The Gardner School of Brentwood
Nationally Accredited Through NAEYC With Curriculum-Based Learning
The Gardner School of Brentwood is nationally accredited through the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAEYC). At The Gardner School of Brentwood, we nurture intellectual growth through a variety of visual and audio aids, educational toys, games, puzzles, and learning supplies. We believe a well-rounded education encourages an emerging sense of self and socialization alongside intellectual exploration. We are also proud to have received 3 stars from Tennessee’s Star-Quality Child Care Program, which recognizes child care agencies who exceed minimum licensing standards. Three stars is the highest rating, representing a high-quality preschool environment.
State-of-the-Art Preschool Environment
Attention to detail in both our indoor and outdoor play areas makes The Gardner School of Brentwood a special place for your child. With a Kids’ Cafe, enrichment studio, computer lab, and classrooms engineered to inspire children, The Gardner School of Brentwood has created an environment that will encourage your child to grow and learn.
At The Gardner School of Brentwood, we have created a rich learning environment that will stimulate your child’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth. Our Brentwood preschool offers educational preschool and early childhood programs for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.
We believe each child should be provided with experiences of self-esteem, which are essential in the adjusting, exploring, and growing stages of child development. This approach ensures that each child’s learning experience at The Gardner School of Brentwood will be nurtured at the proper pace and level and will provide them with the educational foundation for a bright future.
School Features
- Academically-focused learning with research-based curriculum
- NAEYC Accredited
- Real-time updates through the parent communications app with photos, nap and feeding times, and school announcements
- Safe and secure environment with two security checkpoints
- Inviting classrooms with four-year degreed lead preschool teachers
- Delicious, healthy meals in the Kids’ Café
- On-site supplemental enrichment classes (sports, music and arts, computers, foreign language) in our enrichment studio and computer lab
- Open-door policy for daily check-ins
- Private, large outdoor playground with covered play area
- Spacious enrichment room for indoor play
- Long-term staff
- 3-Star Rating from Tennessee’s Star-Quality Child Care Program
Academically-focused Programs
Camp Gardner
Infants
Pre-K
Preschool
Toddlers
Twos
Enrichment Classes
Basketball (TOT)
Dance
Karate
Music/Drama
Amazing Athletes
BeSmart Computers
Gymnastics
Cooking (Seasonal)
Brentwood Campus Leadership
Angela Sesler
School Director
How long have you been with TGS?
Since August 2018
Roles Served with TGS:
I have been honored to serve TGS Midtown as a Discover C Lead Teacher, Exploration Lead Teacher, Enchantment B Lead Teacher, and the Director of Training. Now I am happy to serve The Gardner School of Brentwood as their Executive Director.
What is your educational background?
I studied Fine Arts at Lee University with an emphasis in Renaissance oil painting. During my time at university, I studied the concepts of applied behavior analysis, which gave me a foundation for my work with neurodivergent children and adults.
What made you decide to have a career in education?
I come from a long line of teachers and educators. At an early age, I would watch my mom prepare curriculum, special events, and exciting crafts for her preschool students. Bearing witness to the powerful changes that happen during a child’s early education years drew me into a career of guiding and inspiring little ones.
What makes you laugh about kids?
Their perfect infectious joy over the silliest things is enough to make me bubble over with laughter. I especially love moments where children pretend to take the role of “teacher.” It’s hilarious to hear one of your students pretend to lead circle time and solve problems for other children. It gets me every time.
What do you love most about working with infants through the age of 5?
They are only this age once! There are also so many milestones they accomplish during this time. Crawling turns into walking, and tracing their first letter turns into writing their first sentence. The most rewarding part is seeing how proud and confident they become in themselves.
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
My favorite part of the day has always been circle time. I love how every class gathers together to begin the morning with singing, encouragement, reading, and social-emotional lessons. Walking through the halls of The Gardner School and seeing the toddlers all the way to the big kids, get excited about learning is amazing. It’s also an awesome time to admire the creativity and talent of our teachers. It’s not easy to hold the attention of little ones, but TGS teachers are always so engaging and captivating that the kids are naturally drawn in.
