The Goddard School

The whole experience at this school is let’s shut the parents out. We can’t be involved in anything inside the school. The school decides everything for the parents and kids. You aren’t even allowed in for the class parties. It’s all decided by the school. Who comes in, what the snacks are, what activities they do. The communication is little to none. They tell you the day before a day that we have a break coming up. You have to pay for all day kindergarten and I wonder where the money goes. This is what woke DEI policies gets you. They are lowering the standards for kindergartners. You don’t even have to know all of your letters to move on to first grade. As long as you know some your good. Education doesn’t come first in this district. It’s the agenda of the school board and maybe some learning mixed into it. The constant counselors coming around to talk to the kids about feelings is ridiculous. Let them figure it out. You won’t always be there to hold their hand. Run away from this school if you want a decent education for your child.

Prior to applying I spoke to the previous directress and the new one, teachers at multiple levels, admin, board members, and current families. I asked pointed questions about upholding state learning standards and how they help 20+ unique individuals meet their goals. Their answers were satisfactory so we applied. Unfortunately I feel we were misled. I have been working through Ohio’s learning standards from the government site this summer and have found huge gaps in my child’s knowledge. Children are routinely asked to repeat grades, teachers only informing families after it’s too late to course correct. Neurodivergence of any type is not acknowledged at this school and special needs families are dissuaded from applying. I have met five other families from MCS who had similar experiences. I never felt my child was unsafe at MCS. I love their focus on nature, ethnic diversity, and kindness. I think their sweet spot is preschool and they do that very well. It could also be a great fit for families who value unschooling or child-based education that isn’t academically rigorous. But families that intend on transferring to top performing public and private schools in the area should consider other options.