The Goddard School of Lithia (FishHawk) in Lithia,

The Goddard School of Lithia (FishHawk) in Lithia, Florida offers a well-maintained and nurturing environment where children thrive through a blend of structured learning and creative play. The facility stands out for its cleanliness and professional atmosphere, with attentive staff who prioritize both academic advancement and emotional development of their students. The school maintains excellent communication with parents while providing a comprehensive curriculum that includes various enrichment activities, making it a trusted choice for early childhood education in the community.

Day Care Information

Address

14106 Spector Rd, Lithia, FL 33547

Reviews

45 Reviews

Day Care Features

Does this day care accept infants?

Yes

Multiple reviews mention children as young as 18 months old attending, indicating the daycare accepts infants.

Reviews:

Author: Fife Koci Rating: 1/5 Date: 2/7/2024, 6:30:42 PM Review: The education was great here. My son went there for 3 years. When he was in PreK. I found out by another parent (because they went to get their child at an odd time that day) that my child as left in the hallway alone and was asked by this parent why he was out there. My child (this still hurts me to the core) shrugged his shoulders and stated “I’m in trouble”. The parent told me it seemed normal for my child to be in the hallway unattended. There were many behavioral issues with my child since he turned 3 at Goddard. But when we started a new school this past fall NO BEHAVIORAL issues have been reported to me. Interesting!!!! I called the owner(Souji), after I found out about this incident she called back but I was at work. I asked the front desk to have her call me back she never did. I emailed corporate and never received a reply. Or a phone call. This place may have a weird way of painting a certain picture and acting innocent but it’s pretty scary the stuff my child told me as time went by after I took him out(and I never asked him about these things, he brought them up himself). He said during nap time one of the infant teachers (aka the one that all the kids would be afraid of) would force his arms down and cover his face and tell him not to remove the cover. So scary that it hurts me to this day. I hope parents read this and understand that it took me 6 months to write this and that I didn’t want to but as a parent I would appreciate if someone would have told me about the scary behind the scene things that occurred at this school. Lastly, the approach of discipline was never positive reinforcement but shameful ones.

Is this day care considered safe?

Yes

Many reviewers emphasize the safety, cleanliness, and attentiveness of the staff, indicating a safe environment.

Reviews:

Author: Punam Gosavi Rating: 5/5 Date: 2/13/2025, 6:50:33 PM Review: Goddard has been a second home for my child. The teachers Miss Karla, Miss Landi are incredibly loving, patient, and attentive. They truly care about each child’s growth and happiness. My son has blossomed socially and academically since joining. I highly recommend this daycare to any parent looking for a safe and nurturing environment ----- Author: M J Rating: 5/5 Date: 8/7/2024, 8:59:55 PM Review: We couldn’t be happier with our experience at Goddard school Lithia. The staff is incredibly caring and dedicated, always going above and beyond to ensure each child feels welcomed and valued. Our child looks forward to going to school every day, which speaks volumes about the nurturing environment they’ve created. The curriculum is well-rounded, focusing not only on academic skills but also on social and emotional development. We’ve seen significant growth in our child’s confidence and ability to interact with peers. The activities are engaging and thoughtfully designed to cater to the diverse needs of the children. I am extremely grateful for my child’s teacher Miss Kim who is one of the best teachers I’ve known. The way she cares about each child is incredible. The facilities are clean, safe, and equipped with everything needed for a fun and educational experience. Communication with parents is excellent, with regular updates and opportunities for involvement in school events. We highly recommend this school to any parent looking for a supportive and enriching preschool experience for their child. ----- Author: Alejandra Arroyo Rating: 5/5 Date: 9/28/2023, 4:30:12 PM Review: Choosing a daycare can be so difficult and overwhelming. As a parent you want the best for your child. When I first toured Goddard, it was safe and secure with controlled entry and access, clean and nicely decorated, and had so much to offer. My son was a year old and quickly took to the teachers and staff, convincing me further this is where to stay. I was blessed with the opportunity to start part time and ease into leaving my baby with strangers. I eventually transitioned to full time as I learned this was a loving, nurturing, secure, and professional environment where you create an extended family. My son was taught sign language and continued progressing and learning to transition to VPK. He has now graduated from this wonderful school that has continued to exceed my expectations. From the owners Souji and Shekar to the staff Director Ms. Tasha, assistant Ms. Amanda, and all the teachers. Ms. Tasha has been integral in cultivating the family environment, once she transitioned from teacher to Director and Ms. Amanda adding her creative spin. Together they are an exceptional team elevating the school to another level. The school as a whole is A+ and definitely set apart from the rest, offering extracurricular activities such as soccer shots, kiddokenitics, and bringing in fun and adventures to the school for one stop safe learning for our little ones. I’m grateful to everyone for all the dedicated support, guidance, care, and education they have instilled in my little one. Kids not only learn and grow while attending Goddard but come out better little humans for our world. I would like to acknowledge some truly special bonds with staff like Ms. Marianne, Ms. Laurence, Ms. Tracy, and this past year for VPK Ms. Kim, and Ms. Hope. Ms. Kim is what we consider a child whisper who has enriched our lives, with keys to learning that have positively impacted our family. With patience, compassion, and love, Ms. Kim has shown us how to settle young and active imaginations with loving and fun educational instructions. We will forever treasure Ms. Kim in our hearts and as our Favorite Teacher. ----- Author: Lisa Henry Rating: 5/5 Date: 3/11/2023, 1:15:51 PM Review: If I could give more stars I would. As a parent safety, cleanliness, and how my child is treated is my top priority. I'm so glad I found Goddard, they have truly exceeded my expectations. In comparison to other schools my children have attended Goddard's cleanliness is on another level and the staff are like a big family. My children love everyone in this place. Another thing that sets Goddard apart is their curriculum and the way they teach the kids with fun and engaging activities. My son left Goodard for kindergarten and had such a leg up academically. If you are looking for a safe place to put your child who will have a blast and come out learning a ton this is it.

