The Gardner School of Bannockburn-Deerfield

A Future Gardner School Coming to Bannockburn-Deerfield, IL

A new early learning community for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years — currently pending state licensing. 

The Gardner School is bringing a new early learning community to Bannockburn, located at 1380 Half Day Road. This future school is currently pending approval and licensing through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and is not yet open for enrollment or tours. Once licensed, The Gardner School of Bannockburn-Deerfield will offer a premier childcare and preschool experience for children ages 6 weeks through 5 years.

Thoughtfully located along Half Day Road near I-94, this future school is intended to serve families throughout Bannockburn and neighboring communities including Deerfield, Lincolnshire, Riverwoods, Lake Forest, Highland Park, and Northbrook, making it easier to find a preschool that feels close to home and connected to your daily routine.

At The Gardner School, children are nurtured by caring educators in thoughtfully designed learning environments that inspire curiosity, confidence, and joyful discovery. We look forward to bringing our safe, purposeful, and enriching school community to Bannockburn and welcoming new families once the school is licensed and open.

A new Gardner School is coming to Bannockburn-Deerfield! Join our interest list to be the first to receive updates as we work toward opening.

 
Where Caring Relationships Build Confidence 

The first years of life are filled with important moments, and the people who share them matter. At The Gardner School, caring educators build trusted relationships with every child, creating a place where children feel safe to explore, ask questions, make friends, and grow with confidence. Families become part of a welcoming school community where they are known by name, supported along the way, and connected to their child’s learning every day.

From bright, thoughtfully designed classrooms to engaging outdoor play spaces, every part of our future Bannockburn-Deerfield preschool is being planned with children’s growth in mind. Our research-informed curriculum blends purposeful play, hands-on discovery, and social-emotional learning to nurture curiosity, independence, creativity, and kindergarten readiness. It’s a school community we look forward to bringing to life for Bannockburn-area families once state licensing is complete.

School Features

  • Research-based curriculum focused on early learning and kindergarten readiness  
  • Caring, experienced, and highly trained teachers  
  • Real-time parent communication app with photos, feeding updates, nap schedules, and school announcements  
  • Safe and secure environment with two security checkpoints  
  • Bright classrooms with large windows and natural light designed for early learners  
  • Healthy meals and snacks served daily in the Kids’ Café  
  • On-site enrichment classes including sports, music, art, and foreign language  
  • Dedicated S.T.E.A.M Lab for hands-on exploration and discovery
  • Open-door policy encouraging daily family connection and communication  
  • Spacious indoor and outdoor playscapes designed for active learning and play  
  • Private nursing room for families with infants 

Academically-focused Programs

Infants

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Toddlers

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Twos

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Preschool

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Pre-K

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Summer at TGS

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Bannockburn-Deerfield Campus Leadership

Kourtney Kurps

School Director

Kourtney Kurps loves starting each morning at The Gardner School of Bannockburn with smiles, hugs, and high fives from children eager for a new day. Since joining TGS in March 2021 as a Lead Teacher at Glenview-Northbrook, she has grown into school administration and spent three years as an Educational Support Specialist, coaching teachers and school leaders across the country. Kourtney brings that experience and her enthusiasm for hands-on learning to Bannockburn, where she enjoys building a new school community alongside families and educators. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication, a master’s in Early Childhood Education, and is pursuing a doctorate in Curriculum, Advocacy, and Policy.
How do you help children feel safe and confident?
I greet children by name, listen to their stories, and encourage them to try new things. I want them to know it’s okay to make mistakes, clean up, and try again. I’m always here to cheer them on!
What does a great day at TGS look like?
A messy one! Children learn through play, whether they’re painting, building with blocks, or exploring science experiments. I love seeing them investigate, create, and discover through hands-on experiences.
What makes the Bannockburn community special?
We’re building something new together! Our team is learning and growing with support from leaders across TGS. We celebrate each other’s successes, lend a hand when needed, and share in the excitement of creating our school community.
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