Goddard School plans first Bluffton location

A new early childhood education center is planned for Bluffton, with The Goddard School set to open its first local campus in the spring of 2027.

The nationally known education franchise marked the project with a groundbreaking ceremony at the future school site at 4 Mott St. in the Washington Square development.

The school will be owned by Liz Scott, who operates five Goddard School locations in Florida. She is partnering with Melanie and Bill Hyatt, who own four Goddard schools in South Carolina, and Scott Sheldon, who owns four schools in Florida.

When completed, the more than 16,000-square-foot facility will include 13 classrooms and serve approximately 245 students ranging in age from 6 weeks to 6 years old. The project is also expected to create more than 40 teaching positions.

Scott said her introduction to The Goddard School came as a parent.

“I first discovered The Goddard School when I enrolled my infant son, and the experience was so meaningful that I was inspired to open my own school to make it available to more families in my community,” Scott said.

She said her experience over the past decade as a school owner has reinforced the value of early childhood education.

“Over the past decade as a Goddard School owner, I’ve seen firsthand how high-quality early childhood education builds a strong academic, social and emotional foundation,” Scott said. “All three of my children attended my school, and they continue to thrive both in the classroom and in extracurricular activities.”

Scott said she looks forward to welcoming Bluffton families when the school opens next year.
According to the company, the new campus will include an outdoor classroom, sports court, turf athletic field, putting green, rock climbing wall and a dedicated STEM room focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Hospital-grade sanitization equipment is also planned for the facility.

Scott, who has a residence in Palmetto Bluff, said she recognized a need for additional early childhood education options in the area through conversations with local parents.
The school’s educational approach centers on Wonder of Learning, an inquiry-based curriculum developed for The Goddard School system. The program is designed around children’s curiosity and includes assessments of academic and social-emotional progress, along with family communication tools delivered through a proprietary app.

Inquiry-based learning encourages children to explore topics, investigate concepts and ask questions while learning about themselves and the world around them.

The groundbreaking ceremony included participation from Bluffton Mayor Larry Toomer, members of the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, business owners from the Washington Square development and the school’s ownership team. A coffee truck provided refreshments for attendees.

Families interested in learning more about The Goddard School or enrollment opportunities should visit GoddardSchool.com.