Does this day care follow a specific curriculum?

Yes

The reviews highlight a well-rounded curriculum that includes academic, social, and emotional development.

Reviews:

Author: Rosh Varghese Rating: 5/5 Date: 3/14/2025, 2:09:02 PM Review: We had both our kids at this location 5 years apart and the standard of this location was well maintained and continues to be extremely well maintained, Very Happy with the Owner , Management and Teachers who supported our kids development and always was willing to listen to any concerns we had and was willing to work with us to resolve it , Its a truly Amazing Team of Management and Teachers at this location , very Happy our kids were here ! The Curriculum is great ! We love all the Teachers our kids had -whole heartedly dedicated to the Children’s development, Its truly a relief to see your kids happy at drop off ! ----- Author: Nathan Naugle Rating: 5/5 Date: 2/12/2025, 1:47:00 PM Review: I cannot say enough wonderful things about The Goddard School! From the moment we walked in, we felt an overwhelming sense of care, professionalism, and genuine dedication to the children. Every single teacher goes above and beyond to create a nurturing and educational environment where kids feel safe, loved, and excited to learn. The level of attention, patience, and encouragement they provide is unmatched, and I have complete trust and faith in their ability to care for my children as if they were their own. The curriculum is outstanding, blending structured learning with creative play, and it’s evident that the children are thriving. The communication between staff and parents is excellent, keeping us informed and reassured at all times. Knowing my children are in such capable and compassionate hands every day gives me incredible peace of mind. If I could change two things, I would love to see an option for a vacation time where 7 days per year is tuition-free, allowing families some flexibility. Additionally, providing lunches would be a great added convenience for busy parents. Overall, The Goddard School is a 10/10, and I highly recommend it to any parent looking for a safe, enriching, and loving environment for their child. Thank you, Goddard, for everything you do! ----- Author: M J Rating: 5/5 Date: 8/7/2024, 8:59:55 PM Review: We couldn’t be happier with our experience at Goddard school Lithia. The staff is incredibly caring and dedicated, always going above and beyond to ensure each child feels welcomed and valued. Our child looks forward to going to school every day, which speaks volumes about the nurturing environment they’ve created. The curriculum is well-rounded, focusing not only on academic skills but also on social and emotional development. We’ve seen significant growth in our child’s confidence and ability to interact with peers. The activities are engaging and thoughtfully designed to cater to the diverse needs of the children. I am extremely grateful for my child’s teacher Miss Kim who is one of the best teachers I’ve known. The way she cares about each child is incredible. The facilities are clean, safe, and equipped with everything needed for a fun and educational experience. Communication with parents is excellent, with regular updates and opportunities for involvement in school events. We highly recommend this school to any parent looking for a supportive and enriching preschool experience for their child.

Working Hours

  • Monday7AM-6PM
  • Tuesday7AM-6PM
  • Wednesday7AM-6PM
  • Thursday7AM-6PM
  • Friday7AM-6PM
  • SaturdayClosed
  • SundayClosed

Latest Reviews

Author: Patricia Sennhauser
Rating: 5/5
Date: 3/21/2025, 4:26:57 AM

My LO has been attending The Goddard School since mid January and I continue to be impressed with the care and attentive nature of the teachers and administration. The school is very clean and well taken care of. The amount of pride in their facility is evident from the moment you step into the facility. Ms. Mariella and Ms. Patricia are some of the kindest, most patient individuals you will ever encounter. My LO has been developing by leaps since we enrolled him, not just in fine motor development or verbal skills (although those too have improved) but also his social skills. Literally all the things you hope for your child to gain from daycare. My LO recently had a small issue with another student who was biting. My husband and I requested to speak to Shelby and I was so impressed by how proactive they were. Shelby was so kind and caring as she explained the plan of action and how the school handles situations like that. Obviously, a less than ideal situation, but it could just as easily been our LO who was biting; after all, they're still babies. Their approach was one that was rooted in kindness and understanding. They assured me that they were very on top of the situation, how things would escalate etc, but they never shamed or lambasted the biter. I felt like Shelby treated both parties with respect and kindness. I went in there fired up, ready to demand action be taken for my LO, only to be blown away by how they handled that situation and how unnecessary my intervention was. Shelby was not hoping things would magically get better; she saw a problem, identified potential solutions and executed a plan. I was concerned initially that if we didn't advocate for our LO that nothing would be done, and that couldn't be further from the truth. As a parent, it can often feel like you can't take your eye off the ball for one second, and that can be exhausting. Knowing that regardless of what I notice, the teachers and administrators are so on top of things and proactive that it convinced me more than ever that this is the right place for my LO. And should one day my son be the 'problem', I know that the school will continue to treat him with kindness, respect and empathy. To note, that was weeks ago and we haven't had a single additional incident. Shelby and the Goddard program absolutely earned my respect and commendation.

