The Gardner School of Eagan
Nationally Accredited Through NAEYC With Curriculum-Based Learning
Our teachers are experienced, and highly-trained in early childhood education. They place a high priority on routinely assessing students’ growth and development to provide the best forms of care while providing a caring and nurturing environment to learn and grow. We are proud to have achieved the honor of national accreditation through the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAEYC).
Safe and Secure Environment With Two Security Checkpoints
The Gardner School of Eagan values safety and ensures a secure environment with its multiple security checkpoints, giving parents peace of mind.
More than a traditional preschool or childcare facility, The Gardner School of Eagan is proud to offer our award-winning, academically-focused early childhood education program to the children and families of Eagan. With its thriving family-friendly community and recreational paradise, The Gardner School of Eagan meets and exceeds the needs of preschool families. We offer year-round educational programs for children 6 weeks old through 5 years. In addition, we provide a full suite of enrichment classes, along with our summer camp program, Camp Gardner. Our beautiful, festive, and safe facilities will make you feel right at home upon entering the classroom or walking past our playground areas.
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 large windows for natural light, with four-year degreed lead 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 nursing room
Academically-focused Programs
Camp Gardner
Infants
Pre-K
Preschool
Toddlers
Twos
Kindergarten
Enrichment Classes
Amazing Athletes
BeSmart Computers
Music
Soccer
Spanish
Yoga
Eagan Campus Leadership
Lindsey Mayer
School Director
How long have you been with TGS?
Since July 2017
Roles Served with TGS:
Executive School Director
What is your educational background?
I graduated from Winona State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education.
What made you decide to have a career in education?
Every opportunity I’ve had to work with young children has led me to my career in education. I love making a positive impact on children’s lives and watching them grow and change while they learn. I understand the value that early learning offers children, and I work hard to provide an environment where they can thrive.
What makes you laugh about kids?
The innocence of their questions and answers! You never know what children will say or do, but they are so pure of heart sometimes that you can’t help but just smile and laugh.
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
I love seeing the interactions between our teachers and the children. You can see right away how much the teachers care for each child in their class. The teachers learn so much about them so quickly. They are able to help them learn and grow in a unique way that is best for each child. I also love to see how the children light up when they see their teachers in the morning, and how the children begin mimicking the teacher’s actions and words within their own play.
What do you love most about TGS?
I love the relationships that are formed between everyone from families, children, teachers, and directors. Everyone becomes a part of the TGS family. We are always working hard to help one another in order to give the best to the children.
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
My fondest memory is hearing from parents after we opened that enrolling their child in our school was the best decision they could have made! I love that we were able to make the transitions for our children and families so easy and positive.
What is the funniest thing you have ever heard come out of the mouth of a TGS Student?
I always find it funny when a child repeats a phrase or word that only a teacher, parent, or someone close to them uses. It’s just a great reminder that they are always listening and learning from their adult role models.
What inspires you?
My students inspire me. I want to be the best for them, and that starts as soon as they walk through the door! We spend so much time with children each day, and every interaction is important. We are working to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond.
What is your passion or passions?
I have a passion for learning. I’ve always enjoyed school and learning new things. Because of this, I love to get other people excited about learning, too.
What does the term ‘Where Learning Begins’ mean to you?
To me, learning begins in a child’s formative years. A child will learn and grow so much in their first years. You want your child to be nurtured, cared for, and taught to love learning from the very beginning.
Meghan Knipp
Assistant Director
How long have you been with TGS?
Since July of 2018
Roles Served with TGS:
I have been a teacher in all classrooms here at TGS as a lead, assistant, and in a float position. I also taught our first and only school-aged class. In December 2021, I was promoted to Enrichment Coordinator/Office Support. I am excited about my new role as Assistant Director!
What is your educational background?
I graduated from The College of St. Scholastica with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.
What made you decide to have a career in education?
Growing up, my mother provided an in-home daycare. This is where I really learned how exciting these first few years of life can be! I also volunteered at my local elementary school in a kindergarten class, and that is where my love for teaching truly flourished. I believe the best thing about elementary education is filling that huge role in a child’s development and helping them identify who they are and who they can become.
What makes you laugh about kids?
Their innocent honesty makes me laugh the most. They are always saying or doing something to make me laugh or to bring a smile to my face!
What do you love most about working with infants through the age of 5?
I love watching them grow on a daily basis! From learning to sit up to learning how to write their name, there is something so special about being that consistent factor in their learning and growth as they age.
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
I love greeting families at drop-off and pick-up. I like to make a connection with each child and with the amazing parents and guardians that choose to trust in us here at TGS every day. Also, getting good morning hugs starts my day on a good note!
What do you love most about TGS?
I love our events! Spring Fling, Graduation, and Grandparents Day allow us to show our love and support for the families. It’s so rewarding to see how excited the kids get to show their loved ones and friends the school they attend.
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
At our 2022 graduation ceremony, I got to call on all the names of the children that I had in class for many years, from when they were two years old, and again for part of their preschool year, and then again in pre-K. I was so proud of ALL OF THEM, and I for sure shed a few tears saying goodbye.
What inspires you?
Happiness inspires me. You know that look on someone’s face when they are truly happy? That’s what encourages me to do my best and to be the reason for others to do their best as well. I have such a caring personality, and I strive to be the best person that I can be.
What is your passion or passions?
I have a passion for creativity. I love seeing all the fun, in-depth art projects that our teachers do, as well as making all of our summer calendars, invitations for events, etc.
What does the term “Where Learning Begins” mean to you?
For myself, it means starting at the very beginning and building a strong foundation for their future learning and growth! I think we should all be lifelong learners. There is always something new to learn!
What would you tell new parents who are apprehensive about leaving their infant in the care of someone else for the first time?
We have amazing teachers and staff here at TGS. They treat each child as if they are their own, and they will care for you and your entire family’s needs when it comes to the well-being of your baby!
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