Education and schools expand into the West Valley, becoming a hub

Posted on 09. Mar, 2010 by Karen in Latest Dirt

Despite (or maybe because of) the existing job market, education is on the rise and enrollment continues to climb. More and more people are going back to school to help get them a better job in hopes to make their future brighter.  Job seekers are finding themselves in the midst of a much more dense sea of competition, all vying for the same positions.  The current job market and economy have put pressure on the stay-at-home mom and/or dad.  If a stay-at-home mom or dad is lucky enough to land a job in this market then that usually means that the parents are faced with arguably one of the toughest decision of all:  What to do with the child (or children).

Education and schools are becoming a big part of commercial space absorption here in the west valley.  These large facilities help create fewer vacancies throughout the market, and increase job opportunities.  Both these key factors are what we want to continue to see out in the west valley, and schools at all levels are recognizing that need.  Therefore, the moves are happening.

One of the latest to expand into the west valley and call it their new home is The Goddard School.  In fact, two separate Goddard Schools opened over the summer, one at Thomas Road (across the street from Estrella Mountain Community College) in Goodyear, and the other located in the community of Verrado in Buckeye.

At The Goddard School, children from the ages of 6 weeks to 6 years old are encouraged to develop at their own pace in a nurturing environment supported by a team of dedicated teachers. The program enhances children’s emotional, social, intellectual and physical development.

In Goodyear, The Goddard School is creating quite the buzz from the local community and facilities around it. “The Goddard School in Goodyear has helped connect the dotted lines….we have YMCA, the Community College, and a church all on the same block along with several residential communities. Having something for the parents and children coupled with the quality education is exactly what we needed on this high energy road and is sure to be a spark for other commercial activity in the area” said Ashley Ulinger with Don Bennett & Associates.

Kimberly Hoody and JoEllen Johnson, the owners of The Goddard School in Goodyear, decided on this location  because of the lack of options available for children as well as the reputation of the area.  According to Hoody,“There was a definite need for a higher standard in early education, in creating an environment to establish the lifelong love of learning that remains alive in the child.  Also, the feedback we heard about the area and the local businesses was impressive.  The business community has been extremely supportive, willing to help in any way.”

But these are not your typical franchise owners by any stretch.  They are onsite everyday, they have their own children in the school and they hold themselves and their teachers to a higher standard.  “We require higher credentials from our teachers than what the state requires. Additionally, we feel it is imperative that each child receives individual attention so our ratios are lower resulting in smaller class sizes.” says Hoody.

Hopefully, the west valley will continue its drive to provide quality educational outlets for all ages.  The results are extremely favorable both to the individual and to the community.  It all starts at an early age.

(For more information on commercial real estate investments, leasing or development contact Don Bennett Partners at 623.935.1111.  For information on The Goddard School in Goodyear call 623.536.8185)

By Todd Kinney, Don Bennett Partners