The Gardner School of Blue Ash
Nationally Accredited Through NAEYC With Curriculum-Based Learning
With our state-of-the-art preschool environment and colorful and safe play areas, students and parents will feel safe and at home from the moment they enter the doors at The Gardner School of Blue Ash. Our learning atmosphere includes a careful blend of traditional and Montessori educational styles, centered around curriculum-based lessons, child-directed activities, and structured play. We are proud to have achieved the honor of national accreditation through the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAEYC).
Multi-Talented, Long-Term Teachers in Preschool Classrooms
The Gardner School of Blue Ash is proud to have a multi-talented staff, including several bilingual teachers. All teachers are highly qualified and prioritize routinely assessing students’ growth and development to provide the best forms of care.
From the moment you enter our state-of-the-art facility, you realize that The Gardner School of Blue Ash is significantly more than a traditional preschool or childcare facility in the Cinncinati area. Established in 2008, we are proud to offer our award-winning services to the children and families of Cincinnati. As a private, academically-focused preschool that specializes in early childhood education, we cater to those families who want the best for their child. Our school is conveniently-located in the Blue Ash Business Park near the corner of Reed Hartman and Cooper Road. At our Blue Ash preschool, we offer year-round educational programs for full- and part-time childcare for children six weeks old through pre-K. In addition, we provide a full suite of enrichment classes and our summer camp, Camp Gardner.
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 coded entrance
- Inviting classrooms with highly qualified lead preschool teachers
- Delicious, healthy meals in the Kids’ Café
- On-site supplemental enrichment classes (Sports, Music and Arts, Computers, Foreign Language, Soccer, Stretch N Grow Gymnastics, Stretch N Grow Fitness Stars, Dance, BeSmart Kids Computers, S.T.E.A.M, ABC Music & Me, Piano, and Cooking) in our enrichment studio and computer lab
- Open-door policy for daily check-ins
- Large outdoor and indoor playscapes
- Multi-talented and bilingual staff
- Yearly family and community events
- Long-term staff
Academically-focused Programs
Camp Gardner
Infants
Pre-K
Preschool
Toddlers
Twos
Kindergarten
Enrichment Classes
ABC, Music and Me
BeSmart Computers
Cooking
Piano
Stretch-N-Grow
Dance
Soccer (3+)
S.T.E.A.M.
Blue Ash Campus Leadership
Caitlin Fry
School Director
How long have you been with TGS?
I started at TGS in June of 2015.
Roles Served with TGS:
I am thrilled to serve as the Director at TGS Blue Ash. During my time at the school, I’ve also served as Lead Discovery Teacher, Enrichment Teacher for Computer, Piano, and Music classes, Enrichment Coordinator, and Assistant Director.
What is your educational background?
I have a bachelor’s in music education from DePauw University and have worked in early childhood education since 2010.
What made you decide to have a career in education?
Ever since I was a child, I have always wanted to be a teacher. I was very lucky to have some pretty amazing teachers growing up, and they truly inspired me to follow their lead.
What makes you laugh about kids?
I love our students’ honesty!
What do you love most about working with infants through the age of 5?
It is very special to celebrate all of our student’s early childhood milestones! Our students grow and learn so much during their time at TGS, and it’s such a joy to be a part of that.
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
I enjoy greeting our families in the morning. We are one big family at TGS, and I love being able to say hello and welcome them to a new day!
What do you love most about TGS?
Our staff is the best. We have some of the kindest, most caring individuals working for TGS. They put so much care and attention into their students, and I am proud to work alongside them.
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
My fondest memory so far has been watching my first Student Winter Program come together as the Enrichment Coordinator. Seeing the students sing and perform together was a joy. It was such a magical night!
What inspires you?
Every child has a story to tell, and I want to do everything in my power to help make sure that those stories are told. Our students inspire me each day.
What is your passion or passions?
In addition to teaching young minds, my passions include music and theater.
What does the term “Where Learning Begins” mean to you?
From the moment a child enters the doors at TGS, the learning begins! TGS provides a curriculum starting in our youngest classrooms to ensure that children are learning from the very beginning.
How important is early childhood education?
Early childhood education lays the groundwork for academic and personal success. Our students are learning not only to be good students but also to be good friends and community members.
What would you tell new parents who are apprehensive about leaving their infant in the care of someone else for the first time?
This first step can be hard, but it will get easier. Our teachers will assist with this transition every step of the way, from easy and open communication to giving those extra snuggles when needed.
Sarah Haberman
Assistant Director
How long have you been with TGS?
I joined the TGS family in August of 2015.
Roles Served with TGS:
Before moving into the Assistant Director position, I served as a Lead Teacher in our Acceleration program as well as the Staff & Office Support Specialist.
What is your educational background?
I received my bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University with a major in Mild-Moderate Intervention Specialist.
What made you decide to have a career in education?
From as early as I can remember, I always knew that I wanted to work with children someday. I loved babysitting as well as musical theatre, so lucky for me, I found a career path that could combine the two!
What makes you laugh about kids?
Their ability to be completely honest.
What do you love most about working with infants through the age of 5?
One of the things I enjoy most about working in the early childhood field is that I get to witness children getting excited about the simplest of things that we, as adults, might take for granted. Whether it’s watching a trash truck drive through the parking lot, trying to pop bubbles on the playground, or opening a brand-new box of crayons, it’s truly special witnessing the excitement that radiates from a child. It’s in those moments that I remind myself to enjoy the small things each day.
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
Recess!
What do you love most about TGS?
We have the best families and the best teachers!
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
Many years ago, our office decided to serenade all the teachers in the building on Valentine’s Day. We walked around in our best ’80s rock band attire and sang a selection of love songs to the teachers and students. Although the band is no longer together, I can confidently say that ‘The Galentine’s Gang’ will forever hold a special space in my heart.
What inspires you?
My family. I always want to make them proud.
What is your passion or passions?
I really enjoy spending quality time with my family. As a family, we love to travel, go on walks and runs together, and explore National Parks.
How important is early childhood education?
So important! We have the opportunity to make children excited about learning.
What would you tell new parents who are apprehensive about leaving their infant in the care of someone else for the first time?
I can absolutely relate to the feeling of apprehensiveness when leaving your most precious gifts in the hands of someone else. Just know that we have some of the most loving and caring teachers around, and they will love your child like their own!