The Goddard School stands as a beacon of quality early childhood education, under the visionary leadership of Rosita Hardy. Driven by a passion for nurturing young minds, she has built a learning environment that prioritizes the holistic development of each child, ensuring they are prepared for the future with confidence and curiosity.
Hardy, an immigrant from Finland, came to the U.S. as a child and was raised in San Francisco. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degrees in sociology and psychology at UCLA and came to Indiana when she learned about an opportunity to open a Goddard School on the northside of Indianapolis.
Hardy’s journey into early childhood education was fueled by her deep belief in the importance of a strong foundation during a child’s formative years. “My passion for early childhood education has been the driving force behind my career,” she shares.
This commitment led her to open The Goddard School of Geist, where she could implement a philosophy that resonates with her values, nurturing each child’s individual development through inquiry-based learning. This approach focuses not just on academic growth, but on the social and emotional development that is crucial during early childhood.
Recognizing a need in the community for high-quality early childhood education, she was determined to bring The Goddard School’s esteemed educational experience to the area. “With such a need in the community, I’m proud to offer the Goddard experience,” she says.
One of the key elements that sets The Goddard School of Geist apart from other early childhood education centers is its exclusive curriculum, Wonder of Learning. This program builds on The Goddard School’s 36-year experience of child-centered, play-based learning, introducing a cutting-edge curriculum that embraces how children learn best – through their innate curiosity.
The Wonder of Learning curriculum was developed collaboratively by Goddard’s in-house education team and an educational advisory board, comprised of a diversely skilled group of educators, physicians and early childhood experts. These teams were led under the leadership of Chief Academic Officer Dr. Lauren Loquasto, and designed to integrate a holistic approach to education – building in assessments of academic and social-emotional progress, family communication, as well as resources, training and support for faculty.
Providing a quality, fun learning environment is of the upmost importance to Hardy and her team at The Goddard School of Geist.
“Ensuring a high-quality, nurturing environment at our Goddard School is at the heart of everything we do,” explains Hardy. “Our focus is and continues to be creating a safe, warm and welcoming environment for our students to feel valued.”
The Goddard School carefully selects teachers who are not only highly qualified, but also genuinely passionate about our children and their education. The school also prioritizes parental involvement in their approach. Teachers maintain open lines of communication with families to ensure that the child’s needs are met both at school and at home.
As The Goddard School of Geist looks to the future, Hardy’s goals remain focused on continuous improvement and inclusivity.
“We’ve been open for 22 years and our primary goal is to keep improving the quality of education we provide,” she says.
Hardy and her team are committed to fostering a culture of respect, kindness and inclusion, ensuring that every child feels welcome and valued.
Under Hardy’s guidance, The Goddard School of Geist continues to be a cornerstone of early childhood education in the Geist community, nurturing young minds and preparing them for a bright future.
The Goddard School of Geist is located on 10925 Cork Place in Indianapolis. For more information on their education, programming and teachers, call 317-826-7522 or visit their website and schedule a tour today.
