WESTPORT–Out of over 640 Goddard schools from coast to coast, the Goddard School of Westport was recognized for excellence and named to the 2025 Circle of Excellence and President’s Club.

Goddard schools nationwide earn the Circle of Excellence award for excellence in education, family experience, and performance. Fewer than five percent of Goddard schools earn this recognition.

The Goddard School of Westport educates children from birth through pre-K. Ken and Kristen Bodenstein opened the school in 2019.

The award “recognizes extraordinary franchisees, and educators who commit to nurturing young learners and supporting families and strengthening communities through the highest quality early childhood education,” Ms. Bodenstein said.

“We saw the difference that high-quality year-round childcare has made in preparing our own children for school in life,” Bodenstein added. “We always wanted to be small business owners who could make a difference in our community. We knew in Westport there was great demand for high-quality full-day year-round care, and by opening a Goddard school, that was an opportunity for us to bring this to the community.”

With the success of the Westport location, the couple said they will open a Darien location in the near future – aimed at continuing the same goals enshrined in Goddard’s principles.

“Earning a place in the 2025 Goddard School Circle of Excellence and President’s Club is a remarkable achievement,”  Goddard Systems CEO Darin Harris said in a statement. “It is a privilege to recognize and celebrate these exemplary schools and their dedicated franchisees and educators. They exemplify The Goddard School’s commitment to nurturing young learners, supporting families and strengthening communities through the highest-quality early childhood education.” 

The Goddard School of Westport