Education


Educational Excellence and Curriculum 

Education | September 10, 2024
two preschool girls counting lego blocks

At The Gardner School, we’re dedicated to nurturing the next generation of curious, confident, and capable learners. By integrating research-based curriculum and innovative teaching methods, our approach to learning ensures that each child receives a well-rounded and enriching educational experience that prepares them for kindergarten and beyond. 

Using the Creative Curriculum for infants and toddlers and the World of Wonders curriculum for preschoolers, our goal is to build a strong foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Through on-site supplemental enrichment classes, engaging S.T.E.A.M.-focused lessons and activities, and Camp Gardner, we offer a full suite of diverse and joyful learning experiences all year long.

Research-Based Curriculum

Our curriculum is diverse enough to meet the needs of every student at every stage. Each learning program is broken down by age and reflects our belief that a mix of child-initiated and teacher-facilitated activities helps students thrive. Our blended selection of research-based curriculums allows each student to build upon the lessons in a way that fits their learning style and stimulates their emotional, social, physical, and intellectual growth at a pace just right for them. 

Infants

  • Teachers in our infant program focus on creating a nurturing and stimulating environment where babies can explore and discover, promoting sensory development, motor skills, and early cognitive abilities. 

Toddlers and Twos

  • As our youngest learners develop into increasingly social and self-reliant individuals, our teachers engage them in interactive play and guided activities to ignite curiosity and encourage independence. At this stage, we also emphasize language development, social skills, and early problem-solving abilities. 

Preschoolers

  • 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, math, 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.

Pre-K

  • The focus of this program is on Kindergarten readiness. Our caring and qualified teachers prepare students for the academic challenges and new environment they will encounter in Kindergarten by tailoring the curriculum and lessons to the child’s needs and instilling a sense of responsibility, leadership, and independence.

Setting the Foundation for a Lifetime of Learning

Our curriculum is also intentionally designed to prepare students for a lifetime of learning by developing key interpersonal competencies that will support their continued growth.

  • Nurturing Personal Growth and Curiosity: Our preschool helps nurture each child’s personal growth and curiosity by scaffolding concepts and building upon prior knowledge.
  • Providing New Experiences for Holistic Development: By integrating enrichment classes with our academically focused curriculum, we provide children with the opportunity to see and do many activities that most would likely not experience until elementary school.
  • Improving Social Skills and Confidence: As part of our curriculum, we intentionally provide ample indoor and outdoor play opportunities. This allows children to continue making new friends and developing a positive self-image.

S.T.E.A.M. Education

One of the hallmarks of our curriculum is the integration of S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education. Children learn best by doing, and our S.T.E.A.M. labs provide the perfect environment for hands-on, experiential learning. Through engaging projects and experiments, children develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Enrichment Programs

Beyond the core curriculum, TGS offers a variety of enrichment programs that allow children to explore their interests and discover new talents. Our enrichment classes include:

  • Computer Science: Introducing children to the basics of coding and technology
  • Foreign Languages: Offering exposure to new languages and cultures
  • Dance and Music: Encouraging self-expression and creativity through the arts
  • Sports: Promoting physical fitness and teamwork

These programs are designed to complement our curriculum and provide a holistic educational experience that caters to the diverse interests of our students. Be sure to check with your school to find out more about these programs. 

Empowered and Experienced Educators

Our knowledgeable staff and teachers enable us to maintain a high standard of early childhood education at every school. We hire highly qualified teachers to ensure our students receive the full benefit of their early education experience and our curriculum. TGS values our educators and provides ongoing support in a variety of ways to ensure they feel inspired, engaged, and supported in their important work.

Partnering with Families and Communities 

Partnership is a pillar of our curriculum. The Gardner School helps parents become active participants in their children’s learning and development by involving them in the educational process. This collaborative approach reinforces the importance of family on the educational journey and creates a supportive learning environment that extends beyond the classroom.

The Gardner School prioritizes connecting students to their communities. By fostering these strong connections, we expose students to new experiences and ideas, broadening their vision of the world and their potential. 

Experience The Gardner School Difference 

Our mission is to provide parents and children with the best early childhood education experience possible. Come see the value of The Gardner School for yourself and schedule a tour today.