The Goddard School Aims to Make a Difference in Early Education: Business Spotlight

Business: The Goddard School, 8350 Lemont Rd. in Darien

Owners: Michael and Margaret Petrucelli

Founded: January 2013

Learn more about The Goddard School in Darien on our business directory page. 

How did the business come to be?

My wife Margaret and I wanted to open a business that could make a difference in the community. We are parents of school age children, and the idea of opening A Goddard School, the premier provided of Early Childhood Education, matched up with our commitment to education, the community, and our family's lifestyle.

Why did you choose the area you did? 

We worked with Goddard's Operations and Real Estate Departments in finding an area that was in need of a quality Preschool, that was also near our home in Oak Brook. Most of our families live in Downers Grove, Woodridge and Bolingbrook, but we also have families from Darien, Hinsdale and other areas.

What does your business offer?

We are dedicated to providing the very best preschool experience possible in which we are committed to cultivating the unique nature and potential of every child. Children learn by doing at The Goddard School; whether we are learning sign language, math skills, working on a science project, having a visit about Fire Safety from the Fire Department, or doing yoga. 

We offer care for children from 6 weeks to 6 years of age. Our School is open form 6:30 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday. We provide those extended hours for families who want and need that flexibility although many of our students arrive for a more traditional school type day in terms of hours.

What's something interesting about your business your customers might not know? 

One of the things we try to do is to create a sense of community among the families in our school. We hold events such as family picnics, Ice Cream socials, Petting Zoos and Charitable Events so that our families can really connect with each other. Many of our families marched together with The Goddard School in Darien's Fourth of July parade.

What's your most popular product or service?

Our most popular product is the wonderful teachers that we have in our school. Parents regularly provide us really positive feedback about our teachers, and the growth they see in their children. 

We have also had tremendous feedback on the daily activity reports that we email home. Not only do we describe each child's day and their achievements, but we include a photo or two of each child actively engaged in those activities. Parents really feel like they are involved with their child's day.