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 Emilia 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. Our school is conveniently located off Sawmill Parkway next to Ohio Health Emergency Care Powell. For more information, please fill out the contact form below.
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
Summer at TGS
Infants
Pre-K
Preschool
Toddlers
Twos
Kindergarten
School Age Program
Enrichment Classes
Dance
Gymnastics
Soccer
Yoga
Basketball
Powell Campus Leadership
Carrie Knoch
School Director
Carrie finds joy in the small, meaningful connections that shape each school day. She loves welcoming children and families with warmth, knowing those first moments help children feel safe and excited to learn while reminding families they are trusted partners in their child’s growth. Since joining The Gardner School in December 2025, Carrie has focused on building strong, consistent relationships that allow children to feel confident sharing their ideas, stories, and proud accomplishments.
She believes children thrive when they are met with empathy and respect. By honoring each child’s strengths and responding thoughtfully to their needs, Carrie helps create an environment where children feel valued and empowered to take risks and grow. Her favorite days are filled with joyful learning, smooth teamwork, and the quiet confidence that comes from knowing children are truly cared for.
Carrie holds a master’s degree and takes pride in collaborating closely with families and teachers each day.
“Those proud moments when children share their work remind me that relationships are at the heart of everything we do,” she says.
Carly Mayo
Assistant Director
What is your educational background, and what inspired you to pursue a career in early childhood education?
I graduated from Ashford University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education. Growing up, I had wonderful teachers who inspired a love of learning in me at a young age. I believe that is a big reason why I had an interest in studying education and continued to teach as an adult.
How long have you been with TGS, and what excites you most about being part of this school community?
I started with TGS in 2018 as a support staff member. From there I spent a few years teaching infants, and then moved on to teaching in preschool and Pre-K. In 2023 I moved into the role of School Support Coordinator, before becoming the Assistant Director in 2025. I am excited to see the children every day and look forward to the ways that their personalities brighten my day.
What do you love most about working with children during their early years of development?
I love watching their personalities grow and expand over their time with The Gardner School as they move up through the program. Not only are they accomplishing important developmental milestones, but they discover more about their interests and things they enjoy through their play and experiences while at school.
What is the most rewarding part of your day at TGS?
Supporting children, families, and teachers and helping them to have fun, engaging, and successful days at TGS!
Share the name of a teacher who inspired you and describe how they influenced your approach to education.
My third-grade teacher was very hands on and inspired a love of learning through creative exploration. She is also the reason I fell in love with reading, which is a passion I still have today. I see similarities in how I approach education by encouraging kids to be hands on, curious, and confident. I take inspiration from the positive learning environment she created in the classroom every day.
Why do you believe quality early childhood education is important for a child’s development?
I believe it is important because Early Childhood Education is the foundation to the learning they will experience throughout their life. It not only helps them to develop academic skills but also social and emotional abilities that will start a foundation of life skills that will benefit them as they grow.
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?
We understand how difficult it is to leave your child in the hands of others and the nervousness that comes along with those decisions. Our teachers are wonderful at ensuring successful transitions when starting school and communicating with parents through the process to help ease any nerves. We are here to help and answer any questions!
How do you partner with parents to support their child’s growth and learning journey?
We encourage parent engagement so that families feel connected to their child’s teachers and are involved in their child’s learning and development! We provide lots of updates and photos throughout the day so that parents can feel a part of their child’s school day.
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.
