Recognition of Excellence · Tampa, FL · 2026

The Goddard School of South Tampa

2401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609
https://www.goddardschool.com/schools/fl/tampa/south-tampa
🏆 Ranked #8 in Tampa · 8.0 / 10 overall
Awards Earned
Top 100 in Florida
Top 100 in Florida
Among the top 100 childcare centers statewide — a distinction earned by fewer than 1% of licensed centers across Florida.
 Top 10 in Tampa
Top 10 in Tampa
Ranked among the top 10 childcare centers in Tampa.
 Best Curriculum
Best Curriculum
Earned the highest curriculum score in Tampa. This dimension evaluates structured learning, developmental programming, and school-readiness preparation.
 Best Extracurriculars
Best Extracurriculars
Earned the highest extracurricular score in Tampa. Covers enrichment — languages, STEM, yoga, cooking, field trips, and more.
Full Ranking Detail
childcarepreschool

The Goddard School of South Tampa is a premium, dual-accredited preschool serving infants (6 weeks) through Pre-K at 2401 W Kennedy Boulevard in South Tampa. With Cognia accreditation with merit and NAEYC recognition, strong credentials among its faculty (many with 15–20+ years experience), and a research-based Wonder of Learning curriculum spanning eight learning domains, the center delivers substantial educational rigor. Facilities include a basketball court, indoor gymnasium, and multi-floor playgrounds; enrichment offerings span American Sign Language, chess, engineering, yoga, and world cultures. The center's large capacity (348 children) and premium franchise pricing reflect its scale and market positioning as one of Tampa's highest-rated preschools, though prospective families seeking a more intimate setting or lower cost may explore alternatives.

Safety8.0
Curriculum9.0
Art / Music8.0
Infant care8.0
Kindergarten readiness8.0
Teacher quality8.0
Compassion7.0
Management8.0
Culture8.0
Class sizes7.0
Extracurriculars9.0

What parents say

“The education our boys are receiving at Goddard of South Tampa exemplifies the Goddard name and program.”
“We've absolutely loved every second of our experience with the Goddard school of south Tampa.”
“The staff and teachers are loving and caring. We are greeted every day, well informed on our children's development.”
“Everyone in the school knows my daughter personally and goes out of their way to make her special.”

Programs & curriculum

Curriculum & approach: Uses the Wonder of Learning curriculum, described as research-based and designed by early childhood development experts to encourage children's natural curiosity and exploration.

Programs & activities: Programs include American Sign Language, basketball, chess, engineering, handwriting, learning technologies, music appreciation, nutrition, outdoor classroom, physical fitness, yoga and mindfulness, sports and fitness, world cultures study, and after-school programs.

What sets it apart: COGNIA Accredited with Merit. Features include air filtration systems, key fob security access, and Zono health monitoring; open 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM Monday-Friday; serves infants through kindergarten.

Recognition of Excellence — Website Badge
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Top 100 in Florida
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: The Goddard School of South Tampa --> <a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/florida/major-cities/tampa/the-goddard-school-of-south-tampa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"> <img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/rank-100-state.jpg" alt="Top 100 in Florida - The Goddard School of South Tampa - Tampa, FL" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy"> <span> <strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Top 100 in Florida</strong> <span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Among the top 100 childcare centers statewide — a distinction earned by fewer than 1% of licensed centers across Florida.</span> </span> </a>
Top 10 in Tampa
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: The Goddard School of South Tampa --> <a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/florida/major-cities/tampa/the-goddard-school-of-south-tampa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"> <img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/rank-10-city.jpg" alt="Top 10 in Tampa - The Goddard School of South Tampa - Tampa, FL" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy"> <span> <strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Top 10 in Tampa</strong> <span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Ranked among the top 10 childcare centers in Tampa.</span> </span> </a>
Best Curriculum
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: The Goddard School of South Tampa --> <a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/florida/major-cities/tampa/the-goddard-school-of-south-tampa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"> <img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-curriculum.jpg" alt="Best Curriculum - The Goddard School of South Tampa - Tampa, FL" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy"> <span> <strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best Curriculum</strong> <span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest curriculum score in Tampa. This dimension evaluates structured learning, developmental programming, and school-readiness preparation.</span> </span> </a>
Best Extracurriculars
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: The Goddard School of South Tampa --> <a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/florida/major-cities/tampa/the-goddard-school-of-south-tampa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"> <img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-extra.jpg" alt="Best Extracurriculars - The Goddard School of South Tampa - Tampa, FL" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy"> <span> <strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best Extracurriculars</strong> <span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest extracurricular score in Tampa. Covers enrichment — languages, STEM, yoga, cooking, field trips, and more.</span> </span> </a>

Updated · July 2026

This recognition is awarded independently by Creative Minds Montessori based on publicly available parent reviews and public records. Centers do not pay for or request these rankings. Scores reflect editorial synthesis of verified parent experience — not center marketing materials. Rankings are updated periodically as new reviews are analyzed.

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