New Private School To Open In GA: Here's Where

SMYRNA, GA — Anand Shelat and Shil Madhiwala are bringing a new early childhood education center to a community they have long called home.

The pair have lived in Georgia for the last 20 years, and they have gotten an up close view of Smyrna's growth, Shelat told Patch.

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So, of course, they decided to add to the town's development with The Goddard School of Smyrna. The new private school is being constructed at 944 Concord Road SE.

Though this will be the first Goddard School for franchisees Shelat and Madhiwala, there are a host of other locations in Georgia. All are independently owned and operated, according to the school website.

"We felt Smyrna was the perfect place to open our first school because families here truly value education and have a deep sense of community," Shelat said in a recent interview with Patch. "Smyrna had everything we were looking for. We just wanted to add a little more finger paint, curiosity and joyful learning to the mix."

Thirteen classrooms will fill the school, which will serve about 200 students ranging in age from 6 weeks to 6-years-old.

The Goddard School is inquiry-based with a focus on offering support to students during their early development as they prepare for elementary school, Shelat said.

"We place a strong emphasis on social-emotional learning, communication and building confidence, so children are prepared not only for kindergarten, but for lifelong learning," he said.

It is Shelat and Madhiwala's goal to build more than a school. The purpose extends beyond basic education and stretches into offering support and a connection for children and their parents, Shelat said.

Furthermore, the owners will aim to ensure their teachers are valued.

"We want families to view us as a trusted partner during some of the most important years of their children's development," Shelat said. "In addition to providing a safe and nurturing learning environment, we're proud to be creating new jobs and investing in the local community. Most importantly, we hope to help children develop the confidence, curiosity and foundational skills that will benefit them for years to come."

The nationally-accredited Goddard School is a vehicle toward a lifelong passion for learning and affords students the freedom of exploration, according to the school website.

A facet of the school is its exclusive Wonder of Learning educational program, Shelat said. Through the program, students will be able to "ask questions, explore new ideas and make discoveries about the world around them," he said.

"I think families are increasingly looking for an educational experience that sees each child as an individual," he said. "That's what Wonder of Learning is designed to do. It gives teachers the flexibility to build on children's interests while still ensuring they're developing the skills they'll need for future success."

As of now, Shelat and Madhiwala do not have plans to operate any additional schools, though Shelat said they are open to future opportunities.

Parents may now enroll their children into The Goddard School of Smyrna via the school's website or by calling (678) 505-0050. The center is set to open in the fall.

"We look forward to welcoming families to our Goddard Village," Shelat said.