The Gardner School of Franklin
Nationally Accredited Through NAEYC With Curriculum-Based Learning
At The Gardner School of Franklin, all lead teachers in our preschool classrooms are highly qualified in early childhood education and committed to each child’s growth. Our educators regularly assess developmental milestones to support every student’s learning and well-being with personalized care. As a nationally accredited preschool through the National Accreditation Commission (NAC), we proudly meet rigorous standards for quality early education—giving families in Franklin, TN the confidence that their child is in a nurturing, academically focused environment.
Conveniently Located Near Residential Neighborhoods and Business Parks
Located near Historic Downtown Franklin and the Cool Springs business district, The Gardner School of Franklin is proud to be part of a vibrant, family-friendly community. Our preschool serves families across the Franklin area with high-quality early education and child care that fits the needs of modern parents. Whether you’re commuting to Cool Springs or living nearby, our school is deeply connected to the local community and committed to supporting families at every stage.
The Gardner School of Franklin is a high-quality, academically focused preschool and child care provider serving families in Franklin, TN, and Williamson County. Conveniently located near the Cool Springs roundabout by the Franklin Tesla dealership and Nissan of Cool Springs, we offer full- and part-time early childhood education for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers—ages six weeks to 5 years.
Families looking for a trusted preschool will find that our programs blend a strong educational foundation with a warm, caring environment. Our safe, welcoming classrooms support each child’s development through age-appropriate learning, nurturing relationships, and daily routines that help children thrive.
Our Franklin preschool features a unique “Americana Main Street” design that sparks imagination and curiosity. We offer a variety of enrichment classes and our signature summer program, Camp Gardner, to keep young learners engaged year-round.
We’re proud to be rated 3 stars by Tennessee’s Star-Quality Child Care Program—the state’s highest recognition for exceeding standards in early learning and care. Whether you’re a first-time parent, coordinating care for multiple children, or looking for an educational preschool close to home or work, we’re here to support your family every step of the way.
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
Summer at TGS
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.
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.
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