The Gardner School of Powell
Nationally Accredited Preschool in Powell
The Gardner School of Powell has created an environment where our students can learn from experienced teachers in a safe and enriching space. Our students are engaged in learning and exploring their world with encouragement from caring and nurturing teachers. 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.
Safe and Nurturing Learning Environment
Our teachers are nurturing and deeply care about the well-being of our students. Security features like two-tiered secure entrances help keep children safe. The stunning and spacious classrooms plus beautiful outdoor play areas provide a home away from home for our students.
The Gardner School of Powell sits on a beautiful three-acre campus with an expansive playground. We partner with families to help their children grow by providing a well-rounded education that encourages their emerging sense of self, enhances their social skills, and expands their intellectual exploration. 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.
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. 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 two locations in the Columbus area, we proudly serve families in Powell, Dublin, Lewis Center, Worthington, and the surrounding communities. For more information, please fill out the contact form below.
The Gardner School of Powell was formerly The Compass School of Powell which has served families in the area since 1999.
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
- Beautiful outdoor playscape
- 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
School Age Program
Enrichment Classes
Dance
Gymnastics
Soccer
Yoga
Basketball
Powell Campus Leadership
Jen Schmidt
School Director
How long have you been at your school?
I started in October of 2008.
Roles served at your school:
My first role was as a support staff teacher, and then I quickly entered a Preschool classroom in a teaching role. A few years later, we introduced the pre-K program to our school, and I served as a Pre-K Teacher. For a number of my teaching years, I served as the Preschool/School-Age Wing Coordinator. I then served as the Assistant Director for 12 years.
What is your educational background?
I have a bachelor’s of science in human development and family sciences from The Ohio State University.
What made you decide to have a career in education?
I knew since I was young that I wanted to work with children. I am fascinated by the ever-changing minds of young people, and it’s incredible to be able to watch them learn and grow through play and relationships.
What makes you laugh about kids?
So many things! It makes me laugh watching children dance, and I love hearing their perspectives and ideas! It makes me smile to watch them play!
What do you love most about working with infants through the age of 5?
I love being part of a child’s life when so much growth takes place! It’s incredible to see so many milestones and exciting adventures for their children and families to go through.
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
I love when children are excited to start their day at school, and I also love when children have exciting things to tell me on their way out the door!
What do you love most about TGS?
I love building relationships with all of the people involved, from the children and parents to our amazing teachers.
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
Since my own two children have attended the school, one of my favorite memories is watching them grow up with their friends and, of course, seeing my oldest daughter graduate from our Kindergarten program.
What inspires you?
I am inspired daily by the teachers who show endless passion for their work, patience, and care for the children. I am also inspired by my fellow working parents who juggle everything every day!
What is your passion or passions?
I am passionate about spending my time on Earth in a quality way. I am a believer in simple joys and making the most of small moments. I believe our school provides this by allowing time for our children to explore, play, and be with each other.
What does the term “Where Learning Begins” mean to you?
There is no other time in a person’s life when so much change occurs than in their first five years. I find it an honor to be able to be part of the foundational years of a child’s life and to be part of such a special time for a family raising their child or children.
How important is early childhood education?
I believe it is foundational to the world we want to live in. If we can teach our children to be kind, respectful, and to express themselves in a productive way, our future generations will be better for it.
What would you tell new parents who are apprehensive about leaving their infant in the care of someone else for the first time?
I think that apprehensiveness is a very natural and normal feeling, and we are here to help you through it! Our infant teachers serve as amazing partners for our parents to provide exceptional care for both the child and the working parent. I think it’s really valuable for infants to learn that they have multiple sources for care, comfort and love; from their parents, grandparents, teachers, and more!
Jessica Nix
Assistant Director
How long have you been with TGS?
Since August of 2010
Roles served with TGS
I’ve had lead teaching roles in infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms and have worked with all age groups for support as needed. I’ve also served as the Curriculum Coordinator for five years. Most recently, I was the Enrichment Coordinator/Support Manager.
What is your educational background?
I have an associate’s degree in early childhood development from Columbus State and have completed three years of coursework toward my bachelor’s degree in early childhood and elementary education at Ohio Dominican University. I have been actively working in and contributing to the early childhood education field since 2003.
What made you decide to have a career in education?
I have always had a passion for working with young children and have honestly known since I was a child myself that I one day wanted to be a teacher or work in a school.
What makes you laugh about kids?
The things they say and their innocent honesty.
What do you love most about working with infants through the age of 5?
The amount of growth that takes place in the first five years of life is fascinating to me, and I love being a part of such an important time in their lives.
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
Simply walking through the halls and hearing the laughter, conversations, and engagement happening in each classroom.
What do you love most about TGS?
The people! The families and the children make this place so special as well as the incredible colleagues I get to work alongside, mentor, and support.
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
It’s hard to pick just one, but one of the things that brings me so much joy is hosting school events and witnessing the strong sense of community we have built within our school.
What inspires you?
Seeing other educators be passionate and dedicated about their work with young children. It only makes me want to be a better leader and learn from their experiences, too. A specific quote that I’m often reminded of that inspires me is, “We can learn something from everyone who passes through our lives.”
What is your passion or passions?
I’m passionate about helping others, whoever it may be. It makes my heart happy to know that I impacted someone’s life in a positive way. I strive to always be a positive model in the early education field. Outside of work, I’m passionate about running and staying active.
What does the term “Where Learning Begins” mean to you?
It means we are creating a foundation and building the stepping stones to further each child’s skills that will continue to scaffold their learning and foster their development long after the early childhood years.
How important is early childhood education?
It is an essential component of a child’s future, as it lays the basis of how they view learning and see the world around them. As educators of young children, we play such an important role in making sure that children feel heard, respected, and can learn in a positive, safe, and enriching school environment.
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 Mom of four, I know the weight that comes with making decisions relating to your pride and joy, especially allowing other caregivers into your child’s life. While feeling apprehensive is a very normal feeling, our infant teachers do an excellent job of helping your child feel safe and nurtured and also ensuring that each parent feels comfortable. Teachers work respectfully and collaboratively with families to build strong connections and trust.
