The Gardner School of Franklin
Nationally Accredited Through NAEYC With Curriculum-Based Learning
All our lead teachers in preschool classrooms are highly qualified and prioritize routinely assessing students’ growth and development to provide the best forms of care. We are proud to have achieved the honor of national accreditation through the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAEYC).
Conveniently-Located Near Residential Neighborhoods and Business Parks
With its thriving family-friendly community and recreational paradise, The Gardner School of Franklin meets the various preschool needs of Franklin-area families. Located near Historic Downtown Franklin and the thriving Cool Springs shopping and business districts, The Gardner School of Franklin is invested in the local community.
The Gardner School of Franklin is an academically-focused preschool in Franklin, TN, and is located at 131 Market Exchange Court near the intersection of Baker’s Bridge and Carothers Parkway. Our Franklin preschool offers year-round full- and part-time child care and early childhood education programs for children six weeks old through 5 years. In addition, we provide a full suite of enrichment classes and our summer camp, Camp Gardner.
Our Franklin preschool is the first in the TGS family of Tennessee schools to adopt the unique “Americana Main Street” theme. 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 Franklin a very special place for young children. We are proud to have received 3 stars from Tennessee’s Star-Quality Child Care Program, which recognizes child care agencies who exceed minimum licensing standards. Three stars is the highest rating, representing a high-quality preschool environment.
School Features
- Academically-focused learning
- NAEYC Accredited
- Real-time updates through the parent communications app with photos, nap and feeding times, and school announcements
- Safe and secure environment
- 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 and computer lab
- Open-door policy for daily check-ins
- Large outdoor playground with covered play area
- Spacious enrichment room for indoor play
- 3-star rating from Tennessee’s Star-Quality Child Care Program
Academically-focused Programs
Camp Gardner
Infants
Pre-K
Preschool
Toddlers
Twos
Enrichment Classes
Basketball (TOT)
BeSmart Computers
Dance
Music/Drama
Spanish
Amazing Athletes
Gymnastics
Soccer (3+)
Franklin Campus Leadership
Karina Cadiz
School Director
How long have you been with TGS?
I started at TGS in 2013 at our Chicago-West Loop Campus.
Roles Served with TGS:
I first joined TGS as a Pre-K Teacher in 2013 at our TGS Chicago-West Loop preschool. I’ve served as an Enrichment Coordinator/Director of Curriculum, Assistant Director, and then opened TGS Chicago-Lincoln Park as the Executive School Director. I returned to TGS Chicago-West Loop as the Executive School Director and in 2021, I moved to the Nashville area and served as the Assistant Director at TGS Franklin. In March 2022, I became the Executive School Director of our Franklin school.
What is your educational background?
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The University of Michigan and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Oakland University.
What made you decide to have a career in education?
After working at my university’s preschool, I discovered my love for watching children learn, and I knew I wanted a career that I felt passionate about—one that is truly rewarding.
What makes you laugh about kids?
I love how kids are so truthful and often “tell it like it is.” I really enjoy how inquisitive they are and enjoy catching up with our students and many older siblings and hearing about their day and what they are interested in.
What do you love most about working with infants through the age of 5?
I love watching how our students flourish over the preschool years. Before you know it, those who have started with us from the young infant stage are graduating and going on to elementary school! It is a joy to watch the students grow over the years. I also love how children at this age are so enthusiastic about everything!
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
I love the morning/afternoon greetings that I receive from the kids, and I enjoy when a student has something they are proud of or want to show me that they have achieved or created.
What do you love most about TGS?
The sense of community amongst staff and families. It is truly special to feel the community within any TGS school, and we love having families grow with our program over the years. I also love our strong curriculum.
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
Seeing my Pre-K class in their graduation caps and gowns, performing “So Long, Farewell” from The Sound of Music. I also enjoyed opening our Chicago-Lincoln Park school and starting things up from the beginning. It was a great experience.
What inspires you?
The work ethic instilled by my dad from a young age is what drives me to this day.
What is your passion or passions?
I enjoy caring for others.
How important is early childhood education?
Early childhood education is essential. The preschool years are the foundation of learning and a time of so much growth and development. We work hard to provide the best start possible for our students to prepare them for kindergarten, first grade, and beyond!
What would you tell new parents who are apprehensive about leaving their infant in the care of someone else for the first time?
Our infant teachers are extremely passionate about what they do and the care they provide to their infants. We know it can be difficult for parents to transition back to work, so we keep parents up to date about their child’s feedings, nap times, activity updates, and will send along photos through the brightwheel™ app.
Nicole Bock
Assistant Director
How long have you been with TGS?
Since March 2022
Roles Served with TGS:
I am currently the Assistant Director of The Gardner School of Franklin.
What is your educational background?
I have a bachelor’s degree in University Studies with a concentration in Education.
What made you decide to have a career in education?
My passion for kids is what initially got me interested in education. What drew me to early childhood education is how impactful a child’s first five years of life are. I love getting to be a part of the learning foundation for their future.
What makes you laugh about kids?
So many things about kids make me laugh. I think there isn’t a day that goes by that doesn’t incorporate laughter. What makes me laugh the most is when their little personalities shine through.
What do you love most about working with infants through the age of 5?
I love getting to see their little personalities shine through at such a young age.
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
My favorite part of the day is the morning during drop-off. I love getting to see how excited the children are to come to school every day. If they are having an emotional drop-off, then I love getting to help turn around their day.
What do you love most about TGS?
I love the warm and welcoming community. From day one, the entire staff and families have been so nice.
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
My first day definitely has to be my fondest memory. I walked in and felt beyond welcomed.
What inspires you?
Getting to watch all the children grow from their first day to their last day is something so rewarding, and it inspires me to continue what I do.
What is your passion or passions?
I enjoy traveling, exploring new places, reading, and spending time with my friends and family.
What does the term “Where Learning Begins” mean to you?
To me, it means the start of something wonderful.
How important is early childhood education?
I think early education is very important. It is so fascinating to me how important the first five years of a child’s life are. They are little curious humans who are learning and taking in so much information.
What would you tell new parents who are apprehensive about leaving their infant in the care of someone else for the first time?
The teachers are always here for you. They are amazing at their jobs and tending to your needs and your child’s needs. If you have any questions or concerns at any time during the day, you are more than welcome to call or message, and we will be there to help.
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