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.
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.
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 Private Kindergarten.
We have gone above and beyond traditional child care 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
- 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
Camp Gardner
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!
Lexi Barr
Assistant Director
How long have you been with TGS?
I started in 2022 as a Pre-K teacher at the Naperville South location. In June 2023, I was promoted to Enrichment Coordinator and started working at River North.
What is your educational background?
I have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Ball State University.
What made you decide to have a career in education?
I grew up in a large household with a lot of siblings and have always been passionate about working with children.
What do you love most about working with infants through the age of 5?
What I love most about working with infants to 5 years is watching them explore and be curious about their world.
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
My favorite part of the day at TGS is watching the kiddos transition from the classroom to the playground, playscape, or the cafe. I love seeing them engaged in fun songs and getting to see their happy faces.
What do you love most about TGS?
I love that TGS offers so many enrichment programs and partnerships with local providers during the summertime.
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
My fondest memory so far at TGS is celebrating the holidays! I loved seeing our teachers and families excited for the holidays and all the fun events for our students in December.
What is your passion or passions?
I am inspired by watching others pursue their passions!
How important is early childhood education?
Early childhood education is so important! The first years of a child’s life are fundamental to their development.
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 family that these feelings are normal!! Putting trust in new people can be very difficult, but know that your child is loved and well taken care of at TGS!
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