The Gardner School of Glenview-Northbrook
Nationally Accredited Through NAEYC With Curriculum-Based Learning
At The Gardner School of Glenview-Northbrook, 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).
On-Site Enrichment Courses
At The Gardner School of Glenview-Northbrook, we encourage learning and development through our variety of enrichment programs your child can participate in. With courses like BeSmart Computers, Gymnastics, Spanish, Cooking, Music, and more, we offer children a solid foundation through a multitude of extracurricular opportunities in our preschool.
The Gardner School of Glenview-Northbrook offers year-round full- and part-time childcare with early childhood education programs for children six weeks old through private Kindergarten. In addition, we also provide a full suite of enrichment classes and our summer camp, Camp Gardner. Classrooms are led by highly-qualified teachers who have a passion for helping young children learn and thrive. 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 Glenview-Northbrook a very special place for young children.
Our preschool is conveniently located right off Willow Road, across from the Astellas building.
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 two security checkpoints
- 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
- Indoor and outdoor playscapes
- Private nursing room
Academically-focused Programs
Summer at TGS
Infants
Kindergarten
Pre-K
Preschool
Toddlers
Twos
Enrichment Classes
Amazing Athletes
BeSmart Computers
Cooking
Dance
Gymnastics
Karate
Spanish
Wiggles and Giggles
Glenview-Northbrook Campus Leadership
Lisa Sims
School Director
Lisa joined The Gardner School of Glenview-Northbrook with a heart for connection and a deep appreciation for the joyful energy children bring each day. She loves seeing their smiles in the morning and feeling the excitement as they begin their day. Those first moments allow her to build connection, offer reassurance, and set a positive tone that carries throughout the school.
One of Lisa’s favorite moments is when a child proudly shares something new they’ve learned or created. Watching their confidence grow and seeing families celebrate those milestones together reminds her why this work matters. She helps children feel safe, seen, and confident by greeting them warmly, listening closely to their feelings, and honoring what makes each child unique. Behind the scenes, she and her team thoughtfully plan and reflect each day to ensure every child’s needs are met.
She holds a Bachelor of Science and an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. “Every child deserves to feel truly known and celebrated,” she says. “That’s where growth begins.”
Shenika Rainey
Assistant Director
What is your educational background, and what inspired you to pursue a career in early childhood education?
Through my studies, I gained valuable hands-on experience during my student teaching and through many years of working with children. My decision to pursue a career in early childhood education was inspired by my deep love for children and a strong passion for helping them learn and grow.
How long have you been with TGS, and what excites you most about being part of this school community?
I’ve been with TGS for about six and a half years, and what excites me the most is the positive, supportive environment that I work in and how both the students and staff grow together.
What do you love most about working with children during their early years of development?
I love their ideas, honesty, sense of wonder, the way they care, their excitement in simple things, and their incredible sense of humor.
What is the most rewarding part of your day at TGS?
The most rewarding part of being a TGS is witnessing each child’s growth, progress, and accomplishment. Children are pure at heart; they know when they have accomplished a milestone.
Share the name of a teacher who inspired you and describe how they influenced your approach to education.
When I was in the 7th and 8th grade my principal, Robert Thompson, called me every day to the lunchroom to help serve lunch to the kindergarten, first, and second grade children and take them out for recess. He saw the vision first!
Why do you believe quality early childhood education is important for a child’s development?
Every child deserves a strong start, regardless of their background. It teaches them who they are, and who they could become 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 acknowledge their emotions and concerns while letting them know that I am a parent too, and I know how they feel. I build trust with them and reassure them with confidence that their children are in great hands.
How do you partner with parents to support their child’s growth and learning journey?
I always keep the lines of communication open and focus on building trust, confidence, reassurance, support, and empathy.
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.