What do you love most about TGS?
I did not realize when taking a job with The Gardner School that I would be joining a family. I have learned that The Gardner School is a vibrant community that takes care of its own. The parents and children I have met along the way are some of the most important people to me in the world. This is not simply an elite early education center, it’s where you find your people.
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
When I began in Discovery C, one of the children’s favorite activities was to turn up our favorite songs and dance until we were tired. I would take their little fingers and twirl them in my hand as they laughed and beamed with joy. Then skipping through the years and holding those same fingers, now a little bigger as pre-kindergartners, watching their faces, now older, still shining with the same joy as they did when they were tiny. Those are the moments I will never forget
What inspires you?
My inspiration comes from the desire to give excellence to those around me. I always want to be in a position where I can affect someone’s life in a positive way by doing my very best at whatever is needed. I am inspired by challenges that I face that may try to cause me fear. I believe that there is always a way to better the world around you and strengthen the community in which you find yourself!
What does the term “Where Learning Begins” mean to you?
It is here in our classrooms that learning begins. And not only learning, but the love of learning. We foster confidence and assuredness in our students, providing them with a smooth path into the higher levels of their education. We light the fire that stays with them their whole life. It is here at The Gardner School where they learn to believe in themselves.
How important is early childhood education?
The early years of a child’s life are important because every moment they encounter is a learning experience. It’s important to give children a diverse range of experiences in order to prepare them for after childhood and adult lives.
What would you tell new parents who are apprehensive about leaving their infant in the care of someone else for the first time?
Breathe in, breathe out. We have you and your family. Before you know it, school will become an exciting place for your child. Everything your child experiences for the time they are at school is specially geared for them. They will be cared for and treasured every second they are here. We respect and honor your trust in us to take care of your baby no matter how old they are and what time in their life they are joining our program.
Kanika Nair
Assistant Director
How long have you been with TGS?
Since September 2016
Roles Served with TGS:
I started as an Assistant Teacher before serving as a Lead Teacher for Threes and as an Enrichment Art Teacher.
What is your educational background?
I have a bachelor’s degree with Honors in Communication Design. I also have my specialization in children’s book content design, illustration, and book design. I have illustrated 22 children’s books and designed 30 books for several award-winning publications.
What made you decide to have a career in education?
My love for children and contributing to their learning for a better tomorrow.
What makes you laugh about kids?
The ability to make every usual day so dramatic and out of this world!
What do you love most about working with infants through the age of 5?
The early years shape the foundation in growing children, and each child has a right to enjoy and learn. I feel so honored to know that I can make a positive difference in a child’s life.
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
My favorite part of the day is morning hugs from the children as they arrive for school!
What do you love most about TGS?
I love our super supportive and encouraging management and staff members! Also, our awesome kids make every day special.
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
It was pure joy when we showcased all the art prepared by our young, budding artists from our art enrichment class! They all were so proud to share their work with their parents and teachers.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by my three-year-old son, Eric Carle, as well as the beautiful nature all around us.
What is your passion or passions?
Some of my biggest passions include art, design, and sustainable gardening.
What does the phrase “Where Learning Begins” mean to you?
I interpret the phrase “Where Learning Begins” to mean the ability to question, experiment, and discover.
How important is early childhood education?
Early childhood education plays a vital role in developing a child’s personality. The social, cognitive, and language skills give the child a confident foundation.
What would you tell new parents who are apprehensive about leaving their infant in the care of someone else for the first time?
As a parent myself, I understand the hesitancy of new parents. I am confident that your child will be nurtured by our outstanding group of experienced teachers. The brightwheel™ app helps parents to connect with their children and teachers in the best possible way by getting a peek into your child’s daily updates, along with pictures of them having fun and learning at school!
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