The Gardner School of Nashville
Nationally Accredited Through NAEYC With Curriculum-Based Learning
All our lead teachers in preschool classrooms have four-year degrees in early childhood education, elementary education, or a closely-related field. Our teachers place a high priority on routinely assessing students’ growth and development to provide the best forms of care. We are proud to have achieved the honor of national accreditation through the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAEYC).
Convenient Location for Nashville and Donelson Area Families
Our school is conveniently located in the Century City Business Park off of Elm Hill Pike and directly across from South College. With large outdoor playscapes, a Kids’ Cafe, an enrichment studio, and classrooms created to inspire children, The Gardner School of Nashville has created an environment that will encourage your child to grow and learn.
The Gardner School of Nashville is significantly more than a traditional preschool or child care facility. Established in 2005, this Nashville preschool is proud to offer our award-winning child care to the children and families of Music City. As a private, academically focused preschool that specializes in early childhood education, we cater to those families who want the best for their child.
At our Nashville preschool, we offer year-round educational programs for full- and part-time child care for children six weeks old through 5 years. In addition, we provide a full suite of enrichment classes and our summer camp, Camp Gardner.
Our Donelson-area school is conveniently-located in the Century City Business Park off of Elm Hill Pike and directly across from South College.
School Features
- Academically-focused learning with research-based curriculum
- 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
- Open-door policy for daily check-ins
- Two private outdoor playgrounds
- Sign language vocabulary communication for infants
- Long-term staff
- NAEYC-Accredited
Academically-focused Programs
Infants
Toddlers
Twos
Preschool
Pre-K
Summer at TGS
Enrichment Classes
Advanced Computer
Amazing Athletes
BeSmart Computers
Dance
Gymnastics
Music
Soccer
Nashville Campus Leadership
Ashlee Johnston
School Director
How long have you been with TGS?
I’ve worked at TGS since 2009.
Roles Served with TGS:
I’ve been a floater, a 3-year-old Teacher, a Pre-K Teacher, and an Enrichment Coordinator.
What is your educational background?
I have a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Murray State University.
What made you decide to have a career in education?
I babysat in high school and worked at summer camps during college. I have always loved working with kids and seeing them grow!
What makes you laugh about kids?
Kids always make me laugh! I love hearing about the most mundane things from them. They always have a story to tell, even if it’s just about what they ate for dinner the night before!
What do you love most about working with infants through the age of 5?
I love seeing all the different age groups and watching them grow from class to class. It’s amazing to see how much they can grow and learn in such a short time!
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
My favorite part of the day is the mornings when kids are arriving at school. It’s so fun to tell them good morning and have them run around the desk to get a good morning hug!
What do you love most about TGS?
The best part about TGS is the people I work with and the families we get to know throughout the years. We truly have the best families and staff here at TGS!
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
One of my favorite TGS memories happened in pre-K. It was time to wake up from nap, and I told a kid, “Wake up, dude!” He sat up on his cot and responded, “I’m not a dude! I’m a MAN!”
What inspires you?
The kids I have the pleasure of getting to know inspire me every day. They work so hard academically, developmentally, and socially and have so much fun in the process.
What is your passion or passions?
My husband and I are beekeepers! I love teaching the kids about how awesome bees are so that they won’t be as scared of them.
What does the term “Where Learning Begins” mean to you?
Our school is where every step of learning begins, not just academically but emotionally, physically, developmentally, and socially as well! We are the foundation for all of those things and strive to instill a love of learning that continues throughout their academic career.
How important is early childhood education?
As the foundation for learning, early childhood education is extremely important.
What would you tell new parents who are apprehensive about leaving their infant in the care of someone else for the first time?
Although it’s hard, just know that your child is in the right hands! We will send you lots of updates and photos on Brightwheel so you can feel as though you are right there with your little one on their first day.
Abie Sloan
Assistant Director
Abie joined The Gardner School in December 2025 and loves being part of those first moments that set the tone for a child’s day. Starting mornings with a warm smile and a quick check-in helps children and families feel comfortable, cared for, and ready to learn. Those small connections are what make her role so meaningful.
One of Abie’s favorite moments is when a child proudly shares something they’ve created or learned. She focuses on building consistent routines, listening closely to children’s thoughts and feelings, and celebrating their successes as they grow in confidence. When classrooms are filled with laughter and curiosity, she knows it’s been a good day.
Abie is especially proud of the strong relationships teachers build with families over time and the teamwork that goes into planning thoughtful activities each day. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education.
“When you can hear the joy and learning in the classrooms,” she says, “you know you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.”
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.
