Music and Drama
Children explore rhythm, movement, and creative expression through hands-on music and drama. They learn fundamentals like melody and notation while building confidence through storytelling, puppetry, and simple performances.
The Gardner School of Union Row
A Caring Early Learning Community in Union Row
Welcoming Families in the U Street Corridor
The Gardner School of Union Row brings a warm, academically focused preschool experience to one of Washington, DC’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Conveniently located at the corner of 14th Street NW and V Street NW across from Busboys and Poets, our school serves families across Pleasant Plains, Columbia Heights, Logan Circle, DuPont, Shaw, and nearby communities. Children ages 6 weeks to 5 years learn and grow in a nurturing environment designed to support early academics, creativity, and social-emotional development.
Intentional Approach to Early Childhood Education
At The Gardner School of Union Row, children build confidence and foundational skills through a research-based curriculum and hands-on, child-directed learning experiences. Our highly qualified teachers create a safe and supportive environment where young learners explore early literacy, math, problem-solving, and social-emotional growth. We are also honored to support military and Department of Defense families by accepting ChildCare Aware of America assistance, helping more families access high-quality early education in the heart of DC. With a S T E A M lab, indoor playscape, a Kids Café, and inviting classrooms, children feel safe, curious, and excited to learn every day.
Location
Inside this School
Learning
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Our research-based curriculum supports early literacy, math, creativity, problem-solving, and social-emotional development. Teachers guide learning through hands-on exploration, purposeful play, and routines that help children grow with confidence and independence.
Safety and Health
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Two secure entry checkpoints, clean classrooms, and calm daily routines help children feel safe and supported. Healthy meals and snacks are served daily in the Kids Café, and attentive safety practices help families feel confident in their child’s care.
Environment and Design
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Bright classrooms, natural materials, and thoughtfully arranged spaces create a calm and engaging learning environment. A large indoor playscape, a dedicated S T E A M lab, and warm, inviting classrooms offer rich opportunities for exploration and joyful discovery.
Community and Support
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Families appreciate our warm school culture, real-time communication, and strong partnerships between teachers and parents. We proudly accept ChildCare Aware of America assistance, which supports eligible military-connected families with access to high-quality early education.
Academically-Focused Programs
At The Gardner School, learning truly begins with care. Our infant classrooms provide a nurturing start built on a nationally recognized, research-based curriculum that supports early learning and development. With teachers who understand both the science and the soul of early education, babies grow in an environment that builds trust, curiosity, and confidence from the very beginning.
Toddlers are natural explorers, full of curiosity, movement, and new words waiting to bloom. At The Gardner School, our toddler classrooms nurture and celebrate this growing independence through play-based learning and intentional teaching. Each day builds confidence, language, and friendship in an environment that’s safe, structured, and full of joy. Our early childhood education program develops the whole child — encouraging physical coordination, emotional confidence, and early cognitive growth in every discovery.
Two-year-olds are bursting with curiosity and confidence. At The Gardner School, our classrooms encourage this new independence through hands-on learning, nurturing guidance, and joyful discovery. Teachers help children explore, experiment, and build social and self-help skills in a safe environment where learning and laughter go hand in hand. In this two-year-old early learning classroom, children begin to strengthen emotional regulation, independence, and empathy while exploring the world around them.
Preschoolers are natural problem-solvers and collaborators. At The Gardner School, our classrooms inspire curiosity, confidence, and creativity through hands-on learning and purposeful structure. Teachers guide children through new concepts in literacy, math, science, and art, helping them build independence, friendships, and a lifelong love of learning. Our preschool classrooms encourage critical thinking and pre-academic foundations that set the stage for kindergarten success.
Pre-K is a milestone year filled with confidence, curiosity, and preparation for what’s next. At The Gardner School, our teachers guide children through meaningful, play-based learning that builds academic readiness, social skills, and independence. With a curriculum designed around kindergarten preparation, students develop the focus, responsibility, and love of learning that will carry them into elementary school and beyond. Our Pre-K program helps children grow the attention, independence, and social skills they need to feel confident and ready for kindergarten.
Enrichment Programs
Sports
Active, structured classes help children build coordination, strength, and confidence. Through sports like soccer, basketball, gymnastics, and yoga, they practice teamwork, listening skills, and healthy movement habits.
Martial Arts
Martial arts introduce balance, discipline, and respectful movement in a safe, beginner-friendly format. Children learn basic stances and controlled motions that build focus, confidence, and body awareness.
Dance and Movement
Children build balance, coordination, and spatial awareness through beginner dance and creative movement. With simple steps, stretching, and expressive motion, they strengthen motor skills while growing confidence and joy in how their bodies move.
S.T.E.A.M.
Hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math experiences spark curiosity and critical thinking. Through simple experiments and creative projects, children explore how things work and discover the joy of learning.
Foreign Language
Through songs, games, and simple vocabulary, children are introduced to the basics of a second language to enable basic conversational skills. Lessons built around familiar themes make learning fun, natural, and age-appropriate.
Seasonal Experiences
Children participate in seasonal, multi-week, or pop-up enrichment classes that may include cooking, gardening, or exciting seasonal activities. These experiences offer fresh ways to learn, create, and discover.
School Leadership
Brittney Evans
Executive School Director
Brittney Evans
Executive School Director
Brittney’s favorite moments at The Gardner School of Union Row happen when a child runs over, glowing with excitement, to share something new they’ve learned or created. Those bursts of confidence and joy are what remind her why early childhood education is such meaningful work. Since joining TGS in November 2023, Brittney has loved building strong relationships with children, families, and staff that make Union Row feel like a true home away from home.
Skye Avino
Assistant Director
Skye Avino
Assistant Director
Skye’s favorite moments at The Gardner School of Union Row happen in the classrooms, especially when toddlers rush over with books in hand, eager for her to read with them. Their excitement and curiosity fuel her passion and remind her why early childhood education feels so meaningful.
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.