Day care center · Auburn Hills, MI · reviewed since 2023
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%89+61.6Reliability 31%82+25.2Momentum penalty61−3.9Experts Score= 83Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.83SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#35 of 80 daycare centersiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 57%
4.9★★★★★51 Google reviews · 24 photos
98%five-star reviews
4.56★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
2.8%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
The Goddard School of Clarkston holds a 4.9 out of 5 rating from 51 reviews, with the owner responding to 84% of them. Reviewers frequently praise the facility’s cleanliness, the caring staff, and the structured curriculum that supports child development. Parents also highlight consistent daily communication and updates regarding their children’s activities. One low-star review expresses disappointment with the school's ability to meet specific social needs for a child, though this isolated criticism contrasts with the overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding care and environment.
Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 51 reviews (98% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 51 Google reviews (44 with written comments, 1 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 84% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 8, 2026.
Service: Daycare Center serving Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Data from Google, last updated October 31, 2026.
Score profile vs other daycare centers
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: satisfaction and reliability; weakest: momentum.
This companyDaycare Centers median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.The Goddard School of Clarkston: 89/100 on this factor. Category median: 83.A
89
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.The Goddard School of Clarkston: 82/100 on this factor. Category median: 76.A
82
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 99.–
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ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 94.–
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MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.The Goddard School of Clarkston: 61/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.B
61
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 44.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
51 Google reviews we collected
4.9of 5
5 stars5098%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star12%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 44 written reviews
94%praise
Praise4694%
Complaints36%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
6topics
Staff & attitude2041%
Would recommend1122%
Communication714%
Quality & results510%
Honesty & trust510%
Speed & response12%
What customers talk about
We read 44 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“The teachers have been incredibly caring and supportive.”
“We are beyond grateful and would highly recommend it to any parent looking for a safe and enriching place for their little one!”
“Great staff, excellent communication with parents, safety for the kids is their top priority and the facility is CLEAN!”
“The school also does a wonderful job bridging home and school, making families feel respected, included, and supported.”
“This is an awesome school where the administration and teachers genuinely care about both learning and the children as individuals.”
People customers mention
Heidi6 reviews
Marie3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired The Goddard School of Clarkston for 1 kind of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
PPing10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
We toured several daycares before choosing The Goddard School of Clarkston, and we’ve been very happy with our decision. The school is always very clean, and the infant room is spacious and well organized. The teachers have been incredibly caring and supportive. Our son is always happy to go to school, has developed…
Reasonable price
OOlivia3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
We have loved the Goddard School! From Heidi to the entire staff, we feel very welcomed and loved on. Our son loves the teachers and his new friends and is excited to go to school. They follow a great curriculum and prioritize getting outside. The building is in amazing condition - from the scent to the cleanliness. I would highly recommend.
Reasonable priceEducational services
JJenna6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★★★★
Everyone is so kind and has taken such great care of my son!! We love Goddard Clarkston!!
FFrankLocal Guide · 71 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 7 months ago★★★★★
We love the Goddard school for our son! Our son has been here since 3 months and they take such great care of him.
Nnjenkins2Local Guide · 11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 8 months ago★★★★★
This is an awesome school where the administration and teachers genuinely care about both learning and the children as individuals. The classrooms are clean, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed to help children feel comfortable and excited about school. The teachers are creative and intentional in the way they…
Educational services
IInayat12 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 10 months ago★★★★★
We absolutely loved our time at Goddard. Heidi and the teachers who took care of our daughter, including Miss Marie, Miss McKenzie and Miss Heather were absolutely phenomenal. The facility is amazing and very clean. The teachers truly care about the kiddos and our daughter always had the best day there :)…
We toured several daycares before choosing The Goddard School of Clarkston, and we’ve been very happy with our decision. The school is always very clean, and the infant room is spacious and well organized. The teachers have been incredibly caring and supportive. Our son is always happy to go to school, has developed so much, and has built wonderful relationships with his teachers and little friends. He is now transitioning to the toddler room, and we really appreciate how thoughtful and gradual the transition process has been. Highly recommend it!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Age group: Infant (under 1 yrs), Toddler (1–2 yrs)
Hello Ping, thank you for your wonderful feedback! It's great to know that your son is happy and developing strong relationships here. We appreciate your trust in us and are committed to maintaining a nurturing environment for all our students.
O
Olivia Zarndt3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Olivia has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We have loved the Goddard School! From Heidi to the entire staff, we feel very welcomed and loved on. Our son loves the teachers and his new friends and is excited to go to school. They follow a great curriculum and prioritize getting outside. The building is in amazing condition - from the scent to the cleanliness. I would highly recommend.
Olivia, it's wonderful to hear that your family feels welcomed and that your son loves his time at school. We take pride in our curriculum and maintaining a clean, inviting space. Thank you for your kind recommendation!
J
Jenna Mellerowicz6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jenna has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Everyone is so kind and has taken such great care of my son!! We love Goddard Clarkston!!
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Hello Jenna, we're so pleased to know that you and your son have had a positive experience with us at The Goddard School of Clarkston. Our team is committed to kindness and care. Thank you for being a part of our community!
A
Amanda Humelsine4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Amanda has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
My husband and I were extremely disappointed with our experience. We spent significant time researching and touring multiple schools before choosing this one for our three-year-old daughter because we were looking for a positive environment where she could gain more social interaction.
