KING OF PRUSSIA, PA — Goddard Systems LLC has named Arianna Lopez, executive director of The Goddard School of Skokie–Evanston/Wilmette, Illinois, its 2026 Director of the Year, recognizing her oversight of educational standards, accreditation and staff development within the national early childhood education franchise.
The King of Prussia-based company, which manages The Goddard School franchise system, selected Lopez from four finalists based on educational leadership, faculty mentorship, collaboration and professional development.
Lopez has more than 20 years of teaching and leadership experience and joined the Illinois school when it opened in 2016.
During her tenure, the school earned Accreditation+ from the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the highest level in the organization’s tiered accreditation system.
The designation recognizes early childhood education programs that meet advanced standards for educational quality and continuous improvement.
Lopez has also overseen the school’s accreditation renewals and quality assurance processes, including compliance with health and safety requirements.
Her responsibilities extend beyond the Skokie location. According to Goddard Systems, she advises other schools in the Chicago market on operational procedures, accreditation preparation and quality assurance.
“Arianna, like all Goddard School directors, plays an essential role in creating a supportive, nurturing environment where teachers can succeed and every child can grow,” said Darin Harris, chief executive officer of Goddard Systems.
The Skokie–Evanston/Wilmette school has also received recognition through Goddard’s Circle of Excellence and President’s Club programs, which evaluate franchise locations on educational quality, operating performance and family experience.
Lopez holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and teaching from DePaul University and a master’s degree in early childhood administration and leadership from Walden University.
She also completed the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood’s director leadership program and has served as an ambassador within the Goddard School system.
The other three finalists for the national award were Kabrina Davidson of Matthews, North Carolina; Trish Koester of Leander, Texas; and Rachel Redding of Swedesboro, New Jersey.
The recognition underscores the role of individual school directors in maintaining educational and operational standards across Goddard’s franchise network.
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