Author: Rosh Varghese
Rating: 5/5
Date: 3/14/2025, 2:09:02 PM

We had both our kids at this location 5 years apart and the standard of this location was well maintained and continues to be extremely well maintained, Very Happy with the Owner , Management and Teachers who supported our kids development and always was willing to listen to any concerns we had and was willing to work with us to resolve it , Its a truly Amazing Team of Management and Teachers at this location , very Happy our kids were here ! The Curriculum is great ! We love all the Teachers our kids had -whole heartedly dedicated to the Children’s development, Its truly a relief to see your kids happy at drop off !

Author: Warren Baugh
Rating: 5/5
Date: 3/14/2025, 12:02:59 PM

The Goddard School is not only clean and ascetically pleasing, but they have also been a wonderful partner in the early education and advancement for our son! From our first visit throughout our son’s time in the classroom, including transitions to different classrooms, we have found the ownership & staff to be supportive and willing to work with us to make sure he remains academically challenged and continuing to develop on his current trajectory. They have been responsive when we expressed concerns and handled situations professionally taking into consideration what is best for our son. We appreciate their approach in such a collaborative fashion.

Author: Jessica de Swart
Rating: 5/5
Date: 2/21/2025, 7:28:38 PM

This is by far one of the most amazing schools my children have attended. When we first moved to FL, my three kids went to two other schools before we landed at Goddard and we could not be happier. The love and happiness you feel walking in the front door is unmatched. There is always someone to greet you and take the time to talk about anything you might need. From class to class, my children have run straight to their teachers with open arms ready for a fun day with their friends. I can't recommend Goddard enough!

Author: Tammy
Rating: 5/5
Date: 2/15/2025, 12:03:36 AM

We love our Goddard family. Both of our kids have gone there since they were 18 months and now we have one about to graduate from VPK! Not only have our kids thrived academically, they love going to school and are sincerely happy to go to school and be with their teachers. At home we will be doing artwork and they will say “this is for Ms. Karla” or “I can’t wait to show Ms. Hope”. Also, Ms. Amanda, Ms. Shelby, and the owner Souji make you feel like family and go above and beyond to help and answer any questions. I can’t ask for a better school and Goddard family! Thank you for all you do!

Author: Rebecca June
Rating: 5/5
Date: 2/13/2025, 10:55:09 PM

My son goes here and loves it. The teachers, office staff, and owner are all fantastic and communicate well. He also gets sick here a lot less than his prior daycare, which we appreciate. They take the time to not only care for him, but he learns so much too.

Author: Punam Gosavi
Rating: 5/5
Date: 2/13/2025, 6:50:33 PM

Goddard has been a second home for my child. The teachers Miss Karla, Miss Landi are incredibly loving, patient, and attentive. They truly care about each child’s growth and happiness. My son has blossomed socially and academically since joining. I highly recommend this daycare to any parent looking for a safe and nurturing environment

Author: Nathan Naugle
Rating: 5/5
Date: 2/12/2025, 1:47:00 PM

I cannot say enough wonderful things about The Goddard School! From the moment we walked in, we felt an overwhelming sense of care, professionalism, and genuine dedication to the children. Every single teacher goes above and beyond to create a nurturing and educational environment where kids feel safe, loved, and excited to learn. The level of attention, patience, and encouragement they provide is unmatched, and I have complete trust and faith in their ability to care for my children as if they were their own. The curriculum is outstanding, blending structured learning with creative play, and it’s evident that the children are thriving. The communication between staff and parents is excellent, keeping us informed and reassured at all times. Knowing my children are in such capable and compassionate hands every day gives me incredible peace of mind. If I could change two things, I would love to see an option for a vacation time where 7 days per year is tuition-free, allowing families some flexibility. Additionally, providing lunches would be a great added convenience for busy parents. Overall, The Goddard School is a 10/10, and I highly recommend it to any parent looking for a safe, enriching, and loving environment for their child. Thank you, Goddard, for everything you do!

Author: Jocelyn Hogan
Rating: 5/5
Date: 8/10/2024, 12:25:51 PM

We have spent about 3 years with the Goddard Lithia school and it has been WONDERFUL! We have had a slew of great teachers as leads and assistants and always felt like our kids were well cared for and loved. Most recently, Ms Hope and Ms Kim (VPK) are truly the best of the best with their creativity and genuine passion and love for the kids in their care. It certainly couldn't be done without Ms. Maria and Ms. Lexi. This truly is a great place to send your kids!

Location

Nearby Day Care Services in Lithia,