The Gardner School of Dublin provides high-quality preschool, Pre-K, and private Kindergarten programs for families across Dublin and the greater Columbus, Ohio area. At The Gardner School of Dublin, we nurture intellectual growth through a variety of visual and audio aids, educational toys, games, puzzles, and learning supplies. We believe a well-rounded education encourages an emerging sense of self and socialization alongside intellectual exploration. We are proud to have achieved the honor of national accreditation through the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAEYC).
The Gardner School of Dublin
Nationally Accredited Dublin Preschool With Curriculum-Based Learning
Open Floor Plans With Safe Playscapes
The Gardner School of Dublin is built with your child in mind. We have open floor plans and plenty of windows that allow for open viewing. We included security features to ensure that all children are safe and well-monitored in all playscapes. Our private outdoor playscape includes a covered and heated play area to keep your child comfortable year-round.
From the moment you enter our state-of-the-art facility, you realize that The Gardner School of Dublin is significantly more than a traditional preschool or child care facility. Established in 2008, we are proud to offer our award-winning services to the children and families of Columbus. As a private, academically-focused preschool that specializes in early childhood education, we cater to those families who want the best for their child. At our Dublin preschool, we offer year-round educational programs for full- and part-time child care for children six weeks old through private Kindergarten. In addition, we provide a full suite of enrichment classes and our summer camp, Camp Gardner.
Our school is conveniently-located off Emerald Parkway, directly across from Quest.
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 four-year 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
- Private outdoor playgrounds with covered and heated play area
- Spacious enrichment room for indoor play
- Long-term staff
- All teachers certified in first aid and CPR
- Annual family and community events
Academically-focused Programs
Summer at TGS
Infants
Kindergarten
Pre-K
Preschool
Toddlers
Twos
Enrichment Classes
BeSmart Computers
Dance
Gymnastics
Music/Drama
Sports
Yoga
Dublin Campus Leadership
Jessica Nix
School Director
How long have you been with TGS?
Since August of 2010
Roles served with TGS
I’ve had lead teaching roles in infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms and have worked with all age groups for support as needed. I also served as the Curriculum Coordinator for five years and as the Enrichment Coordinator/Support Manager. Most recently, I was the Assistant Director at TGS Powell.
What is your educational background?
I obtained an Associate’s Degree of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development from Columbus State and completed three years of coursework towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education at Ohio Dominican University. I am also currently working on finishing a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Administration through the University of Cincinnatti. In addition to my college studies, I have been actively working in the early childhood education field since 2003.
What made you decide to have a career in education?
I have always had a passion for working with young children and have honestly known since I was a child myself that I one day wanted to be a teacher or work in a school.
What makes you laugh about kids?
The things they say and their innocent honesty.
What do you love most about working with infants through the age of 5?
The amount of growth that takes place in the first five years of life is fascinating to me, and I love being a part of such an important time in their lives.
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
Simply walking through the halls and hearing the laughter, conversations, and engagement happening in each classroom.
What do you love most about TGS?
The people! The families and the children make this place so special as well as the incredible colleagues I get to work alongside, mentor, and support.
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
It’s hard to pick just one, but one of the things that brings me so much joy is hosting school events and witnessing the strong sense of community we have built within our school.
What inspires you?
Seeing other educators be passionate and dedicated about their work with young children. It only makes me want to be a better leader and learn from their experiences, too. A specific quote that I’m often reminded of that inspires me is, “We can learn something from everyone who passes through our lives.”
What is your passion or passions?
I’m passionate about helping others, whoever it may be. It makes my heart happy to know that I impacted someone’s life in a positive way. I strive to always be a positive model in the early education field. Outside of work, I’m passionate about running and staying active.
What does the term “Where Learning Begins” mean to you?
It means we are creating a foundation and building the stepping stones to further each child’s skills that will continue to scaffold their learning and foster their development long after the early childhood years.
How important is early childhood education?
It is an essential component of a child’s future, as it lays the basis of how they view learning and see the world around them. As educators of young children, we play such an important role in making sure that children feel heard, respected, and can learn in a positive, safe, and enriching school environment.
What would you tell new parents who are apprehensive about leaving their infant in the care of someone else for the first time?
As a Mom of four, I know the weight that comes with making decisions relating to your pride and joy, especially allowing other caregivers into your child’s life. While feeling apprehensive is a very normal feeling, our infant teachers do an excellent job of helping your child feel safe and nurtured and also ensuring that each parent feels comfortable. Teachers work respectfully and collaboratively with families to build strong connections and trust.
Ashley Cave
Assistant Director
Ashley Cave serves as the Assistant Director at The Gardner School of Dublin, where she enjoys building strong relationships with children and families. Each morning, she looks forward to seeing children arrive with smiles, ready to share stories about their lives and start their day.
Throughout the day, Ashley spends time in classrooms connecting with children, listening to their stories, and making sure they know she is always there for them. She also enjoys giving tours and seeing children excitedly greet her, reflecting the strong connections within the school community.
Ashley began her journey with The Gardner School in May 2019 and has held several roles, including support staff teacher, assistant infant teacher, lead twos teacher, preschool teacher, private kindergarten teacher, and Program Coordinator before becoming Assistant Director.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Development with a minor in Parent Education from The University of Akron and a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University.
“I love being part of each child’s day—hearing their stories, sharing in their smiles, and building connections with our families.”
What TGS Parents Are Saying
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.
