The Goddard School of Washington DC - The Wharf

Our family had a wonderful experience at the Goddard School in DC (Wharf) when our son attended as a toddler. From the very beginning, the environment felt warm, supportive, and genuinely focused on the well-being and development of the children. A big part of that experience was the leadership. Taylor (the owner) and Ms. Nita (the Director) created a culture that felt both nurturing and highly professional. Ms. Nita, in particular, stood out for how incredibly hands-on she was. She wasn’t someone who simply managed from behind the scenes, she was present, engaged, and clearly invested in ensuring every child received thoughtful care and attention. What I appreciated most was Ms. Nita’s ability to build authentic relationships with parents while also maintaining strong accountability with the teachers. She took the time to communicate, listen, and partner with families, which made us feel confident that our son was in good hands. At the same time, it was clear that she held the teaching staff to a high standard to ensure children were supported academically, socially, and emotionally. That combination, personal connection with families and a clear commitment to quality teaching, made a real difference in our experience. If you’re a parent considering childcare options, I highly recommend taking the time to visit and meet the team. A strong, engaged leader makes all the difference in a school environment, and that leadership was evident here.

My son has been attending Goddard (7th st) since Sept 2025. As an educator myself, I have high standards for childcare, and Goddard has exceeded each one. Nita and Denisha have championed a program focused on celebration of each child, child-centered activities that foster all areas of development, and above all, professionalism. Early childhood learning often gets portrayed as “easy” and put on the backburner, but this center proves that it is vital to a child’s first five years of their life. Each teacher knows and understands early learning pedagogy and treated like a professional, not a babysitter. My child is excited to arrive each day and has grown tremendously in each developmental area. I am so grateful to Goddard as a working mom- knowing my son is safe, loved, and growing.

We've had our daughter enrolled since she was 4 months old. She's now 18 months and about to move up to the toddler classroom, and the whole experience has been amazing. Ms. Nita and Ms. Denisha are exceptional leaders. They're kind, welcoming, and always available whether you need a quick catch-up or a more private conversation. On the rare occasion we've had a concern, it's taken seriously and dealt with swiftly. Their commitment to the kids is undeniable. Taylor, the owner, is also regularly around and genuinely open to connecting with parents. All of their accessibility makes me more comfortable going to them when I have feedback or questions. Our daughter is obsessed with her teachers. Every morning when we ask if she's ready for school she excitedly says "yea". When we get to school, she walks right into her classroom, and by the time I've hung up her jacket she's already halfway across the room jumping right in to play. We get photo updates every day so we can see the activities and lesson plans, and her teachers mention new skills she's developing and how we can reinforce things at home. More than once she's come home with a skill we had no idea she was working on. At her age it's so cool to see her learn things 100% at school. We're grateful to everyone here for becoming part of our "village". I very much recommend Goddard (The Wharf) to any parents researching where to send their kins.

I can’t recommend the Goddard School on 7th Street enough! I was extremely picky about where I would send my child, and after touring multiple daycares, this one was an easy choice. From the first visit, I knew it was the right place. The environment is warm, engaging, and full of laughter. The staff are incredibly kind and caring, and my child truly enjoys going every day. What stands out most is how personally invested the leadership team is. Mrs. Nita is very involved, knows the children individually, and takes time to connect with parents about their child’s growth and personality. That level of attention and care makes all the difference. If you’re looking for a school where your child will be genuinely known, supported, and encouraged, this is it.

My son attended The Goddard School from age 2 through 4, and he graduated from their Pre-K program in the summer of 2025. This was both my son’s and my first experience with early childhood education, as he had previously been cared for at home. From our initial tour to his very first day, the transition into the program was as smooth as I could have hoped for. We were welcomed with warmth by the staff as well as the school’s directors, Denisha and Nita. Over the course of two years, I received consistent communication, support, and thoughtful feedback regarding my son’s development. Each day, I was provided with updates about what he learned, how his day went, and ways I could reinforce that learning at home. That level of communication made a meaningful difference in his growth both in the classroom and beyond. What I really want to highlight is the support we received during more challenging moments. As many parents know, the toddler years can be difficult to navigate, and there were times when I felt unsure of how to best support my son. During those moments, Denisha and Nita were invaluable. They never gave up on my child. They took the time to research strategies and resources, collaborate with staff to implement different approaches in the classroom, and meet with me one-on-one to ensure consistency at home. As someone who works in education, I understand how rare it is to find a team that is so deeply committed to the well-being and success of every child. Their dedication went far beyond expectations, and it made all the difference for me and mine. The Goddard School became more than just a preschool, they are family to this day. I am incredibly grateful to Denisha and Nita for their leadership, guidance, and care.