The Goddard School of Willow Park is coming soon. September 21, 2026 Local couple to open premium early childhood education center to serve area families WILLOW PARK, Texas - The Goddard School(R), a nationally acclaimed early childhood education franchise, is set to open its first location in Willow Park in the spring of 2027, bringing the inquiry-based learning experience to area families. The Goddard School of Willow Park is the first location for owners Brittany and Paul Boyett, a local couple who have lived in the community for 14 years. Located at 700 Willow Crossing East, this 11,500-square-foot early childhood education center will have 11 classrooms to provide care for and educate approximately 170 students from six weeks to six years old. Additionally, the school will add approximately 25 teaching jobs to the community. "What drew me to bring The Goddard School experience to Willow Park was the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of local children and families," said Brittany Boyett. "Our area is growing rapidly, and many parents are looking for trusted early childhood education options. Opening this school allows us to give back to the community we care deeply about while providing a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn, grow and thrive." - Advertisement - The new school will have a gym and a dedicated outdoor learning area alongside multiple playgrounds. Additionally, the school will be equipped with hospital-grade sanitization equipment to ensure a healthy environment. The Goddard School's exclusive inquiry-based education program, Wonder of Learning(R), embraces how children learn best - through their innate curiosity - because research confirms that when wonder leads, learning follows. Wonder of Learning features a cutting-edge curriculum developed by a diversely skilled group of educators, researchers, physicians and early childhood experts, as well as built-in assessment of academic and social-emotional progress and family communication via a proprietary app. Inquiry-based learning, which guides the Wonder of Learning curriculum, is a teaching and learning approach that focuses on the natural curiosity and sense of wonder children bring into the classroom. With teacher-guided inquiry topics, children learn about themselves and the world around them by exploring their interests, investigating concepts and asking questions. For families interested in learning more about The Goddard School and how to enroll in the new Willow Park location, call 817-214-8500. - Advertisement - ABOUT THE GODDARD SCHOOL(R) The Goddard School - the trusted leader in early childhood education - has partnered with families for nearly four decades to create joyful, supportive environments where children flourish. With a commitment to nurturing curiosity, character and a love of learning, The Goddard School fosters social, emotional and academic development to empower each child to grow into the best version of themselves. The Goddard School's approach to education starts with a simple belief: children learn best when they are encouraged to explore their natural curiosity. Through its exclusive inquiry-based education program, Wonder of Learning(R), children learn through hands-on discovery, while teachers thoughtfully build on their interests to create engaging, personalized classrooms. Supported by expert knowledge, data-driven insights and a deep understanding of child development, Wonder of Learning helps children build critical thinking and problem-solving skills while inspiring a lifelong love of learning. The Goddard School serves almost 100,000 students from six weeks to six years old in 37 states and Washington, D.C. To learn more, visit GoddardSchool.com. - Digital Sponsors -

There's more construction along Bluffton's Buckwalter corridor. What's being built? September 17, 2026 2:10 PM Key Takeaways AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Construction of a two-story infant-to-pre-kindergarten educational facility is underway along the Buckwalter Parkway corridor in the fast-growing Washington Square, a planned unit development in greater Bluffton. The child care center, called The Goddard School of Bluffton, is expected to open in 2027 at 4 Mott Street. It will have 13 classrooms, 1 STEM room and a staff of about 26 people. Its value of construction, according to documents provided to the Town of Bluffton, is $4.1 million. In the parking assessment submitted to the town, the child daycare facility sits on 1.6 acres and its building size is just over 16,000-square feet. Documents show the facility can accommodate 220 students. According to the school's website, it will offer American Sign Language, music appreciation, sports and fitness, yoga and will have a playground and a basketball court. A conceptual site plan show the school will have several playgrounds with artificial turf - one that will be covered from the elements - and fencing that surrounds them. Operations for the school will have parents park their vehicles and walk their children into the school. The school has developed a queuing contingency plan to enter Ludlow Street in the event of extraordinary congestion. The Goddard School franchise. The Goddard School is a franchise business model that incorporates STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) in early childhood education and offers purchasers training and support with ready-made curriculums, lesson plans, teacher training as well as a school website and ways to market the school. There are more than 665 Goddard School locations in the U.S., according to its website. Other companies along the Buckwalter corridor. Novant Health recently opened a 10,000 square-foot medical facility. The Novant Health Bluffton Emergency Department has 10 treatment rooms, a trauma room, and diagnostic services such as X-rays and CT scans. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and has a full-time staff. Other construction along the corridor includes Beaufort Memorial Bluffton Community Hospital, Medical University of South Carolina Health's Bluffton Medical Pavilion and the future Novant Health Bluffton Medical Center, a three-story, 243,800-square foot building that will initially have 52 beds for patients, expanding in the future to 100 beds. On June 11, 2026, Beaufort Memorial, the Town of Bluffton, Beaufort County and Woda Cooper Companies gathered to break ground on Bluffton's 120-unit affordable workforce housing community.

The Goddard School's Dave Collins honored as Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association. Owner of The Goddard Schools of Edgewater and Eldersburg, MD, recognized for excellence in franchising. King of Prussia, PA, Sept. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - The International Franchise Association (IFA) today named Dave Collins, owner of The Goddard Schools of Edgewater, MD, and Eldersburg, MD, a 2026 Franchisee of the Year. Collins was nominated by Goddard Systems, LLC, the manager of The Goddard School(R) franchise system, and will be honored today at the IFA Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. The Franchisee of the Year awards recognize leading franchise owners for their community involvement, fostering a strong workforce, assisting their fellow franchisees and embodying an entrepreneurial spirit. Their outstanding performance and contributions help strengthen not only their business but also the entire franchise business model. "I am incredibly honored to be recognized by the International Franchise Association as a Franchisee of the Year," said Collins. " I have always believed that early childhood education has the power to shape a child's future, and I'm proud to help build communities through The Goddard School. This recognition belongs to our directors, teachers and staff, whose passion for nurturing curiosity, supporting growth and partnering with families builds confidence and a lifelong love of learning." The Goddard Schools of Edgewater and Eldersburg are two of the more than 680 locations in The Goddard School franchise system, the nation's leading provider of premium early childhood education. Admired in the Goddard School system for his commitment to supporting fellow franchisees, Collins is an engaged member of the organization's Operations Excellence Input Group and school mentorship program. He regularly reviews and pressure-tests new initiatives and shares feedback that helps strengthen best practices across the system, including enhancements to the tour and enrollment experience that create a more personalized journey for families. "Through his dedication to educational excellence, support of fellow franchisees and unwavering commitment to children and families, Dave Collins embodies the very best of The Goddard School," said Darin Harris, CEO of Goddard Systems, LLC. "Dave's leadership has strengthened the broader Goddard School system through his willingness to share insights, serve as a resource for others and champion continuous improvement. We are proud to celebrate this well-earned recognition and congratulate him on being named an IFA Franchisee of the Year." Collins' contributions to The Goddard School franchise system have also earned recognition from within the organization. Earlier this year, Collins was named The Goddard School's 2026 Franchisee of the Year, an award that celebrates a Goddard School franchisee whose leadership, performance and deep commitment to early childhood education embody the heart and spirit of The Goddard School. Furthermore, both of his schools were recognized as 2026 Goddard School Circle of Excellence members, an accolade that honors the highest-performing schools across the system.