The Gardner School of Manassas
Leading Preschool for Northern Virginia Families
The Gardner School of Manassas offers a safe, warm, and enriching environment designed to help our students thrive. We partner with families to provide children with a well-rounded education that encourages their emerging sense of self, enhances their social skills, and expands their intellectual exploration.
Curriculum-Based Learning in a Safe and Secure Environment
The Gardner School’s blended approach creates an environment for children to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. 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. Our highly qualified teachers routinely assess student growth and development and partner with parents to provide the best learning opportunities for students.
The Gardner School of Manassas sits on a beautiful campus, featuring an interactive playground with a large amount of green space. Our playground spaces are certified by the Natural Start Alliance (North American Association for Environmental 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 Kindergarten. As one of our many locations in northern Virginia, we primarily serve families in Manassas, Bristow, Nokesville, Gainesville, and the surrounding areas.
The Gardner School of Manassas was formerly The Compass School of Manassas. It has served families in the area since 2005.
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
Academically-focused Programs
Camp Gardner
Infants
Pre-K
Preschool
Toddlers
Twos
Kindergarten
Enrichment Classes
Dance
Manassas Campus Leadership
Lauren Jones
Assistant Director
How long have you been at your school?
I started at the Compass School of Manassas in January of 2023. Even though I haven’t been here long, the staff and families have been so kind and welcoming!
Roles served at your school:
Assistant Director
What is your educational background?
I have a bachelor’s degree in human services from Old Dominion University.
What made you decide to have a career in education?
From an early age, I have wanted a career dedicated to helping children learn and grow. I have worked in many fields, but early childhood education has always been near and dear to my heart.
What makes you laugh about kids?
Their spontaneity and charismatic demeanor—you never know what they will say or think up next! Children offer an innocent yet direct perspective on life. It reminds us, as adults, that the little things are what matter.
What do you love most about working with infants through the age of 5?
I love being a part of establishing and nurturing a foundation for children’s social and academic success! Fostering a passion for lifetime learning is a huge part of why I love what I do.
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
My favorite part of the day is around lunchtime. I love hearing all the conversations of the kids as they eat. It is such a good sense of community and language-building!
What do you love most about TGS?
I love the support system that TGS provides. There is always someone willing to help whenever we need.
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
My fondest memory was my first day at our school. Everyone was so kind and welcoming. I knew that this was going to be an awesome place to work!
What inspires you?
My desire to learn new things that may or may not be in my wheelhouse to achieve my goals! I like to think of myself as a forever learner. My career in early childhood education has allowed me to learn alongside some amazing educators!
What is your passion or passions?
Helping others is my passion in whatever way I can. It gives me a sense of purpose.
What does the term “Where Learning Begins” mean to you?
“Where Learning Begins” is plainly put but is so impactful. It is just the beginning of fostering and maintaining a love for lifetime learning!
How important is early childhood education?
Early Childhood Education is so important! It provides an amazing foundation for social-emotional and academic skills.
What would you tell new parents who are apprehensive about leaving their infant in the care of someone else for the first time?
It can be so hard to leave our babies with someone else, and we can imagine how hard it is to entrust others with them. With genuine kindness, we know that your little ones are the most precious gifts. I can say with confidence that they will be nurtured and loved. Also, we will send real-time updates through Brightwheel for their feedings, naps, diapering, pictures, and curriculum information. Brightwheel is also used for messaging with your child’s teacher to address any questions or concerns promptly.
