The Gardner School of Lake Elmo-Woodbury
New Childcare Now Open in Lake Elmo
The Gardner School of Lake Elmo-Woodbury is officially open! We are built on a legacy of trusted, high-quality preschools designed for families in Lake Elmo, Woodbury, Oakdale, and nearby communities. Conveniently located near I-94 and Hudson Boulevard, our preschool supports children from infancy through Pre-K with a strong educational foundation, caring teachers, and a focus on connection. From secure entry systems to real-time daily updates for parents, every detail is designed to help families feel confident and supported.
Where Curiosity Meets Confidence
In each classroom, children experience a blend of teacher-guided learning and open-ended play. Infants explore through gentle sensory activities, toddlers build independence, and preschoolers dive into early literacy, S.T.E.A.M. activities, and social-emotional growth. This balanced approach encourages confidence, curiosity, and joy in every stage of development.
School Features
- Academically-focused learning with research-based curriculum
- Caring and highly-trained preschool teachers
- 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 large windows for natural light, built for early learning
- Delicious, healthy meals in the Kids’ Café
- On-site supplemental enrichment classes (sports, music and arts, computers, foreign language) in our enrichment studio and S.T.E.A.M. Lab, allowing children to experience spaces outside their classroom
- Open-door policy for daily check-ins
- Spacious indoor and outdoor playscapes
- Private, comfortable nursing room
Academically-focused Programs
Summer at TGS
Infants
Pre-K
Preschool
Toddlers
Twos
Lake Elmo-Woodbury Campus Leadership
Lindsey Mayer
School Director
How long have you been with TGS?
Since July 2017
Roles Served with TGS:
Executive School Director
What is your educational background?
I graduated from Winona State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education.
What made you decide to have a career in education?
Every opportunity I’ve had to work with young children has led me to my career in education. I love making a positive impact on children’s lives and watching them grow and change while they learn. I understand the value that early learning offers children, and I work hard to provide an environment where they can thrive.
What makes you laugh about kids?
The innocence of their questions and answers! You never know what children will say or do, but they are so pure of heart sometimes that you can’t help but just smile and laugh.
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
I love seeing the interactions between our teachers and the children. You can see right away how much the teachers care for each child in their class. The teachers learn so much about them so quickly. They are able to help them learn and grow in a unique way that is best for each child. I also love to see how the children light up when they see their teachers in the morning, and how the children begin mimicking the teacher’s actions and words within their own play.
What do you love most about TGS?
I love the relationships that are formed between everyone from families, children, teachers, and directors. Everyone becomes a part of the TGS family. We are always working hard to help one another in order to give the best to the children.
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
My fondest memory is hearing from parents after we opened that enrolling their child in our school was the best decision they could have made! I love that we were able to make the transitions for our children and families so easy and positive.
What is the funniest thing you have ever heard come out of the mouth of a TGS Student?
I always find it funny when a child repeats a phrase or word that only a teacher, parent, or someone close to them uses. It’s just a great reminder that they are always listening and learning from their adult role models.
What inspires you?
My students inspire me. I want to be the best for them, and that starts as soon as they walk through the door! We spend so much time with children each day, and every interaction is important. We are working to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond.
What is your passion or passions?
I have a passion for learning. I’ve always enjoyed school and learning new things. Because of this, I love to get other people excited about learning, too.
What does the term ‘Where Learning Begins’ mean to you?
To me, learning begins in a child’s formative years. A child will learn and grow so much in their first years. You want your child to be nurtured, cared for, and taught to love learning from the very beginning.
Camille Neu-Tompkins
Assistant Director
What is your educational background, and what inspired you to pursue a career in early childhood education?
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology from Arizona State University, along with additional coursework in Early Childhood Education.
How long have you been with TGS, and what excites you most about being part of this school community?
I started at TGS in August 2025. I am excited to be part of a community that focuses on a child’s growth in their early years and supports them as they explore the world.
What do you love most about working with children during their early years of development?
I have always loved watching how children change and adapt. They are little sponges, and it’s a joy to be part of the good they absorb.
What is the most rewarding part of your day at TGS?
I love being there for the kids—seeing them laugh and smile or providing a comforting shoulder is so rewarding.
Share the name of a teacher who inspired you and describe how they influenced your approach to education.
My very own preschool teacher, Ms. Kathy, gave me some of my very first memories. As I grew older, I realized how vital those interactions were and how they made me feel important, smart, and creative.
Why do you believe quality early childhood education is important for a child’s development?
Early childhood education is essential because, no matter the other factors in a child’s life, this is at least one place where they can interact with other children, engage with compassionate and educated teachers, and explore a variety of materials and experiences. Everyone needs these opportunities to develop and grow, and at TGS, you can see it in action.
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?
At TGS, we truly understand how strong a parent’s love is for their child. Our goal is to think like a parent—with care, respect, and trust. Parents have a sixth sense; we encourage them to trust their instincts. We are here to support them and be part of their community.
How do you partner with parents to support their child’s growth and learning journey?
The best way is through strong relationships and open communication. From day one, we aim to be approachable and available to talk or bounce ideas off of. There’s no manual for raising children, but together, we can be the village parents need.
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.