During our tour and initial conversations, we were very transparent that our daughter may need a little extra support with speech and comprehension. We specifically brought this up because we wanted to ensure the school would be a good fit before enrolling. At orientation, she was also able to spend some time in the classroom while we completed paperwork, which gave us confidence moving forward.
Unfortunately, our experience quickly changed. Our daughter attended for a total of only about 12 hours before we received a call from the director informing us that the program was “not a good fit” and that they could not accommodate the level of support she needed.
As parents, we were heartbroken and honestly shocked by how quickly this decision was made. This was our daughter’s first time ever in a group care setting, and like many children her age, we expected there would naturally be an adjustment period. To make such a definitive decision after such a short amount of time felt incredibly discouraging and dismissive.
We fully understand that every school has limitations. However, the lack of patience and willingness to allow even a brief adjustment period was extremely disappointing, especially from an early childhood education center that promotes developmental support.
If your child has any type of speech delay or may require a little extra guidance or patience while adjusting, I would strongly recommend having detailed conversations about what support the school is truly able and willing to provide before enrolling.
Our hope in sharing this experience is simply that other parents can make a fully informed decision before committing to this program.
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Amanda, we are saddened to receive this review. As an organization dedicated entirely to serving and caring for children, the health and safety of everyone in our care is our number one priority. We ensure respect for the individual needs of every child and provide a warm and nurturing atmosphere in a safe setting for everyone that comes through our doors. While there are other elements to this review that we do not need to address publicly, we encourage anyone with questions about our school to call us at 248-605-0415.
F
Frank SirwaitisLocal Guide · 71 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Frank has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We love the Goddard school for our son! Our son has been here since 3 months and they take such great care of him.
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Hi Frank, we're grateful for your kind words about The Goddard School of Clarkston. It's wonderful to know your son is thriving with us. Our commitment to social-emotional development and inquiry-based learning is central to our approach. Thank you for being a part of our community.
N
njenkins2Local Guide · 11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews njenkins2 has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
This is an awesome school where the administration and teachers genuinely care about both learning and the children as individuals. The classrooms are clean, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed to help children feel comfortable and excited about school. The teachers are creative and intentional in the way they teach, using innovative activities that help children build confidence and develop new skills. I’ve seen firsthand how clear instruction, patience, and consistency have helped my child grow and truly enjoy learning. The school also does a wonderful job bridging home and school, making families feel respected, included, and supported. You can feel the care, dedication, and commitment to quality education throughout the entire school.
Services: Educational services
Response from the owner · 8 months ago
Hello, we appreciate your thoughtful review! It's rewarding to know that our dedication to quality education and a supportive community is making a difference. Thank you for recognizing our efforts in fostering a positive learning environment.
I
Inayat Gill12 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Inayat has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We absolutely loved our time at Goddard. Heidi and the teachers who took care of our daughter, including Miss Marie, Miss McKenzie and Miss Heather were absolutely phenomenal. The facility is amazing and very clean. The teachers truly care about the kiddos and our daughter always had the best day there :) Unfortunately, we had to relocate due to location else would not be leaving here. Will miss everyone. Highly recommend! If we ever relocate we will definitely be back!
Response from the owner · 9 months ago
Hello Inayat, it's touching to hear about your experience with our team and facility. We appreciate your recommendation and wish you the best in your new location. Thank you for being a part of our community and we will miss you!
T
tengoindiamikeLocal Guide · 75 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews tengoindiamike has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Our sweet little Penelope has been going here since last February and we love it! It is such a nice and clean facility and the staff are amazing. Shoutout to Heidi, Marie, Mackenzie, Jessica, Lexi, Sharon, and any others I may have missed! Y'all are great
Tim & Michelle
Response from the owner · 11 months ago
Thank you, Tim and Michelle, for sharing your wonderful experience with The Goddard School of Clarkston! We're thrilled to hear that Penelope is thriving in our clean and welcoming environment. Our dedicated team, including Heidi, Marie, Mackenzie, Jessica, Lexi, and Sharon, truly appreciates your kind words. We truly appreciate your support and are so glad to have you as part of our Goddard family.
K
Kim5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kim has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Our son has been attending The Goddard School for almost 2 years now! He absolutely loves it. Staff keep us updated throughout the day with photos of all their fun activities. The students get plenty of outdoor time when the weather permits. They also have an indoor gym when the weather doesn’t. He has learned so much in his time at Goddard - socially, emotionally and educationally. Every time he has transitioned to another classroom, the staff has handled the transition with such care to ensure he is comfortable. We have no complaints and truly appreciate all of the wonderful, caring teachers and staff at Goddard!
Response from the owner · a year ago
Kim, we're so grateful for your kind words about The Goddard School of Clarkston. It's heartening to know that your son is enjoying his time with us and that you value the efforts of our staff in providing a nurturing and engaging environment. We're committed to supporting each child's unique development journey. Thank you for being a part of our Goddard family.
M
Maria Kesto3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Maria has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Great staff, excellent communication with parents, safety for the kids is their top priority and the facility is CLEAN!
Response from the owner · a year ago
Maria, thank you for your 5-star rating and for recognizing the extraordinary efforts of our staff at The Goddard School - Clarkston. We take pride in nurturing a safe, clean, and communicative environment that fosters confidence and a sense of belonging for every child. We truly appreciate your support and are so glad to have you as part of our Goddard family. 💙
