Skokie School Leader Earns National Goddard Director Of The Year Honor

SKOKIE, IL — Arianna Lopez, executive director of The Goddard School of Skokie – Evanston/Wilmette, has been named The Goddard School’s 2026 Director of the Year, a national award that recognizes one director each year for educational leadership, mentorship, collaboration and commitment to early childhood education.

The Skokie location is part of The Goddard School’s nationwide network of nearly 700 early childhood education schools serving children from infancy through age 6. Lopez has led the school since it opened in 2016 and brings more than 20 years of teaching and educational leadership experience to the role.

“Arianna Lopez’s outstanding leadership and steadfast commitment to The Goddard School’s mission have made a lasting impact on her school community and exemplify the very best of our system,” said Darin Harris, CEO of GSL. “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 into the best version of themselves. On behalf of our entire system, I am proud to recognize Arianna as the 2026 Goddard School Director of the Year.”

Under Lopez’s leadership, The Goddard School of Skokie – Evanston/Wilmette was recently named to The Goddard School’s 2026 President’s Club, which the organization describes as an elite distinction for schools that have earned Circle of Excellence recognition for at least two consecutive years. The school has also earned NAEYC Accreditation+, the highest level in the organization’s new accreditation model.

Other schools frequently seek her expertise in process development, procedural guidance, quality assurance preparation and accreditation support. 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.

“Arianna has been a cornerstone of our community from the day we opened our doors and is beloved by staff and families alike,” said Mary Fratini, owner of The Goddard School of Skokie – Evanston/Wilmette. “Whether supporting a teacher, welcoming a family or solving a challenge before anyone else has even seen it coming, she embodies the very best of The Goddard School. Arianna is not only an outstanding director, she is the heart of our school. Her leadership, character and commitment make her truly deserving of the Director of the Year award.”