Third Lake (Gurnee/ Grayslake) Reviews & Recognition

The love and commitment of our Goddard families inspires us every day. To help make each child’s learning experiences the best they can be, we are always happy to listen when parents share their expectations. Here’s what our families have to say.

  • Everyone from the teachers to the ownership actually care about our children and put them first. They have great resources to communicate with parents and overall are all wonderful people.

    Lila & Treyson's Father

    Preschool Classroom

  • We have been thru a number of daycares throughout our daughters first five years, and we are tremendously grateful to have finally ended up at Goddard. The teachers seem to truly love what they do, and are tremendously engaged in the development of the children in their rooms. The staff is always helpful and friendly, and the overall communication has been second to none!

    Layla & Lukas's Father

    Toddler Classroom

  • Great teachers and staff that have done an outstanding job teaching my child and making his first experience with school extremely positive.

    Vincent's Father

    Toddler Classroom

  • We love the teachers in each class room. Our children have been very happy at Goddard and look forward to school!

    Emeric & Indigo & Zerreni's Father

    Infant Classroom

HUMANITARIAN AWARD

The Humanitarian Award honors a School that ‘does well by doing good.’ This award is given to the school that has demonstrated selfless devotion to serving those in need and demonstrates a commitment to community outreach. This award recognizes the life-enriching programs the School has participated in and positive contributions the School has made through community outreach endeavors.

February 2024 - February 2025

READER'S CHOICE - DAILY HERALD

This award recognizes the best in the Chicagoland area as voted by the readers of the Daily Herald.

January 2017 - January 2023

BERNIE’S BOOK BANK

Bernie’s Book Bank collects, processes and distributes quality new and gently used children’s books to significantly increase book ownership among at-risk infants, toddlers and school-age children throughout Chicagoland.

January 2017 - January 2023

WIND POWER

Renewable energy credits (RECs) received through Renewable Choice Energy help to reduce our environmental footprint in the area of electricity consumption.

January 2020 - January 2022

EXCELERATE ILLINOIS - GOLD CIRCLE

LICENSED

ExceleRate Illinois recognizes a program's commitment to quality beyond the basic state licensing requirements based on a set of standards in four domains: Teaching and Learning, Family and Community Engagement, Leadership and Management, and Qualifications and Continuing Education.

February 2018 - January 2019

CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE FOR EDUCATION

The Circle of Excellence Award for Education acknowledges Goddard Schools that provide the highest-quality and most consistent educational programs in every classroom. To be considered for the award, each School must earn one of the top two ratings of its state’s licensing program, become accredited by at least one of the four primary accreditors or achieve P21 (Partnership for 21st Century Learning) Exemplar status. Schools that earn this award represent some of the top education programs in our system.

January 2018 - January 2019

THE BOOK OF GOLDEN DEEDS

The National Exchange Club’s longest running project, the Book of Golden Deeds Award, recognizes dedicated volunteers who give endless hours of their time and talents toward making their communities better places to live.

January 2017 - January 2018

HUMANITARIAN AWARD

The Humanitarian Award honors a School that ‘does well by doing good.’ This award is given to the school that has demonstrated selfless devotion to serving those in need and demonstrates a commitment to community outreach. This award recognizes the life-enriching programs the School has participated in and positive contributions the School has made through community outreach endeavors.

January 2016 - January 2017

CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE

The Circle of Excellence Award recognizes franchisees for elevating the Goddard School brand, reputation and business performance through outstanding achievements in education and operational delivery. The Circle of Excellence program represents the very best of the system and reflects Goddard’s mission and values.

January 2015 - January 2016

MARKET OF EXCELLENCE

The Market of Excellence Award is presented annually and acknowledges a market that has demonstrated the best collaborative effort in representing The Goddard School in their community.

January 2014 - January 2015

LEADERSHIP AWARD

The Leadership Award recognizes the top franchisee or franchisees based on their leadership and their mentoring of fellow franchisees. These franchisees demonstrate an unwavering belief in the Goddard system.

January 2014 - January 2015

QUALITY ASSURANCE

The Quality Assurance Award is presented to the Goddard School with the highest average QA score.

January 2013 - January 2014

HEALTH & SAFETY AWARD

The Health & Safety Award honors the top franchisee or franchisees who have gone above and beyond to provide the highest health and safety standards for the children.

January 2013 - January 2014

CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE

The Circle of Excellence Award recognizes franchisees for elevating the Goddard School brand, reputation and business performance through outstanding achievements in education and operational delivery. The Circle of Excellence program represents the very best of the system and reflects Goddard’s mission and values.

January 2011 - January 2012

CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE PRESIDENT’S CLUB

The Circle of Excellence President’s Club Award recognizes franchisees that meet the highest standards set by Goddard Systems in the areas of health and safety, curriculum, overall quality, punctual reporting and business operations. Eligibility is limited to franchisees that achieved the highest level of excellence, scoring in the top ten percent in each category.

January 2010 - January 2011

BRUCE FORD MEMORIAL AWARD

The Bruce Ford Memorial Award was established in memory of New Jersey franchisee, Bruce Ford, and recognizes the franchisee whose generous spirit sets them apart. Through their actions, they demonstrate outstanding contribution to the community, unselfish support of fellow franchisees and an unwavering belief in the Goddard system. This is a peer-nominated award.

January 2008 - January 2009

CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE

The Circle of Excellence Award recognizes franchisees for elevating the Goddard School brand, reputation and business performance through outstanding achievements in education and operational delivery. The Circle of Excellence program represents the very best of the system and reflects Goddard’s mission and values.

January 2007 - January 2009

PROGRAM ENHANCEMENT AWARD

The Program Enhancement Award recognizes Goddard Schools that integrated nine or more Goddard resources into the curriculum.

January 2007 - January 2008

OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE

The Outstanding Customer Service Award is determined through Mystery Callers, Mystery Shoppers, Parent Surveys and Parent Concern Calls.

January 2007 - January 2008