The Goddard School of

Chester
(River's Bend)

804-530-0096
7:00 am - 6:00 pm
13036 River's Bend Boulevard, Chester, Virginia 23836

Proudly Accredited by:

School Highlights

After School
Air Filtration Systems
American Sign Language
Basketball Court
Before School
Before School Transportation
Child Learning Kitchen
Dance
Disinfectant Sprayer

Where They Start Matters

At The Goddard School of Chester (River's Bend), we believe that the start of your child's journey matters. That's why we offer an expert curriculum, experienced teachers and a nurturing environment to provide the best foundation for their growth.

The Goddard Difference

Goddard is more than just a preschool. With a proven track record of academic and social excellence, we've earned the trust of countless happy families who have seen their children exceed expectations and step into the world with confidence and compassion.

Curriculum

Our education program, Wonder of Learning^®, is the most innovative and well-researched on the market. It was created by early childhood development experts to empower children to explore their natural curiosity.

Expert, Caring Teachers

Our extraordinary educators shape your child’s experience, creating a fun and engaging learning environment with personalized lesson plans focused on whole-child development.

Leading with Curiosity

The Goddard School’s high-quality educational programming is designed to ignite curiosity and fuel a lifelong love of learning.

Learn More

Meet Stephen On Site Owner

Hello! I’m Stephen Graham. I grew up in Northern Ireland and went to college in London, England, completing a Masters in Chemical Engineering. After working in South Africa, Holland and Scotland I joined DuPont here in Virginia for 2-year assignment…and never left! With 12 years in engineering and operations management, I happily left corporate world to become on-site owner here at The Goddard School – River’s Bend in 2007. I truly enjoy the time that this role allows me to spend with my family and our team of great teachers and directors.

Meet The Team

Discover Our Classrooms

From infants and toddlers to pre-K, kindergarten and beyond, our classrooms are designed specifically with your little one’s needs in mind.

Infant

6 w - 12 m

Relationships are no. 1 for 1 and under. We foster trust and help your little ones investigate the world around them.

Toddlers

12 - 24 m

Our teachers support your child as they continue to develop their independent selves.

Twos

2 - 3 yrs

We practice expressive language to help your child in all areas of their development, especially the big emotions that come with the territory.

Bridge

2.5 - 3.5 yrs

We support all areas of continuous development, setting your child up for success in and out of the classroom.

Preschool

3 - 4 yrs

We help your child experiment with writing, drawing and painting with a purpose.

Pre-K

4 - 5 yrs

Your child will be kindergarten ready without worksheets!

Additional Programs Offered

Summer Fun

Our summer program is an exciting extension of the school year filled with lots of outdoor play and fun learning adventures!

Learn More & Tour

What Our Goddard Village Is Saying

This is our first year with The Goddard School. It is such a positive environment for our children. They are happy to go to school each day and have made great progress in their education. The entire faculty is friendly and welcoming. The building is bright, cheerful, and safe. The constantly changing themes and artwork keep things interesting. We will certainly miss Goddard when the twins start kindergarten this fall!

Aaron & Alexis's Mother

Pre-K Classroom

The Goddard School has been nothing but AMAZING for my son - he has learned so much and such a short period of time. I am truly amazed. The teachers are also amazing!

Branson's Mother

Toddler Classroom

My wife and I truly appreciate the time and dedication that the employees bring to the Goddard School. Add the fact that our 6 year enjoyed her time there and began public schools having been well prepared from her experience and time while at Goddard, it was not a tough decision to enroll our 2 year old there beginning in the Fall.

Audrey & Caroline's Father

Kindergarten Classroom

Our 2 children have been in the The Goddard School at Rivers Bend since they were babies. Now they are in 4th and 2nd grade and still attend the after hours daycare. Stephen and Paula's dedication and their team's passion for child care and education is admirable. It is especially important for parents that have a busy schedule to have a place were we know our kids are going to be safe and also will have educational activities. We have been blessed. Frank Duarte

Demi & Francisco's Father

Before/After School Program

Prioritizing Health and Happiness

Explore all the features and programs found at our local School.

Health and Safety

Air Filtration Systems

Disinfectant Sprayer

Food and Nutrition

Caring for your child includes ensuring that they're fueled up and ready to learn and play!

Enrichment and Environment

American Sign Language

Basketball Court

Child Learning Kitchen

Dance

Engineering

Exploration Room

Music Appreciation

Physical Fitness

Playground(s)

Rock Wall

Secondary Languages

Sports & Fitness

Yoga & Mindfulness

Preview the Fun

Get a snapshot of what happens in our classrooms.

Upcoming Events

July 30

Night time art
July 31

Puppet Show

10 - 11 AM
August 1

Puppet Show

10 - 11 AM
August 3

What can the sun do?

Awarding Excellence

Our School has been recognized for delivering extraordinary educational experiences and outstanding service to our families.

CHILD CARE AWARE®

Child Care Aware is the nation's most respected hub of information for parents and child care providers. A program of Child Care Aware of America, Child Care Aware helps families learn more about the elements of quality child care and how to locate programs in their communities. Child Care Aware also provides child care providers with access to resources for their child care programs.

January 2020 - January 2030

COGNIA® ACCREDITED

Cognia (cognia.org) is a global organization with a holistic approach to continuous improvement of education through accreditation and certification, assessment, professional learning and customized improvement services.

June 2021 - June 2026

MARKET OF EXCELLENCE

The Market of Excellence Award is presented annually and acknowledges a market that has demonstrated the best collaborative effort in representing The Goddard School in their community.

January 2019 - January 2020

BRAND AMBASSADOR AWARD

The Brand Ambassador Award acknowledges a franchisee that has gone above and beyond Goddard’s system standards to keep its facility and program current and competitive while meeting the highest standards in the areas of quality assurance, business operations, brand standards, marketing, advertising and public relations.

January 2019 - January 2020

LEADERSHIP AWARD

The Leadership Award recognizes the top franchisee or franchisees based on their leadership and their mentoring of fellow franchisees. These franchisees demonstrate an unwavering belief in the Goddard system.

January 2014 - January 2015

BEST OF LIST - RICHMOND MAGAZINE

This award recognizes the best in the Richmond area as voted by the readers of Richmond Magazine.

January 2013 - January 2014

BEST OF THE TRI-CITIES - PROGRESS-INDEX NEWSPAPER

This award recognizes the best in the Tri-Cities area as voted by the readers of the Progress-Index Newspaper.

January 2013 - January 2014

PHILIP SCHUMACHER SCHOLARSHIP

The Philip Schumacher Scholarship was named for the retired President and CEO of Goddard Systems. The scholarship is presented annually to a franchisee who exemplifies managing an outstanding business, commitment to maintaining and improving The Goddard School brand as well as being valued by their community and respected by fellow franchisees for their commitment to quality.

January 2012 - January 2013

Ready To Learn More?

Discover what makes Goddard extraordinary.

Learn More & Tour

Chester (River's Bend)

804-530-0096
• Open Monday-Friday
7:00 am - 6:00 pm

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The Goddard School of Chester (River's Bend)