Having two daughters changed the trajectory of Alex Nolte’s life.
“The first 1,000 days of a child’s life is crucial to their development,” Nolte shares, “and I want to help them achieve their max potential.”
Nolte acknowledges the pivotal moment that led her to transition from a ten-year career in aerospace to early childhood education. Determined to set up her children for success, she purchased The Goddard School in West Chester and made it her own.
"I observed coworkers struggling to find quality education for their children,” she explains. “When I couldn’t find it, I decided to create it."
The transition from aerospace engineer to business owner, however, presented roadblocks Nolte hadn’t foreseen.
She reflects, “I’ve encountered pushback with respect to funding, my age and people believing in me. But I have a pretty strong personality and always work hard to achieve my goals.”
For women aspiring to start and manage their own businesses, especially in traditionally male-dominated sectors, Nolte offers valuable advice.
"The first advice I would give is to believe in themselves," she shares. "Work hard and visualize both immediate and long-term goals, creating a path to achieve them. It’s important to have a mission that aligns with your beliefs because that helps you to push through during tough times."
Her determination to persevere resulted in the West Chester Goddard School being honored with the 2023 Brand Ambassador Award, distinguishing it as one of only four franchises selected from 600 Goddard Schools nationwide.
The Goddard School emphasizes a passion for education, a value Nolte personally infuses into the school's ethos. With her background in engineering, she prioritizes introducing STEM resources for teachers to utilize with the children.
"Setting a strong foundation for future success in and out of the classroom is crucial," she says.
The school prioritizes the quality of its teachers, ensuring all lead teachers have degrees in early childhood education.
“We love to promote from within,” Nolte adds, “and provide training as well as financial assistance for assistants that want to become teachers.”
For the staff of 25, Directors Katie Guldner, Teresa Bergen and Angela Jones oversee lesson plans and curriculum development, ensuring each child receives individualized, age-appropriate attention and support. With 160 students ranging from infants to age 10, the school offers daytime and after-school programs.
The Goddard School extends beyond the traditional curriculum, introducing children to Spanish and sign language starting in infancy, and later, yoga and chess.
“Chess exercises both sides of the brain,” Nolte explains excitedly. “In a game, the left analytical side of the brain looks for the next logical move, while the right creative side seeks out patterns and new possibilities. The game boosts both intelligence and creativity. The children learn chess by reading stories about each of the pieces, making it easier for them to remember.”
Exciting developments are on the horizon for The Goddard School as it introduces The Wonder of Learning™ Curriculum. This research-driven, inquiry-based approach to learning complements the play-based experiences Goddard is known for, nurturing a child’s natural curiosity and helping them learn about themselves and the world around them. Nolte is enthusiastic about the program's invitation for parents to extend learning at home.
The Goddard School plays a vital role during the summer, offering a diverse range of activities. From May 28 to August 15, their summer camps offer arts and crafts, sports, robotics, coding, literature, science and more. Campers benefit from structured activities aligned with educational guidelines to facilitate a smooth transition back to school in August.
From fundraising for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to volunteering for underserved communities, Nolte emphasizes the importance of fostering empathy and compassion in the children under Goddard’s care.
“I have always believed that giving back enriches your life and helps you grow as a person,” she says.
From aerospace to education, Nolte's unique journey underscores the significance of pursuing one's passion and making a difference. Her dedication to providing quality early childhood education has not only transformed her own life but has also enriched the lives of countless children and families within the community. As The Goddard School continues to thrive under her leadership, Nolte remains committed to nurturing future generations and empowering women in business.
The Goddard School of West Chester/Hamilton
7739 Princeton-Glendale Road, West Chester
GoddardSchool.com/schools/oh/west-chester/west-chester-hamilton
513.860.1500
"I observed coworkers struggling to find quality education for their children. When I couldn’t find it, I decided to create it."
