The Gardner School of La Grange Park
A Future Gardner School Coming to La Grange Park, IL
A new early learning community for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years — currently pending state licensing.
The Gardner School is bringing a new early learning community to La Grange Park, located at 545 Sherwood Rd. This future school is currently pending approval and licensing through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and is not yet open for enrollment. Once licensed, The Gardner School of La Grange Park will offer a premier childcare and preschool experience for children ages 6 weeks through 5 years.
Thoughtfully located near Ogden Avenue and I-294, this future school is intended to serve families throughout La Grange Park and neighboring communities including La Grange, Western Springs, Brookfield, Riverside, North Riverside, and Countryside, making it easier to find a preschool that feels close to home and connected to your daily routine.
At The Gardner School, children are nurtured by caring educators in thoughtfully designed learning environments that inspire curiosity, confidence, and joyful discovery. We look forward to bringing our safe, purposeful, and enriching school community to La Grange Park and welcoming new families once the school is licensed and open.
A new Gardner School is coming to La Grange Park! Schedule a tour or join our interest list to be the first to receive updates as we work toward opening.
Where Caring Relationships Build Confidence
The first years of life are filled with important moments, and the people who share them matter. At The Gardner School, caring educators build trusted relationships with every child, creating a place where children feel safe to explore, ask questions, make friends, and grow with confidence. Families become part of a welcoming school community where they are known by name, supported along the way, and connected to their child’s learning every day.
From bright, thoughtfully designed classrooms to engaging outdoor play spaces, every part of our future La Grange Park preschool is being planned with children’s growth in mind. Our research-informed curriculum blends purposeful play, hands-on discovery, and social-emotional learning to nurture curiosity, independence, creativity, and kindergarten readiness. It’s a school community we look forward to bringing to life for La Grange Park families once state licensing is complete.
School Features
- Research-based curriculum focused on early learning and kindergarten readiness
- Caring, experienced, and highly trained teachers
- Real-time parent communication app with photos, feeding updates, nap schedules, and school announcements
- Safe and secure environment with two security checkpoints
- Bright classrooms with large windows and natural light designed for early learners
- Healthy meals and snacks served daily in the Kids’ Café
- On-site enrichment classes including sports, music, art, and foreign language
- Dedicated S.T.E.A.M Lab for hands-on exploration and discovery
- Open-door policy encouraging daily family connection and communication
- Spacious indoor and outdoor playscapes designed for active learning and play
- Private nursing room for families with infants
Academically-focused Programs
Infants
Toddlers
Twos
Preschool
Pre-K
Summer at TGS
La Grange Park Campus Leadership
Lauren Ruka
School Director
I focus on creating a welcoming environment where children feel heard, cared for, and encouraged. When we recognize their individual strengths and build positive relationships, children gain the confidence to try new things and believe in themselves.
Our school feels like a family. Children know they are cared for, families feel welcomed and respected, and educators support one another. Those genuine relationships create a place where children can be themselves.
We’re constantly supporting children’s social and emotional growth in little ways families may not always see. Whether it’s encouraging a shy child to join an activity, helping friends work through a disagreement, or celebrating a child’s effort, those everyday interactions make a meaningful difference.