The Gardner School of Cambridge, MA
Now Open!
A Trusted Partner for Parents, Now Conveniently Located Near Boston
The Gardner School is proud to serve thousands of families nationwide, and we are excited to be expanding to Boston! The Gardner School of Cambridge, MA is now open to families. TGS is committed to empowering Boston’s youngest minds through a foundational educational experience that nurtures intellectual curiosity, creativity, and community engagement. We’re thrilled to be among the top childcare choices in Boston. Stay tuned for updates as we welcome students and families and add more preschool locations in the Boston area!
Cambridge’s New Chapter in Early Education
At our Cambridge preschool, we pride ourselves on a balanced educational approach that intentionally blends teacher and child-directed experiences, incorporating a variety of learning models. Our curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and foster intellectual growth through music, art, language learning, and outdoor play. We are committed to nurturing the social, emotional, and relational skills of our students, ensuring a well-rounded education that supports growth in all aspects of life.
Our state-of-the-art facilities are crafted with your child’s development in mind from our combined playscape and enrichment studio to classrooms filled with natural light from large windows. These safe, secure, and interactive spaces encourage children to joyfully engage in their learning journey. At The Gardner School of Cambridge, we are excited to offer a rich educational experience that prepares your child for a bright future.
TGS Cambridge is conveniently located at 109 First Street across from CambridgeSide, offering easy access for families.
Now Welcoming Families Using Child Care Vouchers
At The Gardner School of Cambridge, we’re proud to support families by accepting tuition vouchers. Every child deserves a nurturing, high-quality early education experience and we’re here to help make that possible. Families can find us through the Massachusetts childcare search site and reach out directly to explore enrollment options.
We are excited to bring The Gardner School to the Cambridge neighborhood. The Gardner School of Cambridge is a rich learning environment that will stimulate your child’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth. Our Cambridge preschool will offer educational preschool and early childhood programs for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.
At The Gardner School of Cambridge, we believe each child should have learning experiences that build confidence and enrich their early childhood development. Our approach ensures that our students are nurtured at the proper pace and level, providing them with the educational foundation for a bright future.
School Features
- Engaging learning through a research-based curriculum
- Real-time updates through our parent communications app with photos, nap times and feeding times, and important school announcements
- Safe and secure environment with two separate security checkpoints
- Inviting classrooms with highly qualified lead preschool teachers
- Delicious, healthy meals in our Kids’ Café
- On-site supplemental enrichment classes (sports, music, arts, computers, foreign language) in our enrichment studio
- S.T.E.A.M. Lab
- An open-door policy for daily check-ins
- Large indoor playscape
- Nursing room
- Yearly family and community events
Academically-focused Programs
Cambridge, MA Campus Leadership
Eva Marks
School Director
What is your educational background, and what inspired you to pursue a career in early childhood education?
I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Bay Path University. I chose to pursue a career in early childhood education as a second career. It all began when my son’s preschool asked me to substitute teach as needed. I agreed—and quickly discovered that I truly love teaching young children. There is something incredibly rewarding about watching a child’s face light up when they finally understand or discover something new. That moment of realization and joy is what drives my passion for teaching.
How long have you been with TGS, and what excites you most about being part of this school community?
I joined TGS in July of 2025. Being part of a wonderful teaching community.
What do you love most about working with children during their early years of development?
The natural curiosity that children show when learning and discovering the world around them is truly inspiring. Their excitement is pure joy and genuine happiness.
What is the most rewarding part of your day at TGS?
Greeting the children and their families each morning is a special time for me to connect with them. Another rewarding moment in my day is going into the classrooms and engaging in play with the children.
Why do you believe quality early childhood education is important for a child’s development?
Early childhood is a crucial time for children to develop social and emotional skills—foundational abilities they will carry with them throughout their educational journey and into life. It’s equally important to provide opportunities for children to explore literacy, math, science, and the arts in all their forms. Young minds are like sponges, eager to absorb knowledge and experiences that help them grow and thrive.
