The Gardner School of Chicago - River North
Indoor Playscape, Kids’ Café, and Enrichment Studio
With our state-of-the-art preschool environment and colorful large play areas, students and parents feel safe and at home from the moment they enter The Gardner School of Chicago – River North. Your child will love our indoor playscape and enrichment studio, where we encourage learning and development through our variety of programs to help build gross motor skills and friendships! Our Kids’ Café allows older students to enjoy delicious organic meals together outside the classroom.
Nationally Accredited Through NAEYC With Curriculum-Based Learning
Our learning atmosphere at The Gardner School of Chicago – River North nurtures intellectual growth through a variety of visual and audio aids, educational toys, games, puzzles, and learning supplies and is centered around curriculum-based lessons, child-directed activities, and structured play. Your child will also have access to Creative Curriculum, World of Wonders Curriculum, and Learning without Tears Curriculum. We are proud to have achieved the honor of national accreditation through the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAEYC).
The Gardner School of Chicago – River North has a rich learning environment that stimulates your child’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth. Our River North preschool offers educational preschool and early childhood programs for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.
Our school is located in the Montgomery Building at 500 West Superior, just around the corner from Starbucks, offering a convenient spot for families in the River North neighborhood.
We have gone above and beyond traditional childcare and preschool programs. At The Gardner School of Chicago – River North, we believe each child should have experiences of self-esteem, which are crucial for their development in adjusting, exploring, and growing. Our approach ensures that each child is nurtured at the proper pace and level, providing them with the educational foundation for a bright future. For more information, please fill out the contact form below.
School Features
- Academically-focused learning with research-based curriculum
- NAEYC Accredited
- Real-time updates through the parent communications app with photos, nap and feeding times, and school announcements
- Safe and secure environment with two security checkpoints
- Inviting classrooms with highly-qualified lead preschool teachers
- Delicious, organic meals in the Kids’ Café
- On-site supplemental enrichment classes (sports, music and arts, computers, foreign language) in our enrichment studio and computer lab
- Open-door policy for parents
- Large indoor playscape and nearby park
- Yearly family and community events
Academically-focused Programs
Summer at TGS
Infants
Pre-K
Preschool
Toddlers
Twos
Enrichment Classes
BeSmart Computers
Amazing Athletes
Music
Gymnastics
Karate
Chicago - River North Campus Leadership
Erinn Kogan
School Director
How long have you been with TGS?
Since September 2015
Roles Served with TGS:
I started as a Manager in Training for the North Region. I was the Director of Education/Enrichment Coordinator at our West Loop school and became the Director at our Lincoln Park school in March 2019. I am delighted to now serve as the director of The Gardner School of Chicago–River North!
What is your educational background?
I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Illinois and my Master’s Degree in Child Development from Erikson Institute.
What made you decide to have a career in education?
I decided to have a career in education because I love working with young children. The first 5 years is very important for the child’s growth and development, and I love being an influence on the children at that time.
What do you love most about working with infants through the age of 5?
I love seeing the children start with our program and transition through the classrooms as they grow and learn! It is amazing how the children grow and develop at such a rapid pace. I also love hearing all the different things the children have to say and all the funny stories they tell.
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
My favorite part of the day is the mornings seeing all the children come in with smiles on their faces excited to learn and play each day!
What do you love most about TGS?
I love all the friendly staff at TGS. Everyone at TGS is here to enrich the lives of your children and help facilitate their growth and development.
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
My fondest memory of TGS thus far was helping to put together the Dance Enrichment Showcase. It was so impressive that the children were able to learn and remember a dance routine to demonstrate what they have learned in Dance Class. Seeing all the children participate and show off their skills for their parents was amazing!
What does the term “Where Learning Begins” mean to you?
“Where Learning Begins” means to me the first step and place for your child’s education journey. We want this beginning of this journey to be positive and exciting for your child!
How important is early childhood education?
Early childhood education is very important! Children are sponges in early childhood and soak up all of their surroundings. At TGS, teachers are always planning new and exciting activities for the children to learn about their world.
What would you tell new parents who are apprehensive about leaving their infant in the care of someone else for the first time?
I would tell a new parent that they should feel like they are in good hands with all of the teachers at TGS. The parents are able to come in ahead of time to meet the teachers in the classroom and get a feel for how the day goes as well as ask any questions they may have. It is also nice for a new parent to have the parent communications app where they are able to see all the updates and pictures throughout the day. I would also tell the parents that they are free to call the classroom at any time if they would like to speak with one of the teachers!
Megan Macaluso
Assistant Director
What is your educational background, and what inspired you to pursue a career in early childhood education?
I hold a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education Leadership and am currently pursuing my master’s in Educational Studies. Growing up as the oldest of six children, I naturally stepped into a caregiving role early on. That experience sparked my passion for working with young children and supporting families during such a formative time in their lives.
How long have you been with TGS, and what excites you most about being part of this school community?
I’ve been with The Gardner School for just one week, but what excites me most about this role is being part of a community that truly values intentional teaching and meaningful relationships. The emphasis on both academic and social-emotional growth aligns closely with my own values in early education.
What do you love most about working with children during their early years of development?
There’s something incredibly special about witnessing those “lightbulb” moments—whether it’s a child writing their name for the first time or learning how to share with a friend. The early years lay the foundation for lifelong learning, and it’s an honor to help guide that process.
What is the most rewarding part of your day at TGS?
For me, it’s connecting with both the children and their families. Greeting each child as they arrive and seeing their excitement to start the day is truly rewarding. I also find great meaning in building relationships with parents and offering support and reassurance during such an important transition.
Share the name of a teacher who inspired you and describe how they influenced your approach to education.
My high school child development teacher, Mrs. Reynolds, left a lasting impression on me. Her patience, warmth, and belief in the importance of every child’s voice taught me how crucial it is to see each child as an individual and meet them where they are.
Why do you believe quality early childhood education is important for a child’s development?
The early years are critical for brain development, social skills, and emotional well-being. High-quality early education not only prepares children academically but also helps them build confidence, resilience, and empathy—skills that stay with them into adulthood.
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 would first acknowledge that their feelings are completely valid. I’d walk them through our daily routines, introduce them to their child’s teachers, and explain how we ensure safety, comfort, and happiness throughout the day. Frequent communication and photo updates also help ease that initial worry.
How do you partner with parents to support their child’s growth and learning journey?
Open, ongoing communication is key. We hold regular conferences, share daily updates, and encourage parents to reach out with questions or insights about their child. We truly view it as a partnership—working together to celebrate milestones and navigate challenges.
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.
