The Goddard School

We absolutely love Goddard in Fort Collins. The teacher's and leadership are all amazing. Our daughter has been there since she was 4 months old and is now almost 3.5 years old. She has absolutely thrived and has had such special relationships with many of her teachers and support staff, and has friends she's been with since she was a baby. We recommended Goddard to everyone we know.

We were at this school for almost three years, starting when our oldest was an infant. When we first enrolled, it felt warm, clean, and well run. Over time—and especially by the time our second child started in the infant room—it became a very different place. The infant, toddler, and pre-K rooms felt chaotic, messy, and unclean. We regularly saw half-drunk bottles, open puree cups, and pacifiers lying around the room, and on more than one occasion our infant had another baby’s pacifier in his mouth at pick up. Hygiene issues were persistent, and our children frequently came home with rashes (face, neck, butt) as well as a constant rotation of illnesses. Staff turnover was extremely high. Many of our favorite teachers left and openly shared that they were underpaid, unsupported, and not listened to by the front office. Several replacement or “resource” teachers had little to no childcare experience (in one case, not even prior babysitting experience). We personally witnessed our toddler left standing on top of a ~4-foot-tall changing table while a teacher walked away. There were also repeated safety concerns. Our toddler was once stuck behind an HVAC unit outside. On another occasion, children in his class nearly exited the outdoor play area because a lock wasn’t secured properly. Former teachers shared additional concerning safety practices with us directly. Communication with the front office was often defensive rather than receptive. When we raised concerns, we were met with pushback and attitude rather than accountability or meaningful follow-up. Academically and structurally, there was very little evidence of curriculum or intentional learning, especially in the pre-K rooms and during summer months. Drop-offs often involved teachers on their phones or eating breakfast while children entertained themselves. Classrooms felt small, frequently over-enrolled, and understaffed. Children were regularly shuffled between rooms due to staffing shortages, which was destabilizing and confusing for them. We often encountered unfamiliar teachers with no introductions, which did not inspire confidence. Logistically and financially, this school made things harder for parents, not easier. Our children’s belongings routinely went missing—jackets, water bottles, and comfort items lost in classrooms and outdoor areas, often without explanation, tracking, or follow-up. We paid premium tuition—including a full month during a period when the school is closed from Christmas to New Year’s (Dec 24th - Jan 2nd), despite teachers not being paid—yet received fewer amenities and lower quality care than comparable programs. When we toured our new daycare after deciding to leave, we genuinely assumed it was “staged” for tours. It was calm, bright, clean, and teachers were actively engaged with children. Once we moved, it became clear that it wasn’t staged at all. That level of organization, cleanliness, and warmth is simply what’s possible when a center is well run and staff are supported and fairly paid. The contrast made it impossible to ignore how far this franchise had declined. The difference after leaving was immediate. Within one week, chronic rashes cleared, our toddler’s behavior improved, and overall hygiene issues resolved. We are now paying less (when factoring in that the new school provides diapers, wipes, breakfast, lunch and snacks, and is not closed nearly as often) for a school that is cleaner, calmer, better staffed, and where we genuinely feel our children are safe, cared for, and learning. Based on our experience, the issues here appear systemic—driven by high turnover, low pay, understaffing, and lack of oversight. I would strongly encourage parents to look closely, ask detailed questions, and trust their instincts.

I highly recommend Goddard School Fort Collins. The teachers and staff have all been top-notch, engaging, friendly, organized, and competent. I always see very happy, smiling kids at pick-ups, and drop-offs. I had the opportunity to spend a couple of half-days in the classroom, and my visits only confirmed what I already knew. The kids are all having a great time, and the teachers and staff are excellent.

The Goddard School is truly wonderful! The teachers are outstanding and so warm and caring. They have a fantastic curriculum that makes learning fun. I love the detailed updates and seeing what activities they are doing each day, as well as all the ways play and development are integrated. I've been amazed at the social, emotional, and academic growth my child has shown since joining the school. His teachers have been so kind and encouraging along the way. I have no worries about him being prepared for kindergarten next year (though we will certainly miss everyone at Goddard when he graduates)!

We have absolutely loved our experience at Goddard! The teachers have been so wonderful for our children; it is so nice that at every drop off and pick up the teachers greet me with a smile and a sense of the day, but it is even better to see the way the greet/say goodbye to my son. I know he is getting nurtured throughout the day. He is learning so much and is having fun learning it! He loves to go to school, to learn, to play with his friends, and to explore. It is a great environment!