The Gardner School of Midtown - Nashville

Nationally Accredited Through NAEYC With Curriculum-Based Learning

Our learning atmosphere at The Gardner School of Midtown includes a careful blend of traditional and Montessori educational styles, centered around curriculum-based lessons, child-directed activities, and structured play. We are proud to have achieved the honor of national accreditation through the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAEYC). Additionally, we 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.

 

On-Site Enrichment Courses

At The Gardner School of Midtown, we encourage learning and development through our variety of enrichment programs your child can participate in. With courses like BeSmart Computers, Gymnastics, Spanish, Soccer, Music, and more, we offer children a solid foundation through a multitude of extracurricular opportunities in our preschool.

The Gardner School is proud to offer our award-winning services to the children and families who live and work in the downtown/midtown Nashville area. Located at 1811 State Street near the Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital, our multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art facility opened in November of 2011.

As a private, academically-focused Nashville preschool that specializes in early childhood education, we cater to those families who want the best for their child. At our Midtown preschool, we offer year-round educational programs for full- and part-time childcare for children six weeks old through 5 years. In addition, we provide a full suite of enrichment classes and our summer camp, Camp Gardner.

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 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 and indoor playscapes
  • Yearly family and community events
  • Convenient location in Midtown Nashville
  • Long-term staff
  • 3-Star Rating from Tennessee’s Star-Quality Child Care Program

Academically-focused Programs

Camp Gardner

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Infants

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Pre-K

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Preschool

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Toddlers

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Twos

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Enrichment Classes

BeSmart Computers

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Dance

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Gymnastics

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Music/Drama

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Spanish

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Sports

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Yoga

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Midtown - Nashville Campus Leadership

Lauren Glasson

School Director

How long have you been with TGS?   

I have been with The Gardner School since June of 2018.

Roles Served with TGS:  

I started with The Gardner School as a Lead Teacher and then became the Assistant Director for the Nashville school. In June 2019, I was promoted to Executive Director of our Midtown school in Nashville.

What is your educational background?

I graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Arts with a major in Family Studies and a minor in Child Development.

What makes you laugh about kids? 

I would have to say their honesty and innocence makes me laugh the most about kids. They always say or do something to make me laugh or to bring a smile on my face!

What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?

My favorite part of the day at TGS is in the morning at drop off. Students are always excited to see you and are bursting to share what they had for dinner when they went home or what toy they played with!

What do you love most about TGS?

What I love most about TGS is how welcoming and comforting it is! As a new mother, I was nervous to start my son in school, but when I saw the school and the love the teachers at TGS had for their students, I was put to ease! TGS is more than a school; it’s a family.

What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?  

I would have to say I am a big fan of all of our dress up days! I love dressing up with the students and seeing how excited they get when they see I am participating as well! It’s definitely a tie between Frozen day, Wacky Wednesday and Pajama day!

What is the funniest thing you have ever heard come out of the mouth of a TGS Student?

Oh my gosh, I’m not sure I could pick just one! I’ll have to just go with the most recent funny comment! I was making a hat for our classroom door and I asked a student what he thought it looked like, and he shook his head said, “I don’t even know” with the most serious tone and look! Needless to say, the hat had some more work done!

What inspires you? 

Honestly, the students inspire me! Seeing their faces when they learn a new skill or get excited about something they see in a book always brings me joy. They inspire me to try new methods and to be more creative!

What is your passion or passions?  

My passion is teaching. I love nothing more than to see a child master a new skill. I love being their support when they are struggling and to see the excitement on their faces when they get it!

What does the term ‘Where Learning Begins’ mean to you?
“Where Learning Begins” means that we are the foundation for our students- emotionally, physically, socially, and cognitively. We have a responsibility to guide these children and start them on their road to success!
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Logan Myers

Assistant Director

How long have you been with TGS? 
I have been with TGS since June of 2016.

Roles Served with TGS:
I started as a floater for infants and was later promoted to Lead Teacher and Creative Curriculum Coordinator.

What is your educational background? 
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Education from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

What makes you laugh about kids?
I love their innocence and openness; they have no filters and say the silliest things.

What do you love most about working with young children?
I love watching them grow and learn from such a young age. It’s also rewarding to watch them accomplish a new goal and see them be so proud of themselves, knowing that I was able to help them along the way.

What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
I love drop-offs in the mornings. The children are always so excited to be back and give big hugs and tell us about their night at home.

What do you love most about TGS?
I love all our families and children who we serve each day. I also love that the teachers at the school form a bond like a family and help each other.

What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
Attending my first graduation and calling the names of the children that I cared for and taught as infants.

What inspires you?
Knowing that I can impact a child’s life at such a young age.

What is your passion or passions?
My passion is children. I love helping them learn, watching them grow, and spending time with them.

What does the phrase “Where Learning Begins” mean to you?
To me, “Where Learning Begins” means starting at the very beginning and building a strong foundation for their future learning and growth.

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What TGS Parents Are Saying

Our family has sent 3 kids to this school over the last 5 years. My favorite part about this school is the community of... friends, parents, and kids it's...read more
Emily S.
Emily S.
We chose to be a part of The Gardner School family based on the curriculum and programming of the school, but never... imagined how much we would love and...read more
Lauren S.
Lauren S.
We love the Gardner school! It’s a very clean organized facility. The food they provide for the kids is very well... balanced and organic. Everyone is friendly and so kind to our son. We appreciate the teachers and all the staff at the Gardner school!read more
Ashley Tummins
Ashley Tummins
Words cannot express how much I appreciate the teachers and staff at The Gardner School - Midtown. My 15-month old son... cheers and claps when we pull up to...read more
Jenna D.
Jenna D.
Our son has been at TGS for 2 years now and he has loved so many of his teachers. They really focus on his learning... curriculum which I appreciate. He has so much fun that he sometimes hates to leave. They take great care of him. The playground is great and there are so many fun theme days that I know the kids enjoy. During the winter they don’t close just cause the schools do. They only will delay opening or close if truly necessary for their staff safety or If the roads by the school are bad enough. Thanks for all you do for my son!read more
Jules B Rockin
Jules B Rockin
We love the Gardner School! They work so well with my children and love them as their own.
Susannah Johnson Harris
Susannah Johnson Harris
I have my two children enrolled in this school. I have also worked for the Gardner school midtown for nearly five... years. They truly care about the kids, families and the community. It’s not just drop off the kids and get out . There are several functions throughout the year the school celebrates and gives back! Thanksgiving, late night date night, Grandparents luncheon, etc. great school, very nice Facility and my kids have learned a ton of new things.read more
Carl Grey
Carl Grey
We have been with The Gardner School for over 6 years (two kids). We absolutely love the Midtown-Nashville location.... The staff is outstanding! Our kids have learned so much and the environment is safe, clean and inviting. Our oldest graduated out last year, and was MORE THAN PREPARED for his kindergarten curriculum. I highly recommend for any family searching for the best preschool for their child!read more
Thallen Brassel
Thallen Brassel
Had a great time DJing for the families and faculty of Gardner Midtown. Their annual fund raising silent auction was a... blast.read more
Durk Brown
Durk Brown

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