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
Summer at TGS
Infants
Pre-K
Preschool
Toddlers
Twos
Enrichment Classes
BeSmart Computers
Dance
Gymnastics
Music/Drama
Spanish
Sports
Yoga
Midtown - Nashville Campus Leadership
Logan Myers
School 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, Creative Curriculum Coordinator, and then Assistant Director.
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.
Jessie Sampsell
Assistant Director
How long have you been with TGS?
I have been with The Gardner School since May of 2022.
Roles served with TGS:
I started with The Gardner School as a Floater Teacher in May of 2022. Shortly after I joined the administration team and served as the School Support Coordinator for two years.
What is your educational background?
I graduated from The University of Tennessee Chattanooga with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. I was working towards going to medical school before I switched paths and began working with kids.
What makes you laugh about kids?
I love that kids are so honest and curious. They ask the most hilarious and humbling questions.
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
My favorite part of the day is pick-up and drop-off, because I get to see all the smiling faces entering our school and catch up with parents on their way in and out. Building relationships with students and families is at the heart of what I do at TGS and an essential part of making TGS the best place to be!
What do you love most about TGS?
What I love most about TGS is the community! I love to joke around and have fun with teachers, students, and parents. We all have so much fun together, and I’m very grateful for that.
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
My fondest memory of TGS has to be the Holiday Program of 2023. It was my second holiday program at TGS. It was heartwarming and it filled me with pride to see how far I had come in a year’s time. It was also so exciting to see how much our students had grown and how much closer I was with their families. It was definitely a turning point for me, and it helped me realize that I’ve found something really special here at TGS.
What is the funniest thing you have ever heard come out of the mouth of a TGS Student?
I recently asked a student about her new baby brother, who had been born the day before. She told me her baby brother was in her mom’s belly for a really long time…like “500 dollar days long.”
What inspires you?
Whenever I notice a child watching me do my job, it reminds me that I’m not just an employee at TGS. I am also a face they look to for guidance and courage. Seeing kids jump into the unknown every day inspires me to be brave.
What is your passion or passions?
One of my biggest passions is art and creativity. I love to paint, draw, collage, sculpt, and so much more. At TGS, I love going above and beyond when decorating for events and holidays. I want our students to be blown away and so happy to see our school transformed. Being creative never feels like work to me. I love trying new things in the art field.
What does the term ‘Where Learning Begins’ mean to you?
To me, ‘Where Learning Begins’ means that our school is the foundation for future learning and school experiences. By being that foundation, we are setting the standard in their little minds, and I want them to walk away from TGS excited and ready to learn for years to come.
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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