Get in Touch

#1 Choice for Early Childhood Development in Waxhaw, NC

Discover why parents just like you in Waxhaw are choosing this nurturing environment where academic excellence meets athletic development. On-site owner & director Leland Maddox, we offer a unique blend of early childhood education and sports mentorship, fostering well-rounded growth for children aged six weeks to six years.

Our Programs
About Us

Now Enrolling Spring + Summer 2026!

Get $300 Off First Month

School Highlights

At Goddard School, we uniquely blend academic learning with athletic mentorship. Founded by Leland Maddox, a former MLB executive, our program nurtures young minds and bodies, providing a foundation for success both on and off the field. We believe in fostering well-rounded development through play-based learning and sportsmanship.

  • World Culture
  • American Sign Language
  • Interactive Whiteboard
  • Computers
  • Yoga & Mindfulness
  • Finger Guards
  • Handwriting
  • Sports & Fitness
  • Art History
A group of young children at Goddard School engaged in a baseball-themed activity, with Leland Maddox, the founder and former MLB executive, coaching them. The scene should convey a sense of fun, learning, and athletic development.

Where Your Child’s Learning Journey Begins in Waxhaw

At The Goddard School of Waxhaw, we know that where your child starts their educational journey matters. That’s why our private preschool provides a safe, nurturing environment, experienced teachers, and a proven curriculum designed to build confidence, curiosity, and school readiness from the very beginning.

Whether you’re searching for a preschool in Waxhaw, pre-K near you, or a trusted early childhood education program, we’re here to help your child thrive.

Classrooms & Programs

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
In the Infant program, our teachers provide your baby with all the cuddles and care they need with opportunities to begin exploring the world around them.
Learn More
First Steps 12 - 18 m
We support and encourage children to confidently explore and develop new skills, language and ideas.
Learn More
Toddlers 18 - 24 m
As your little one rapidly develops physically and cognitively, our Toddler classroom is where their natural curiosity is fostered and their budding skills are nurtured.
Learn More
Twos 2 - 2.5 yrs
In the Twos classroom, experienced, caring teachers guide your child through playful exploration, helping navigate big emotions while providing hands-on learning experiences that nurture their innate curiosity.
Learn More
Get Set 2.5 - 3 yrs
Little ones begin preschool routines and new ways of play, supporting all areas of continuous development.
Learn More
Preschool 3 - 4 yrs
In our Preschool classroom, your child starts their journey into a cooperative learning environment where they can discover interests and learn in a more structured setting.
Learn More
Pre-K 4 - 5 yrs
As your child prepares for Kindergarten, our Pre-K classroom offers exciting opportunities to develop important skills, make new friends and explore the world around them.
Learn More
Summer at Goddard
Summer at Goddard is all about capturing the carefree feeling of the season. Your child will learn, play and grow in a safe, familiar environment with expert teachers guiding them as they explore, make friends and build confidence.
Learn More

Meet Leland

Leland is Onsite Co-Owner here at The Goddard School of Waxhaw! He holds a Bachelors degree in Social Sciences from the University of California, Berkeley. He has business and recruiting experience as the former General Manager of the Cincinnati Reds and Scouting Director of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Leland is also the CEO of Baseball Dream Makers, where he helps players of all ages develop into confident adults!
Meet The Team

Where They Start Matters

At The Goddard School of Waxhaw, 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.
Meet Our Teachers
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.
Meet Our Teachers
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.
Meet Our Teachers

What Our Goddard Village Is Saying

“My daughter loves going to school and is so loved and cared for there. She is learning so much and encouraged by the staff.”
Ada’s Mother
Preschool Classroom
“The team at Goddard has been amazing and always consistent in delivering a great education and safe environment for my daughter. She’s been at 2 other daycares/preschools in the past and Goddard was by far the best experience.”
Savannah’s Father
Goddard Graduate
“I have had an amazing experience at The Goddard School with my 5 year old. From the moment she walked in, the teachers were so warm and welcoming. My daughter stayed home with me for 18 months, I was so concerned on the transition to preschool. I wanted her to learn but more than that I wanted her to be nurtured and happy. This school has done that and more, She’s so happy to go to school every day!”
Romee’s Mother
Pre-K Classroom
“We love our son’s teachers! They are truly the best. The school has gone above and beyond in every way. We are so thankful to have found Goddard of Waxhaw!”
Jordan’s Mother
Twos Classroom
“A wonderful place for early learning combined with plenty of fun for the little ones! Both our boys look forward to school every single morning—especially our older one, who absolutely loves Coach Mike’s morning drills. The staff here is fantastic!”
Neel & Ved’s Father
Bridge Classroom
“So far, I have been pleased with all aspects of The Goddard School. I am especially happy with how it feels like a second family for my child and how everyone there knows his name.”
Elliott’s Mother
Preschool Classroom
“We feel secure knowing that our daughter is safe there and also learning and having fun. The teachers have proven that they care for our daughter and the facility is always clean.”
Lillian’s Mother
Toddler Classroom
“The staff is truly like family. Any time there’s been any issues (inevitable, nothing/no one is perfect), instead of making it about your child having a problem… the approach is more like there is a problem and how can we all work together to fix it. We are all raising these babies and we can use any support we can get. Everyone at the front desk is SO amazing!!”
Kaiden & Karter’s Mother
Pre-K Classroom

Where Wonder Leads, Learning Follows

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

Learn More

Contact Us

We provide a nurturing, safe, and engaging environment where children learn through a balance of structured activities and play-based exploration. Our programs focus on developing the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally.

We offer programs for children ranging from infants and toddlers to preschool and Pre-K, with each program designed to meet specific developmental milestones.

You can easily schedule a tour or request more information by filling out the contact form on our website or reaching out to our team directly. We’ll guide you through the enrollment process step by step.

Yes, we’re always looking for passionate and dedicated educators to join our team. Visit our Careers page to view current openings and submit your application online.

The safety and well-being of every child is our top priority. We maintain strict safety protocols, secure facilities, and trained staff to ensure a clean, supervised, and supportive environment at all times.

Book A Tour with The Onsite Owner