The Gardner School of Chicago - River North

Designed for toddlers through Pre-K, our summer program blends play-based learning with hands-on exploration, giving children the freedom to spread their wings in a nurturing, engaging environment. It’s a natural entry point for new families, and a season current families look forward to all year. Children continue building confidence, social skills, and early academic foundations through meaningful routines, all with a little extra sunshine mixed in. Learn more about the Summer at TGS program +

"Where learning begins." Nowhere is this statement more apparent than in our infant daycare program. The teachers at The Gardner School are committed to connecting with your baby’s unique schedule and needs from early on. With a day full of warm and nurturing interactions, movement and playtime, our infants have every opportunity to grow and develop a sense of trust and confidence in a secure learning environment. Learn more about the Infants program +

Our pre-K program focuses on the skills your child needs for Kindergarten readiness. Our teachers prepare our students for the academic challenges and environment they will encounter in Kindergarten and beyond, by tailoring the curriculum and lessons to the child’s needs, encouraging meaningful learning experiences through play, and instilling a sense of responsibility, leadership, and independence during the Pre-K year. Learn more about the Pre-K program +

With an array of fun-filled learning centers, our preschool child development program focuses on building cognitive performance through child-initiated, cooperative play. Our teachers introduce these active and enthusiastic learners to a more structured curriculum and new academic concepts in language, literacy, mathematics, and science. With a consistent daily schedule, classroom roles, and focused enrichment classes, our three- and four-year-olds gain a sense of self-reliance and independence. Learn more about the Preschool program +

Your baby is growing up—what an exciting time! At The Gardner School, our childhood development program for toddlers is carefully designed to encourage each child’s growing need for independence and an emerging sense of self, while nurturing intellectual growth, exploration, and socialization in a safe, supportive environment. Learn more about the Toddlers program +

With so many physical, cognitive, and social milestones to achieve in such a short period of time, our preschool curriculum for two-year-olds encourages children to learn through exploration. Our teachers create a supportive, loving environment that fosters autonomy and self-confidence in these newly-independent and increasingly-social students. Learn more about the Twos program +