The Goddard School, a nationally acclaimed early childhood education franchise, is set to open its first location in Estero in the fall of 2025, bringing the inquiry-based learning experience to area families.

The Goddard School of Estero is the first location for owners Dave and Autumn Horell, who are partnering with experienced Goddard franchisees Matt and Dina Speranza, Scott and Kim Dimuzio, and Mike Thompson, who respectively own several Goddard Schools in the greater Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia regions.

Located at 10100 Arcos Ave., this more than 14,000-square-foot early childhood education center will have 11 classrooms to provide care for and educate approximately 185 students. Additionally, the school will add 26 teaching jobs to the community.

The new school will feature an indoor gymnasium with a rock wall, two outdoor classrooms and two turf 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, 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. Wonder of Learning builds age-appropriate academic, social and emotional skills through curiosity, collaboration, investigation and discovery. The program also incorporates STEAM enrichment activities, including yoga, art, music and outdoor play that embed concepts such as community, design thinking, communication and critical thinking, which support children today and in the future.

For families interested in learning more about The Goddard School and how to enroll, call 239-667-4555.