.

Just like "Jennifer" below said, we also toured the Goddard School in Shawnee. We also were impressed with the fancy school. The price - not so much! But we ultimately decided on St. Paul's United Methodist Preschool in Lenexa, as did "Kendra" one of your other responses. My son has been there for 2 years and we all love it!

We toured 5 preschools in the shawnee/lenexa area. Something this school has to offer that no one else did: they own several acres behind the school playgournd with wildlife, nature trails, stream, ect. and they take the kids on nature walks when the weather permits. The kids LOVE it!! Check it out!

I don't know if this is too far away from you but they are located at 79th & Lackman. Check out their website at preschool.stpaulslenexa.org.

- Y.

I have not experience with the Goddard School, so I can't help you there.

However, as a former jr. high and high school teacher, I'd suggest putting your son in preschool next year unless he's just overwhelmingly gifted. Just think if your daughter were only 13 and in a school filled with much older teens--some even 19. He'll do everything last--growing taller, driving, etc. Of course, what he needs educationally should be your most important consideration. If he is exceptionally bright you don't want him to be bored.

Good luck with your decision.

L.,

I have a almost 6 year old boy, 4 year old boy, 2 1/2 year old girl and a 7 month old girl. I toured several preschools including Creme, Goddard, Small Beginnings.... All of these schools were beautiful/fancy but I just didn't get the feeling I was looking for. I was interested in a warm, caring environment that would use several approaches to teaching where my oldest son would thrive. I had a friend suggest Lenexa United Methodist Church preschool. I really wasn't interested in a church preschool or traveling to Lenexa. I live in southern Olathe. I went ahead and toured the facility. I instanly knew this was the environment I wanted for my child. The place is not fancy, doesn't have a outdoor water park or provide catered lunches but the teachers are unbelievable and they love the children. My child learned so much in their 4 year old preschool program. It is hands on learning and not learning through sitting quietly while completing a worksheet. As the studies show most children especially boys do not learn this way. They are hands on learners. My child rarely if ever brought home worksheets (thank goodness!) but learned more than I ever thought possible. He is doing very well in Kindergarten this year. My 4 year old now attends preschool there and my 2 1/2 year old attends one day a week. I learned not to be impressed by the fancy facilities and to concentrate on the teachers and their philosophies.
I am reading The Trouble With Boys, A Surprising Report Card On Our Sons, their problems at school and what parents and educators must do, the author is Peg Tyre. I suggest this book for anyone that has boys.
Goodluck on your search!