The Gardner School of Chicago - West Loop
Nationally Accredited Through NAEYC With Curriculum-Based Learning
Our learning atmosphere at The Gardner School of Chicago-West Loop includes a careful blend of traditional and Montessori educational styles centered around curriculum-based lessons, child-directed activities, and structured play. We are proud to have achieved the honor of national accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Safe and Secure Environment
Our school is built with your child in mind. At The Gardner School of Chicago-West Loop, we have open floor plans and plenty of windows that allow open viewing. We included security features to ensure that all children are safe and well-monitored in our indoor and outdoor spaces.
The Gardner School of Chicago-West Loop preschool offers year-round full- and part-time childcare with early childhood education programs for children six weeks old through 5 years. In addition, we also provide a full suite of enrichment classes and our summer camp, Camp Gardner. The stimulating, creative, and educationally-engineered school has been designed to meet the needs of our most important client—the children. Attention to detail, both inside and outside the classroom, is what makes The Gardner School of Chicago-West Loop a very special place for young children.
Our school is conveniently located on the corner of W. Madison Street and S. Throop Street, across from the Verizon store.
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 four-year degreed lead preschool teachers
- Delicious, healthy 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 daily check-ins
- Long-term teaching and leadership staff and family enrollment
- Spacious indoor enrichment area and computer lab
- Close-knit family involvement and participation
Academically-focused Programs
Summer at TGS
Infants
Pre-K
Preschool
Toddlers
Twos
Enrichment Classes
Gymnastics
Sports
Martial Arts
Martial Arts
Music
BeSmart Computers
Chicago - West Loop Campus Leadership
Ann Gabelbauer
School Director
How long have you been with TGS?
Since December 2015
Roles Served with TGS:
I was initially hired as a lead teacher. After being in the classroom for several years, I was promoted to the role of Educational Support Specialist for the North Region. In this role, I supported and mentored TGS teachers and provided training, curriculum support, and classroom management skills. Most recently, I served as the Assistant Director for TGS Chicago-River North. I am excited to currently serve families in the role of Executive Director at our West Loop school.
What is your educational background?
I received a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I choose this degree because I was able to have the flexibility to take courses in Early Childhood Education, as well as courses in administration and management.
What made you decide to have a career in education?
I worked in a child care center my last year in high school, and that is when I discovered my passion for early childhood education. I discovered that I can have a positive influence on the lives of young children and their families.
What makes you laugh about kids?
Kids have the wildest imaginations. They can take a simple object and turn it into a fun toy or game. They also have a way of speaking their minds…unfiltered. It is funny how they can be the most honest critics.
What do you love most about working with infants through the age of 5?
The child’s brain is a little sponge that soaks up everything. I love that the human brain can learn so much at such a young age—from teaching a child how to walk to learning how to read. My favorite part of working with children this young is that they learn through exploration and play.
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
My favorite part of the day at TGS is the morning drop-off. I get to say good morning to the kids and see their excited smiling faces as they walk into school. It warms my heart that kids are so excited about learning.
What do you love most about TGS?
I love more than just one thing about TGS! If I have to choose, though, I will say that TGS cares about your child’s learning. It is much more than a childcare center. It is truly an academically-focused place for students to learn. Each age group has hands-on curriculum, and the children learn so much through S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) activities, play, and exploration.
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
My fondest memory at TGS is Fall Fest. The laughter in the school hallways, families gathering, and supporting the community all adds up to a great night of family and friendship.
What inspires you?
My family is the number one thing that inspires me. My mom has worked in education since I was little, two of my sisters are teachers, and I also have many friends and family who are also in education. They all inspire me to be a great educator.
What is your passion or passions?
I am very passionate about early childhood education. In this field, we work with children at the start of their educational journey.
What does the term “Where Learning Begins” mean to you?
“Where Learning Begins” means that we help children understand and attain foundational academic, social, cognitive, and emotional skills that will follow them through life.
How important is early childhood education?
Early childhood education is the most important part of your child’s educational journey. It covers all areas of development in order to build a foundation for lifelong learning.
What would you tell new parents who are apprehensive about leaving their infant in the care of someone else for the first time?
It can be difficult to leave your child in the care of someone else for the first time. We work closely with you to make you feel comfortable with your most precious gift in our care. Daily communication and pictures through our parent communications app are very helpful and comforting for parents. Most importantly, we make sure to meet all your infant’s needs, and they well loved during the day.
Liz Stark
Assistant Director
How long have you been with TGS?
I started with TGS in April 2025.
Roles With TGS
I began my journey with TGS in March 2015 as an infant teacher. After three wonderful years in that role, I transitioned to working with toddlers. In 2018, I made the decision to return to school to earn my director’s qualification and develop the skills necessary to take on a leadership role. In April 2025, I returned to TGS as the Assistant Director of the West Loop location. I’m excited to be back and look forward to supporting our team and families in this new chapter!
What is your educational background?
I attended Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. I later continued my education at Waubonsee Community College, where I obtained my Director Qualification.
What made you decide to have a career in education?
Working with children has been a lifelong passion of mine. From a young age, I knew this was the path I wanted to follow—thanks in large part to the lasting impact my preschool teacher had on me. Growing up as one of the oldest kids in my neighborhood, I naturally took on the role of babysitter for the younger children, and it quickly became clear that nurturing and guiding children was something that came naturally to me.
What makes you laugh about kids?
One of the many joys of working with young children is their unfiltered honesty and sense of humor—they always know how to make you laugh! Their spontaneity and unique perspectives keep every day exciting and full of surprises. Working with little ones definitely keeps you on your toes, and that’s one of the things I love most about it.
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
My favorite part of the day at TGS is watching the children learn and engage with their teachers and friends. I also truly enjoy connecting with families, building relationships, and getting to know each of them personally.
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is connecting with families and seeing how excited the children are to come to school each day. Their enthusiasm is contagious and creates such a warm, welcoming environment for everyone.
What do you love most about TGS?
I truly appreciate how caring and supportive the TGS community is. It’s clear that everyone here is passionate about what they do and deeply committed to the well-being of the children and families we serve.
What inspires you?
My biggest inspiration has always been my mom. After my dad passed away when my brother and I were young, she raised us on her own with unwavering strength, love, and determination. She taught us the value of hard work, dedication, and compassion—lessons that have shaped who I am today. I carry those values with me in everything I do, especially in my commitment to working with children and supporting their growth.
What is your passion or passions?
I’m deeply passionate about education and committed to ensuring that every child receives the love, support, and guidance they need to thrive and reach their full potential.
What does the term “where learning begins” mean to you?
To me, “Where Learning Begins” means being there for children at the very start of their educational journey—guiding and supporting them as they begin to understand the world around them. We nurture their growth across all areas of development: social, physical, emotional, and cognitive. This foundation is especially important during the early years, when so much of who they are and who they will become is taking shape.
How important is early childhood education?
Early childhood education is one of the most important parts of a young child’s life. It lays the foundation for all future learning, shaping their growth, development, and love for discovery.
What would you tell new parents who are apprehensive about leaving their infant in the care of someone else for the first time?
It’s completely natural to feel nervous the first time your child starts school. Our highly qualified and compassionate staff are dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing, and welcoming environment. Teachers work closely with families to ensure that the transition from home to school is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
What TGS Parents Are Saying
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.
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