The Gardner School of Chicago, IL – North Center - Now Enrolling!
A Place Where Your Child Feels Right at Home – in Chicago’s North Center
If you’re looking for a warm, trusted place where your child will be known and supported, you’ve found it. We are now enrolling students for the fall! The Gardner School of Chicago – North Center offers a safe and nurturing environment for infants through Pre-K. Our whole-child approach blends academic learning with social-emotional growth, helping children build confidence, curiosity, and connection. Located near Irving Park and Lincoln Avenue, we’re proud to be a neighborhood partner for families in North Center, Roscoe Village, Lakeview, and nearby communities. Plus, we’ve added 12 new infant spots, a new toddler room, and a new two-year-old room for growing families. Spaces are filling up quickly.
More Than a Preschool, We are a Community
Families choose us for our balance of thoughtful academics and real connection. Inside our school, you’ll find bright, purposeful classrooms, safe indoor and outdoor playscapes, and enriching spaces like our S.T.E.A.M. lab (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) and enrichment studio. Our experienced teachers take the time to know each child, creating moments of joy, learning, and belonging. With a research-backed curriculum and engaging classrooms, we’re able to meet each child where they are and help them grow with confidence.
Come See What Makes Us Special
We’re currently enrolling! We’ve added 12 new infant spots, a new licensed toddler room with openings, and a new two-year-old room for growing families, and spots are filling up. A tour of our school is the best way to experience the energy and warmth. You’ll meet our amazing teachers, explore the learning spaces, and have the opportunity to ask your questions in a relaxed setting. Many families say they just knew it was the right place when they walked through the doors. We’d love to help you find that same feeling.
School Features
- Academically focused learning through a research-based curriculum
- Real-time updates through our parent communications app, sharing photos, nap and feeding times, and school announcements
- Safe and secure environment with two security checkpoints
- 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) in our enrichment studio
- S.T.E.A.M. Lab
- Open-door policy for daily check-ins
- Large outdoor and indoor playscapes
- Yearly family and community events
- Convenient location in North Center
Academically-focused Programs
Infants
Twos
Toddlers
Preschool
Pre-K
Summer at TGS
Chicago, IL – North Center - Now Enrolling! Campus Leadership
Lorena Reyes
School Director
How long have you been with TGS?
I originally started with TGS in 2020 but left to finish school in 2021. I returned to TGS in 2022.
Roles Served with TGS:
I was an Assistant Teacher in Pre-K, a Lead Teacher in Pre-K, a School Support Coordinator, and now I serve as Assistant Director.
What is your educational background?
I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration. I also have a certification in early childhood education and care administration.
What made you decide to have a career in education?
Education has always been a big part of my growth and development. Because of this, I decided to have a career in education to help build the foundation for other children. I want to be a mentor to all young people in any way I can.
What makes you laugh about kids?
The jokes, the silly faces they make during playtime, and how honest they can sometimes be.
What do you love most about working with infants through the age of five?
The one thing I love the most about working with young children is watching the kids grow and develop their personalities. Being a part of their growth creates a bond between the adults at TGS and their families, which is why the community at TGS feels so special.
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
My favorite part of the day is the mornings. I get to greet all the families and provide a positive and welcoming start to everyone’s day!
What do you love most about TGS?
The one thing I love the most is our TGS community. Our TGS families and our TGS staff are welcoming and supportive of all new families and children. We create an environment that resembles a true family.
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
One of my fondest memories of TGS is my first day as an assistant teacher. I was feeling nervous, but my fears completely dissolved when the lead teacher and the children eagerly brought me into the classroom and allowed me to be part of their learning experience. The welcoming environment made me feel like I was right at home!
What inspires you?
My inspiration comes from interacting with people. My favorite thing to do is communicate with staff and families throughout the day. I love sharing new ideas and asking for input on new changes within the school. My inspiration allows me to grow and learn as an administrator.
What is your passion or passion?
My passions are educating our students and myself, reading, traveling to new places, and crafting.
How important is early childhood education?
Early childhood education is essential in a child’s life because it creates a foundation for future 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 would tell them that while it can be difficult to leave your little one for the first time, our qualified staff will provide a deeply loving and supportive environment and guide both parents and the child every step of the way. Every child is different, so each teacher makes sure to learn about each child and create developmentally appropriate activities and guidance to continue the child’s growth.
Bella Sivore
Assistant Director
What is your educational background, and what inspired you to pursue a career in early childhood education?
I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education and Development from the University of Alabama. I’ve always had a passion for working with children and a deep interest in understanding how early childhood education shapes their future success.
How long have you been with TGS, and what excites you most about being part of this school community?
I started with The Gardner School in February 2025, and I am so excited for the opportunity to watch the children grow into the best versions of themselves.
What do you love most about working with children during their early years of development?
I love that while working with young children, you get to see how they change and develop throughout their time in school. It is so rewarding to see how the work that early childhood educators do really works.
What is the most rewarding part of your day at TGS?
The most rewarding part of every day at TGS is getting to see the children change and become the best versions of themselves. I love that they are each so special in their own ways.
Share the name of a teacher who inspired you and describe how they influenced your approach to education.
My college professor and counselor inspired me to become an early childhood educator and really shaped my teaching skills and approach to education through her exemplary leadership. She consistently prioritized the best interests of her students and demonstrated this commitment in every aspect of her teaching.
Why do you believe quality early childhood education is important for a child’s development?
I believe that it is so important because young children are not only learning math and science but also how to grow their social/emotional skills, physical development skills, and dozens of other skills that shape how they live in the future.
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 want to keep a very open line of communication with the parents so that they are always aware of how their child is doing and to give them the opportunity to get any reassurance that they may need while their child is in our care.
How do you partner with parents to support their child’s growth and learning journey?
I believe that communication is such an important part of partnering with parents because it allows parents to feel comfortable leaving their children to learn in my care. I also try to be very open with parents about how their child is doing and always ensure to mention good moments that their child had during the day.
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.
