The Goddard School is a respected name around Frederick County and its surrounding areas, and for good reason. This special early childhood education program serves local families with children from birth to 12 years of age, and carries with it a certain sense of pride and security that goes along with truly great education. 

Local Owners Jill and John Pelicano started their first Goddard School in 2009. Their love for Goddard began in 2005, when they were looking for a quality program for their own family. They could not locate a program that fit their needs - until they came across the Goddard School, that is. Jill and John enrolled their children and, later, took the leap into franchise ownership. Today, they own and operate three Goddard School locations: two in Urbana and one in New Market. 

“From day one we felt the difference in a Goddard School versus other programs that we had experienced in the past, and immediately knew that this was the direction we wanted to take our family, and a service we wanted to bring to our own community. From there the rest is history,” Jill and John say. 

The Goddard School’s difference lies in its play-based, inquiry-driven curriculum and emphasis on social-emotional development, which fosters a life-long love of learning. Focus is on encouraging curiosity and providing a nurturing environment where children can explore, learn at their own pace, and uncover their true potential. Such foundational growth helps ease students into 21st century learning, and is invaluable in a world where learning technology and educational requirements are constantly changing. 

As a versatile program serving children from the age of birth to 12, the Goddard School provides everything from infant care, toddler development and preschool, and junior kindergarten programs throughout the year. They also provide before and after school care for local schools, and a robust summer camp program for both in-house students and elementary school students through 3rd and 4th grade. 

Having been open for 16+ years with three locations, Jill, John, and their team have celebrated their first students' transitions from preschool through college. They now even have some previous Goddard School students on staff as they earn their Early Childhood Certifications, including their own daughter, Taylor, who comes to Goddard Schools with an Early Childhood Special Education degree and teaching certification in both Alabama and Maryland. Since its inception, the Goddard School has been an extension of the student’s family - and this is just the proof in the pudding!

For families who are curious about whether the Goddard Schools are a good match for them, tours are always available. “Meet the teachers, ask about the curriculum, ask about staff longevity, and ask about family engagement. We encourage all families to come in for a visit, ask questions and to secure their spot to ensure that a space can be secured,” John says. 

Starting this year, one of the local Goddard Schools has become more accessible, as well. Beginning with the 2025 to 2026 school year, John and Jill’s Urbana location on Carriage Hill Drive has been approved as a State-Funded Pre-K Program for all students who qualify. Full qualification details can be received by contacting the school at 

durbanamd@goddardschools.com.

For further details about the amazing early childhood education the Goddard Schools in Urbana and New Market provide to our community, visit goddardschool.com.