The Goddard School: More Room to Grow

NOVI — The Goddard School of Novi – Grand River has more than doubled its space to 26,000 square feet, adding eight new classrooms for a total of 17 and increasing its student capacity from about 140 to more than 280 children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. New features, including an indoor gymnasium, library, dedicated STEAM lab, outdoor classroom and two additional outdoor playgrounds, give children even more room to learn, move and explore.

The expansion also brought national recognition. Owners Derick and Bobbie Doe received the Transformational Development Award at the 2026 Goddard School Franchisee Convention, where franchisees are honored for making significant investments to expand access for families, elevate the brand and strengthen their school communities. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome even more families into our Goddard School community,” Derick Doe said. He said the expansion also created 20 new opportunities for talented educators to join the team.

For the Does, the expansion reflects a broader mission. They want The Goddard School to be not just a school, but a place where families feel valued, supported and truly at home.

That vision grew out of personal experience. When the Does were searching for childcare for their own son, they wanted more than a safe place for him to spend the day. They hoped to find an environment where he would be nurtured, inspired and excited to learn. After enrolling him in another Goddard School in the Detroit area, they quickly saw the difference in his confidence, friendships and enthusiasm for learning. That helped inspire their decision to become franchise owners. 

At the heart of the school is the Wonder of Learning® curriculum, which blends purposeful play with intentional teaching. “The Wonder of Learning® curriculum is very powerful, meets children where they are and encourages them to explore beyond what they know,” Bobbie Doe said. She said the curriculum helps children build critical-thinking skills in ways that feel natural and exciting while helping them develop the social and emotional skills to become a joyful, confident and lifelong learner.

The school also weaves enrichment into everyday learning through activities such as American Sign Language, chess, engineering, yoga, mindfulness, music and movement. Those experiences, the Does said, help children build communication skills, confidence, self-awareness and independence. 

Family connection is another major focus. The school hosts book fairs, multicultural celebrations, family appreciation events, ice cream socials, holiday celebrations and its annual Fall Festival, all designed to help families connect with one another and feel part of a larger community. The school also offers a school-age summer camp for 6-, 7- and 8-year-olds, continuing the learning in the summertime while incorporating fun, outdoor play and field trips.

The Goddard School of Novi – Grand River is currently enrolling for spring, summer and fall, and families interested in learning more are encouraged to schedule a tour to experience the school firsthand. For more information, visit GoddardSchool.com or call (248) 938-0400. The school is located at 48600 Grand River Ave. in Novi.