The Gardner School of Plymouth
Quality Preschool & Trusted Childcare in Plymouth, MN
The Gardner School of Plymouth offers a bright, welcoming space minutes from Medina, Maple Grove, and Wayzata. Inside our classrooms, children learn through creativity, play, and hands-on exploration — guided by caring teachers who nurture confidence and curiosity from day one. Our programs balance play and purpose, blending strong academics, enrichment classes, and ample space to explore. Families love our Kids’ Café, indoor and outdoor playscapes, and the peace of mind that comes with trusted, high-quality care.
Our newest school is conveniently located just off Highway 55. From Old Rockford Rd, turn left onto 45th Ave N and follow the curve of the street to the left — you’ll find The Gardner School at the end of the cove.
A Community Built for Your Family
Our early childhood programs blend academic readiness, social-emotional development, and warm relationships in a secure, nurturing environment. Children build early literacy and math skills, develop independence, and explore through sensory-rich, play-based experiences. Families appreciate real-time communication, open-door check-ins, and a school culture rooted in connection and genuine care. From indoor and outdoor playscapes to our cheerful Kids’ Café, every space is designed to support joyful learning and a true sense of belonging.
Explore what makes The Gardner School of Plymouth one of the area’s top-rated preschools. Watch the preview video on this page to see our classrooms, engaging curriculum, and enrichment spaces in action. Then schedule a tour to experience it firsthand — from our vibrant learning studios and indoor and outdoor playscapes to the cheerful Kids’ Café where children share meals and friendships.
Our programs blend academic readiness, social growth, and genuine care in a secure, nurturing environment. Spots are limited, so reserve your child’s place today to discover why families across the Twin Cities say, “We just knew when we walked in, it was the best choice for our family.”
School Features
- Academically focused, research-based curriculum designed to spark curiosity and build a strong foundation for early learning.
- Caring, highly trained teachers who nurture each child’s growth and celebrate their unique milestones.
- Real-time parent updates through our communication app — photos, nap and mealtimes, and important school announcements at your fingertips.
- Safe, secure environment with two security checkpoints and thoughtfully designed spaces for peace of mind.
- Bright, modern classrooms with large windows and natural light to inspire joyful learning.
- Healthy, chef-inspired meals served daily in our welcoming Kids’ Café.
- Enrichment classes on-site, including sports, music and arts, computers, and foreign language, all in our dedicated enrichment studio.
- Open-door policy that invites you to drop in for check-ins with your child and teachers.
- Expansive indoor and outdoor playscapes built for active exploration and creative play in every season.
- Private nursing room for quiet, comfortable moments with your little one.
Academically-focused Programs
Infants
Toddlers
Twos
Preschool
Pre-K
Summer at TGS
Plymouth Campus Leadership
Sarah Barlow
School Director
Sarah loves watching the joy and excitement that fills The Gardner School of Plymouth each day. Whether she’s walking a child to class, hearing about their morning, or seeing friends greet each other with hugs, those small moments of kindness and connection remind her why early childhood education is so meaningful.
As one of the founding leaders at TGS Plymouth, Sarah is looking forward to helping create a warm, welcoming environment where every child, family, and teacher feels supported and valued. She believes in showing up with presence and care, getting down on a child’s level to listen, celebrate, and share in their discoveries, no matter how small.
She holds Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology and Philosophy and a Master of Arts in Adlerian Psychotherapy and Counseling. “I’m excited to grow alongside our children, families, and teachers,” she says. “This is just the beginning of something wonderful.
Hannah Lewellen
Assistant Director
What is your educational background, and what inspired you to pursue a career in early childhood education?
I earned my Bachelor’s degree from the College of Wooster, where I double-majored in English and Anthropology. I later completed a Master’s in Heritage Studies and Public History at the University of Minnesota. While my academic path focused on history and culture, I’ve always loved working with children. In the past I have volunteered with an afterschool program, spent two summers as a camp counselor in the Adirondacks, and worked as a nanny. Initially, I sought a career in museum education to combine my interests but soon realized that I wanted to connect more directly with children and families. This realization led me to transition into a career in early childhood education.
How long have you been with TGS, and what excites you most about being part of this school community?
I joined TGS in December 2022 as an Assistant Pre-K teacher. What excites me most is the opportunity to do what I love while continuing to learn and grow as an educator. Being part of such a thoughtful and supportive community is incredibly fulfilling.
What do you love most about working with children during their early years of development?
My favorite thing about working in early childhood education is witness those “a-ha” moments — whether it’s watching as they zip their coats for the first time, hearing them count to 100, or discovering the joy of making new friends. In these moments, the joy that radiates of the kiddos is so pure and infectious. It’s a privilege to be part of them.
What is the most rewarding part of your day at TGS?
Watching the growth that happens every day. From learning to walk to learning to write, it’s incredible to see each child become more confident, curious, and capable. And it is so rewarding to know that I am part of this journey
Share the name of a teacher who inspired you and describe how they influenced your approach to education.
My 5th grade teacher, Ms. Bogart, inspired me. She always encouraged me to explore my interests, and was the first adult who genuinely listened to what I had to say. Her approach taught me the importance of seeing and valuing each child as an individual, which continues to guide my work today.
Why do you believe quality early childhood education is important for a child’s development?
We are the foundation of a child’s educational journey. Quality early childhood education builds confidence, fosters curiosity, and lays the groundwork for a lifelong love of learning. It is so much more
than teaching letters and numbers (though we also do that). Quality early childhood education is about building life skills that will carry them far beyond our classroom walls.
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 view ourselves as partners with parents. I want families to see us as a trusted resource— people they can turn to for support, ask questions of, and lean on as they navigate the early stages of parenthood. We’re more than caregivers; we’re here to walk this journey with them.
How do you partner with parents to support their child’s growth and learning journey?
By being part of the Gardner community, parents have access to a wealth of collective knowledge. We partner with parents by being a resource in their child’s growth and journey. We work to provide consistent communication and thoughtful observations that are rooted in a shared goal: nurturing each child as a unique individual. This approach allows us to support their personal growth and their confidence as the begin their learning journey.
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.