RIVERTON, Utah — The Goddard School®, the nation’s leading premium early childhood education franchise, opened its first Utah location in Riverton, bringing its inquiry-based learning experience to area families. The Goddard School of Riverton is the first location for on-site owner and Utah native Erica Kidd, who is partnering with seasoned Goddard School franchisees Bob, Lori, Madison, Tyler, Jake and Jocelyn Santo. The Santos also own three locations in western Pennsylvania: The Goddard School of Pittsburgh (Upper Saint Clair), The Goddard School of Peters Township (Venetia) and The Goddard School of Wexford.

Located at 3513 West 12600 South, this over 12,000 square-foot early childhood education center features 10 classrooms to provide care for and educate approximately 160 students from six weeks to six years old. Additionally, the school adds 25 teaching jobs to the community.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to bring the high-quality early childhood education experience The Goddard School is known for to Utah and the families of Riverton,” said Kidd. “Our mission is to cultivate a love for learning in our students, setting them up for success socially, emotionally and academically in their next steps in school and in life.”

Kidd brings 16 years of early childhood education experience to the school, having previously served as a kindergarten teacher and preschool teacher and director after earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Utah Valley University. She is dedicated to building strong relationships with families and encouraging both children and educators to grow with confidence and joy.

The new school features an indoor gymnasium, an outdoor classroom and multiple playgrounds, and offers specialty enrichment programs including engineering and sign language. Additionally, the school is equipped with hospital-grade sanitization equipment to ensure a healthy environment.

The Goddard School of Riverton marks the brand’s entry into the Utah market. This milestone is part of a strategic growth initiative to bring The Goddard School’s high-quality early childhood education to more families across the state. Targeted expansion areas include the metropolitan regions of Salt Lake City, Provo–Orem and Ogden–Clearfield.

As part of this growth, The Goddard School is seeking potential franchisees across Utah who are interested in owning a purpose-driven business. Goddard School franchisees have the opportunity to support families, contribute to their communities and build a lasting legacy through education.

“The opening of The Goddard School of Riverton represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to make a Goddard School education accessible to more families nationwide,” said Matt Zaia, senior vice president and chief development officer, Goddard Systems, LLC, manager of The Goddard School franchise system. “Utah is a dynamic and growing state with communities that deeply value education. We look forward to making a difference for children and families and establishing a meaningful, long-term presence across the state.”

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.

For families interested in learning more about The Goddard School and how to enroll in the new Riverton location, visit GoddardSchool.com or call 801-435-3905.

Entrepreneurs interested in learning more about franchise opportunities can visit GoddardSchoolFranchise.com.

ABOUT THE GODDARD SCHOOL®

Learning for fun. Learning for life.®

For 38 years, The Goddard School has nurtured the extraordinary in every child, providing a warm, caring and safe environment that supports their individual social, emotional and academic development, appreciates their unique talents and personalities, and fosters skills they need for long-term success in school and in life.

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 is backed by expert knowledge, data-driven insight and unwavering compassion for growing minds, encouraging children to explore their curiosities and interests as they discover the joy—and wonder—of learning. The Goddard School serves almost 100,000 students from six weeks to six years old in 38 states and Washington, D.C. To learn more about The Goddard School, please visit GoddardSchool.com.