How would you comfort and reassure new parents who may feel nervous about leaving their child in someone else’s care for the first time?
I would reassure them that we will provide their child with all the care, support, and understanding needed to help them adjust. We also provide regular updates throughout the day, including photos, to keep families informed and connected.
How do you partner with parents to support their child’s growth and learning journey?
The parent is a child’s first teacher, and it is important for us to listen to and understand their perspective. We should respect and follow their guidance, while also supporting their knowledge and goals for their child.
Michayla Ashley
Assistant Director
How long have you been with TGS?
I have been with The Gardner School for two years.
Roles served at TGS:
My TGS journey began as a floater before I transitioned to lead teacher in Imagination A and took on the role of health and safety coordinator at our successful Nashville Midtown (TN) school. In the summer of 2024, I was promoted to Assistant Director to help launch the new Cambridge location. I’m eager to bring my passion for early education and commitment to creating a safe, inspiring environment for students and families in Cambridge!
What is your educational background?
I received my Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in creative writing at the University of Arkansas.
What made you decide to have a career in education?
I chose to have a career in education because I believe that children are the future! It’s my role to help children build a foundation that supports their educational future and encourages them to be the kindest version of themselves!
What do children do that makes you laugh?
Children learn best through play and using their imagination. They always make me laugh when they imitate the people in their lives—they notice more than you think! When I was in the classroom, parents would tell me their child would imitate me when playing ‘school’ at home! It never failed to amuse me.
What do you love most about working with infants through the age of 5?
What I love most about working with children is reading to them and listening to their perspectives. Children have a way of looking at the world that is precious and deserves to be protected.
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
My favorite part of the day at TGS is during morning drop-off! I love interacting with families as they walk through the door, and it’s a joy to see how excited the children are to be back at school.
What do you love most about TGS?
What I love most about The Gardner School is the community! The Gardner School has a village mindset. We are here to be a resource and support system for our families.
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
My fondest memory of The Gardner School is an art activity that I completed with my class. The week before, I asked parents to send me a picture of a pet or an animal that their child is familiar with. During Circle Time, I did a show-and-tell of each pet and it was a joy to see every child’s face light up when they recognized their pet! Then, they created a collage of tissue paper, magazine clippings, and tempera paint to create a backdrop before gluing the pet picture to their paper! This is my fondest memory because I enjoy encouraging children’s creativity and involving their parents!
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by my achievements and the goals that I set for myself. I’m inspired by the people I love who have always encouraged and supported me.
What are your passions?
My passions are being creative, reading books, and being active. I love ceramics and sculpting, especially designing functional items that are aesthetically pleasing and fun! My favorite activity is reading and trying out new teas. I also enjoy being active, specifically through running, biking, yoga, and weightlifting.
How important is early childhood education?
Early childhood education is magic! It is building a foundation for your child’s bright future. ECE includes exploration, developing social-emotional skills, and learning alongside friends. I feel honored to be involved in early childhood education!
What would you tell new parents who are apprehensive about leaving their infant in the care of someone else for the first time?
I would tell new parents who are apprehensive about leaving their infant in the care of someone else for the first time to trust their instincts about the caregivers they’ve chosen! I would also advise these parents to get to know their child’s teacher and other parents in the class to start building the community that their child is joining. It’s a difficult moment, but it’s so important for your child’s growth and development. Your precious little one will be in caring hands at TGS.
Schedule a Tour
Please select a date and time that works best for you (tours are ~45 minutes). We recommend visiting in the morning between 9:30 – 11:30 am. Of course, we completely understand that is not always possible with families’ schedules and welcome families to join whenever is most convenient for you. If you aren't ready to tour yet or these times below don’t work for your family, use the Contact Us button below and we will coordinate a time together.
Contact Us
If you aren't yet ready to schedule a tour or the available times do not work for your family,
please click Contact Us to connect with someone from The Gardner School.
