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 Emilia 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 school is conveniently located right off Hobson Road and Naper Blvd, across from Huntington Estates Bath & Tennis Club.
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
Infants
Toddlers
Twos
Preschool
Pre-K
Summer at TGS
Enrichment Classes
Music
Sports
Gymnastics
Dance
Spanish
Naperville North Campus Leadership
Ashley Zunkel
School 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!
Kathy McQuillen
Assistant Director
What is your educational background, and what inspired you to pursue a career in early childhood education?
I hold a B.A. in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University Chicago. My deep passion for nurturing young children and my strong belief in the transformative power of learning have driven me to dedicate my career to early childhood education.
How long have you been with TGS, and what excites you most about being part of this school community?
I have been with TGS for over a year and a half. I love working with others to create meaningful experiences for children, share ideas, and support one another.
What do you love most about working with children during their early years of development?
I love the idea of being a part of a child’s foundational years and getting to help build their confidence, curiosity, and love for learning.
What is the most rewarding part of your day at TGS?
Celebrating a child’s accomplishments, whether big or small.
Share the name of a teacher who inspired you and describe how they influenced your approach to education.
The teachers that I remember from my early years are the ones that created a safe and warm environment where students felt like they belonged. They listened and cared, creating positive connections with students. I believe these early positive experiences have pushed me to always strive to create environments where each child feels special, valued, loved, and supported.
Why do you believe quality early childhood education is important for a child’s development?
Early childhood education lays the foundation for a child’s lifelong learning, behavior, and well-being. A quality program will provide children and their families with the tools they need to succeed, grow, and flourish.
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?
I let parents know that it is completely normal to feel nervous. I would emphasize that thier child’s safety, happiness, and emotional well-being are top priorities for the school and our caregivers. I would also open the lines of communication to keep families up to date on their child’s day. This encourages them to reach out with any questions or concerns they may have.
How do you partner with partner with parent to support their child’s growth and learning journey?
Partnering with parents involves honest and regular two-way communication, working together to set realistic goals for children, and providing resources/tools to aid in a child’s success.
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.
