The Gardner School of Cincinnati
Nationally Accredited Preschool in Cincinnati
The Gardner School of Cincinnati offers a safe, warm, and enriching environment designed to help our students thrive. For more than a decade, we have maintained the honor of national accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which is widely recognized as the highest benchmark of quality for a childcare program.
Spacious Outside Playground For Students to Explore
The Gardner School of Cincinnati sits on a beautiful three-acre campus, featuring an interactive playground with a large amount of green space, which is certified as a Schoolyard Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. This spacious playscape includes garden areas and lots of trees tucked away from city noises. We’ve found that our outdoor area is one of the children’s favorite environments to explore and learn.
The teachers at The Gardner School of Cincinnati inspire learning by encouraging creative exploration and creating an environment for children to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our learning approach allows teachers to utilize a variety of teaching philosophies to reach all students. Our blended selection of research-based curriculums—including Creative Curriculum, World of Wonders, Learning Without Tears, along with incorporating the Reggio Amelia approach—allows each class to build upon the previous year’s learning. We place a high priority on routinely assessing student growth and development, sharing progress with parents along the way to provide the best care and education.
In order to best serve the needs of our community, we offer educational preschool and early childhood programs for children ages 6 weeks to private kindergarten. As one of two locations in the Cincinnati area, we proudly serve families located in Loveland, Mason, South Lebanon, and the surrounding northeast communities. For more information, please fill out the contact form below.
The Gardner School of Cincinnati was formerly The Compass School of Cincinnati, which has served families since 2000.
School Features
- Safe and secure environment
- Academically focused learning with a blended curriculum
- Real-time updates and photos through our parent communications app
- Inviting classrooms with highly qualified preschool teachers
- An open-door policy for daily check-ins
- Yearly family and community events
- Interactive playground and nature program
Academically-focused Programs
Camp Gardner
Infants
Pre-K
Preschool
Toddlers
Twos
Kindergarten
Enrichment Classes
Dance
Gymnastics
Soccer
Spanish
Art
Yoga
Martial Arts
Soccer (3+)
Stretch-N-Grow
Cincinnati Campus Leadership
Katey Suits
School Director
How long have you been at your school?
Since August 2013
Roles served at your school:
I started as a preschool teacher for three years and then went on to be a kindergarten teacher for another three years. While I taught kindergarten, I was appointed as the NAEYC Coordinator to complete the reaccreditation process for our school, which ultimately led to me joining the administrative team full-time in 2019 as the Administrative Coordinator. In 2021 I was promoted to Executive School Director, and I am excited to continue being a part of this community!
What is your educational background?
I attended the University of Cincinnati and earned my bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. I am licensed to teach preschool through third grade. In addition to the standard coursework, I was accepted into the STEM Fellowship program that focuses on incorporating STEM concepts into early childhood learning.
What made you decide to have a career in education?
I will never forget my amazing first-grade teacher, Mrs. Pope. She had such a positive impact on me, and I wanted to be that influence for other children!
What makes you laugh about kids?
Their questions! Some of the questions kids ask cause me to pause and think, “I’ve never thought about that before!”
What do you love most about working with infants through the age of 5?
I love that they are impressed and excited by the little things. Young children have an inspiring appreciation for the world around them.
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
My favorite part of the day is morning meeting time when I hear all the classes reading and singing together!
What do you love most about TGS?
What I love most about our school is our beautiful setting. Our huge, grassy playground is surrounded by trees that take my breath away every fall with their vibrant colors. I would’ve loved playing here as a kid!
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
There have been so many incredible memories over the years that I’ve worked here. One memory that stands out to me would be at some of our annual ice cream socials. A former parent would drive a vintage fire truck up and down the closed boulevard. The last ride would always be saved for the teachers, and we’d all climb in together and have a blast!
What inspires you?
Without question, my children inspire me more than anything. My oldest child is neurodivergent and has accomplished so much. He reminds me every day that nothing is impossible. My youngest child is a constant source of joy and positivity, which helps me keep a grateful perspective on all things. Both of them have made me a better mother and a better educator!
What is your passion or passions?
There is something about curling up with a good book and a cup of coffee that feeds my soul. I also really enjoy art, whether it’s painting, crafting, or even just coloring with my kids!
What does the term “Where Learning Begins” mean to you?
The learning journey for every person begins in childhood. Our little ones are bright, capable individuals that have so much to contribute! As teachers, our role is to design and facilitate experiences that allow children to discover things in their own time and in their own way.
How important is early childhood education?
Quality education is incredibly important for children under five because it sets a strong foundation for how they view learning later on in life. Young children need to feel safe and free to explore in order for authentic growth to take place.
What would you tell new parents who are apprehensive about leaving their infant in the care of someone else for the first time?
As a parent of two young children, I know what that apprehension feels like, and that’s why it’s so important to trust the people who care for your baby. We have an open-door policy and encourage parents to reach out as often as they need to feel secure in their infant’s care. Our teachers post a lot of pictures and updates throughout the day, especially in the first couple weeks, so the parents can see for themselves how great their little one is doing at school!
Jennifer Farney
Assistant Director
How long have you been at your school?
I started in April of 2013.
Roles served at your school:
I began my career with the school in 2013, as a co-teacher in the toddler classroom. I spent the first eight years in the toddler wing. In August of 2021, I became the Assistant Director of Curriculum, and in October 2021, I was named Education Director. In August 2022, The Compass School was acquired by The Gardner School, and I became the Assistant Director.
What is your educational background?
I graduated from Thomas More College with a bachelor’s degree in educational studies and an associate’s degree in English.
What made you decide to have a career in education?
Growing up, my friends and I always pretended to be teachers. We loved playing school and “leading a classroom.” I started babysitting at a young age and realized quickly that I loved working with children. There is nothing better than seeing the look on children’s faces when they learn something new!
What makes you laugh about kids?
Listening to their conversations, especially in the toddler classrooms! They have some of the best one-liners!
What do you love most about working with infants through the age of 5?
I love that each day is different. Each age group has new adventurers for children to learn. I love watching them grow and learn new things. It is always amazing how much children develop, even in a few weeks.
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
My favorite part of the day is getting to greet all the children as they come in for the day! They always help to start my day with a smile!
What do you love most about TGS?
I love the relationships I am able to build with children and parents.
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
I love the sense of community the school has. We have amazing families that love to support the school in many ways.
What inspires you?
My family and friends are my biggest inspiration. They always push me to do more and be better!
What is your passion or passions?
My biggest passion is education. I love learning about different teaching strategies and techniques. The great thing about being in education is that there is always something new to learn. As educators, we learn from our students and co-workers on a daily basis.
What does the term “Where Learning Begins” mean to you?
To me, “Where Learning Begins” means the start of a child’s education path. Reassuring the children that school is a safe place allows the child to open their minds to all the possibilities the world has to offer. You never know where the learning journey is going to lead you.
How important is early childhood education?
Early childhood education is very important to developing young minds. As educators, it is our job to ensure children feel safe and supported to build the foundation for all future learning.
