Developer Southwest Value Partners announced an agreement to open The Goddard School®, a nationally acclaimed early childhood education provider, at Nashville Yards. The Goddard School space is constructed as a part of the podium, which also includes the garage and retail space in the base of the new Pinnacle Office Tower. It is located at the far north end of the podium fronting 10th Avenue North.
The Goddard School of Nashville Yards will be owned and operated by Leisa Byars and her husband, Del McSpadden. The Brentwood-based couple own and operate four other Goddard School locations in Middle Tennessee. Since opening their first school in 2010, Byars and McSpadden have been recognized by local civic organizations and have earned The Goddard School’s national franchisor awards for their quality of education and care, and service to the community.
The 20,000-square-foot facility will span two levels and feature 15 classrooms, flexible indoor and outdoor play areas, state-of-the-art equipment, and train-themed design elements in celebration of the site’s history as a rail yard.
“At The Goddard School, we are committed to providing the best possible environment for the education, development, and safety of young children, preparing them for school and for life,” said Byars. “We also know just how important convenience is for working families. I can’t think of a better place to be than in Nashville Yards, close to so many major employers and residences, and serving the urban core.”
“High-quality childcare is a critical component of the healthy and comfortable environment we are building at Nashville Yards,” said Southwest Value Partners managing partner Cary Mack. “Leisa, Del, and The Goddard School are the perfect partners; their commitment to the community and track record of success across Middle Tennessee is inspiring, and we share a common commitment to safety, health, and wellness.”
“Providing our people with reliable, convenient childcare was a primary consideration in our office relocation. We are thrilled to see it so thoughtfully incorporated into the design and development of Nashville Yards,” added Todd Rolapp, managing partner of Bass, Berry & Sims, which is moving its headquarters to Nashville Yards.
“Leisa and Del are talented and experienced educators and franchisees, and true ambassadors of Goddard and our mission to make the world a better place through early childhood education,” said Dennis Maple, Chairman and CEO, Goddard Systems, LLC. “We are thrilled to see them bring a new school to Nashville Yards where they will offer Goddard’s premier education to Nashville children in a safe and nurturing environment.”
The play-based learning experience offered at The Goddard School uses the most current, academically endorsed methods in early childhood education to teach skills children need to be successful in school and in life. Children can explore and discover music and art, learn how to communicate using sign language and secondary languages, and develop problem solving skills through play.
The Goddard School serves more than 75,000 students from six weeks to six years old in more than 600 Goddard Schools in 37 states and Washington, D.C. The Goddard School of Nashville Yards will be the 11th Goddard School location in Tennessee. The Goddard School of Nashville Yards was represented by Brandon Hoop and Ben Claybaker of NAI Nashville.
The Goddard School of Nashville Yards, set to open in spring 2025, will enroll approximately 250 children from ages six weeks to six years old and add about 50 teaching jobs to the community.To learn more about The Goddard School, visit GoddardSchool.com or call 1-800-GODDARD. To learn more about Nashville Yards, visit www.nashvilleyards.com.
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