Nashville, October 14, 2025

News Summary

The Goddard School of Nashville Yards has officially opened its first downtown location. Spanning 20,000 square feet, the school features 16 classrooms catering to around 250 children aged six weeks to six years. This expansion adds 50 teaching jobs to the local community and incorporates train-themed design elements, flexible play areas, and a state-of-the-art educational program. The franchisees aim to address the demand for quality childcare in Nashville, making a significant contribution to early childhood education in the region.

Nashville

The Goddard School of Nashville Yards has officially opened its doors, marking its first location in downtown Nashville. This new center is significant as it becomes the sixth school operated by franchisees Leisa Byars and Del McSpadden, who already manage five other Goddard Schools in the Middle Tennessee area.

Spanning a notable 20,000 square foot facility, the Goddard School at Nashville Yards features 16 classrooms that are specifically designed to educate and care for approximately 250 children aged six weeks to six years. This expansion not only bolsters educational options in the area but also generates 50 new teaching jobs for the local community.

Conveniently located adjacent to the Pinnacle Tower at 191 10th Ave. N, the new Goddard School is designed to be a safe and nurturing environment for families. Byars expressed enthusiasm about the center’s location and its potential to meet the childcare needs of the downtown community. The school incorporates flexible indoor and outdoor play areas alongside state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring children have varied opportunities for development and play.

To honor the site’s history as a former rail yard, the school features unique train-themed design elements. Furthermore, to promote health and safety, hospital-grade sanitization equipment is installed throughout the facility. BELL Construction served as the general contractor for the project, bringing the vision of this early childhood education center to life.

After a decade-long search for a downtown location, Byars and McSpadden partnered with Southwest Value Partners (SWVP) to bring this educational facility to fruition. Recognizing a significant need for quality childcare, SWVP included early education space in the master plan for Nashville Yards. Cary Mack, the managing partner of SWVP, acknowledged the importance of accommodating families and workers seeking dependable childcare solutions.

The Goddard School employs an inquiry-based education program called the Wonder of Learning®, which centers around children’s natural curiosity. The program features a curriculum developed by a diverse team, including educators and early childhood experts, and includes assessments for academic and social-emotional progress. Additionally, the Goddard School fosters family communication through a proprietary app that aids in connecting parents with their children’s education.

Incorporating STEAM enrichment activities such as yoga, art, music, and outdoor play, the curriculum is designed to ensure a well-rounded educational experience. The demand for preschool and daycare services in Nashville is high, with significant waitlists reported, leaving some parents struggling to secure spots for their children. Many families have encountered waitlists that last years, highlighting the increasing need for early childhood education options in the region.

The Goddard School is part of a nationwide network, with services available across 37 states and Washington D.C., currently enrolling nearly 100,000 students aged six and under. This new branch aims to alleviate some of the childcare pressures faced by the Nashville community while providing high-quality education to its youngest residents.

Key Features of the Goddard School of Nashville Yards

• 20,000 square foot facility
• 16 classrooms for approximately 250 children
• Age range: 6 weeks to 6 years
• 50 new teaching jobs
• Flexible indoor and outdoor play areas
• Train-themed design elements
• Hospital-grade sanitization equipment
• Part of a nationwide network with nearly 100,000 students enrolled

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Additional Resources

• City Now Next: The Goddard School Opens 20,000 SF Center at Nashville Yards
• Wikipedia: Nashville
• WSMV: New Goddard School Nashville Yards Opens
• Google Search: Goddard School
• WKRN: Goddard School Opens Downtown Nashville
• Google Scholar: Early Childhood Education
• WSMV Video: Goddard School Nashville Yards Opens
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Preschool
• City Now Next: The Goddard School Announces New Location
• Google News: Childcare in Nashville

Author: HERE Nashville

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