The Gardner School of Chicago - Bucktown
Nationally Accredited Through NAEYC With Curriculum-Based Learning
Our learning atmosphere at The Gardner School of Chicago–Bucktown nurtures intellectual growth through a variety of visual and audio aids, educational toys, games, puzzles, and learning supplies and is centered around curriculum-based lessons, child-directed activities, and structured play. Your child will also have access to Creative Curriculum, World of Wonders Curriculum, and Learning without Tears Curriculum. We are proud to have achieved the honor of national accreditation through the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAEYC).
Indoor Playscape and On-Site Enrichment Courses
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 Gardner School of Chicago-Bucktown. Your child will love our indoor playscape and enrichment room, where we encourage learning and development through our variety of programs your child can participate in.
The Gardner School of Chicago-Bucktown preschool is located at 1612 W. North Avenue, less than 1/4 mile off the Kennedy Expressway (90/94).
Our Bucktown preschool offers year-round full- and part-time childcare with early childhood education programs for children six weeks old through 5 years. In addition, we also provide a full suite of enrichment classes and our summer camp, Camp Gardner. All of our classrooms are led by highly-qualified teachers who have a passion for helping young children learn and thrive. The stimulating, creative, and educationally-engineered school has been designed to meet the needs of our most important client—the children. Attention to detail both inside and outside the classroom is what makes The Gardner School of Chicago-Bucktown a very special place for young children.
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 degreed lead preschool 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
- Indoor playscape and enrichment room
- Kindergarten preparation
- Close-knit family involvement and participation
Academically-focused Programs
Camp Gardner
Infants
Pre-K
Preschool
Toddlers
Twos
Enrichment Classes
BeSmart Computers
Gymnastics
Music
Spanish
Yoga
Sports
Martial Arts
Techie Kids
Chicago - Bucktown Campus Leadership
Megan Olson
School Director
How long have you been with TGS?
Since February 2015
I began working at The Gardner School of Bucktown in 2015 as a floater teacher. Since then, I have been a lead teacher in a toddler classroom, a two-year-old classroom, a three-year-old classroom, and also the Assistant Director. In January 2020 I was promoted to Director of TGS Bucktown.
I graduated from DePaul University in 2014 with a B.A. in Psychology with a concentration in Human Development.
I have wanted to work in the education field since I was very young. My mom was an elementary and middle school teacher, so I was definitely inspired by her to become a teacher myself.
I love how honest kids are. They have no filter, which leads to some pretty hilarious conversations. There is never a dull moment when working with little ones.
I love that we get to be a part of the lives of children as they go through so many important stages of development. It is exciting to see how much they grow and learn from the time they start at The Gardner School to the time they leave for Kindergarten.
Mornings are my favorite! It is heartwarming to see how excited the kids are to come to school to see their friends and teachers.
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
My fondest memory of TGS was our first ever Pre-K graduation at Bucktown. To watch the children walk across the stage in their caps and gowns was such an amazing moment.
What is your passion or passions?
I am very passionate about education. I would not be where I am if it weren’t for my education, and I am very grateful for all my wonderful teachers who helped me develop a love for learning.
How important is early childhood education?
Early childhood education is an extremely important part of a child’s overall education. It is during the early years of a child’s life that they first discover how rewarding school and learning can be.
Emily Davidson
Assistant Director
How long have you been with TGS?
I’ve been with TGS since July of 2017.
Roles Served with TGS:
I first started in July of 2017 as a lead infant teacher. Since then, I have been a toddler teacher and a preschool teacher. I officially became the Assistant Director in March of 2022.
What is your educational background?
I graduated from the University of St. Francis in 2017 with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education.
What made you decide to have a career in education?
Education was always extremely important to me. Having role models at a young age in education made me want to become a teacher.
What makes you laugh about kids?
You just never know what they will say! They are some of the funniest humans that I have ever met.
What do you love most about working with infants through the age of 5?
The amount of development they go through during this time is so crucial and important. Being able to see babies that I had in the infant room graduate preschool has been such an amazing experience.
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
My favorite part of the day at TGS is during the evenings when I get to see all of the children tell their parents about their day.
What do you love most about TGS?
I love the relationships that have formed since I started working here. I have kids that will come up to me that remember me from their toddler class or have a picture of them and me in their house. It is such a special bond that I have with these children.
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
My fondest memories of TGS so far have been the holiday and spring concerts. Seeing the excited faces of the students, teachers, and family members is so special!
What inspires you?
I am inspired by children and their outlook on life. They live life to the fullest every day and have such a positive perspective. Seeing these children and their positive attitudes makes me want to live life to the fullest.
What is your passion or passions?
I am passionate about the arts, books, and sports. I love going to see musicals, plays, and sporting events. Go Cubs!
What does the term “Where Learning Begins” mean to you?
Learning will be something that these children do for the rest of their lives. We see the beginning stages of who they will become. That is such a special opportunity. We get to see them develop socially, physically, emotionally, and cognitively. There aren’t many jobs like that.
How important is early childhood education?
Early childhood education is extremely important. Children need that foundation of education to know that they are ready for their next stage.
What would you tell new parents who are apprehensive about leaving their infant in the care of someone else for the first time?
I always try to remind them that it is okay to be apprehensive! Dropping your new baby into a new school can be hard. We work together to ensure the best communication so that the transition from home to school is as seamless as it can be.