The Gardner School of Naperville North
Well-Rounded Preschool in North Naperville
The Gardner School of Naperville North is one of our many locations serving the Naperville community. Our variety of programs and well-rounded education encourage children to build new skills, explore their world, and create friendships that can last a lifetime.
Highly Qualified and Nurturing Teachers
The Gardner School’s blended approach creates an environment for children to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our collection 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.
Naperville area students and parents will feel at home and safe from the moment they enter our school doors. In order to best serve the needs of our community, we offer educational preschool and early childhood programs for children ages 6 weeks to Pre-K. We also offer a School Age Program with before and after care for school-age children during the academic year and Summer Camp programming. As one of our many locations in the greater Chicago area, we primarily serve families in Naperville, Lisle, Woodridge, and the surrounding communities. Our campus is conveniently located a few minutes east of Downtown Naperville and Edward Hospital.
The Gardner School of Naperville North was formerly The Compass School of Naperville North which has served families since 2001.
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
School Age Program
Enrichment Classes
Music
Sports
Gymnastics
Dance
Spanish
Naperville North Campus Leadership
Erica Farney (Interim Director)
School Director
How long have you been at your school?
I have worked for our organization for over 21 years!
Roles served at your school:
Executive Director (previously, Administrative Director at TCS North Naperville)
What is your educational background?
I have a degree in early childhood education from Eastern Illinois University.
What made you decide to have a career in education?
As a small child, I always enjoyed playing school; I especially enjoyed bossing my little sister around. As I got older, I always found myself surrounded by young children. My first paying job was nannying for a family during summer breaks. The field of early childhood education was a natural choice for me when I started college.
What makes you laugh about kids?
Their brutal honesty!
What do you love most about working with infants through the age of 5?
I love watching children master new skills and the joy in their faces when they master that skill! I also love the endless hugs and snuggles!
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
I love the mornings. I love seeing children’s excitement as they arrive at school.
What do you love most about TGS?
I love being part of a larger team with a big support system.
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
One of my favorite memories is post-Covid, when we started allowing families to go to the classroom doors. This was a huge milestone for families. It felt like we were getting back to normal, and parents were so excited to go to the classroom doors and interact with the teachers each day!
What inspires you?
My teachers inspire me each day! I love watching their excitement and seeing them grow in their profession!
What is your passion or passions?
When I am not working, I am reading! I love to relax at home with a good book. I also love spending time with my family.
What does the term “Where Learning Begins” mean to you?
Learning is a partnership between home and school. I think that learning begins in both places!
How important is early childhood education?
Early childhood education plays an important role in children’s development. It’s when children first learn to interact with others, including peers and other adults! They also develop critical social and emotional skills! Early childhood education lays the groundwork for a child’s education!
What would you tell new parents who are apprehensive about leaving their infant in the care of someone else for the first time?
I always encourage families to visit the school before they start. During this visit, we like families to hang out in the infant room and get to know the teachers! Once they get to know the fabulous caregivers that their infant will have, they typically feel more comfortable!
Ashley Zunkel
Assistant Director
How long have you been with TGS?
This is my first year with TGS, but I have been involved in early childhood education for many years! I worked at another early childhood care provider for nine years before venturing here to TGS.
Roles Served with TGS:
I am the new assistant director at our North Naperville location! I previously worked as an assistant director for about a year.
What is your educational background?
I have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education leadership and management. I am also currently enrolled in classes and plan to graduate in June with my MBA!
What made you decide to have a career in education?
I always loved watching children’s faces when they finally learn a new concept! It’s so fun to see their faces light up when they accomplish a new skill!
What makes you laugh about kids?
Kids are so funny without even trying! I love listening to my two-year-old daughter tell a story about the simplest thing and watching her face light up!
What do you love most about working with infants through the age of 5?
I love the love they give you each and every day! It doesn’t matter what kind of day I’ve had— when I walk through those doors, hear my name, see those smiles, and receive those hugs, it makes my day better!
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
My favorite part (so far) has been learning all the children’s names and their different personalities.
What do you love most about TGS?
I LOVE the acceptance and kindness I’ve been shown already!
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
Getting to know my staff and the kids!
What inspires you?
The love and kindness from the staff and children here inspires me to be the best I can be for them!
What is your passion or passions?
I love to sing and play guitar. I frequent open mics around the area, and I completely believe that music can help children learn in a fun and different way!
How important is early childhood education?
Early childhood education is SO important! We are teaching the children of the world, and their minds are like sponges!
What would you tell new parents who are apprehensive about leaving their infant in the care of someone else for the first time?
I GET IT!!! When I first left my little, it felt like the world was falling apart! I can assure them that their child is getting the BEST care possible. I will take it upon myself to share photos, videos and give updates throughout the day!
