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 Edina
A Place Where Children Feel Known
Where Joy Meets Learning
At The Gardner School of Edina, children learn and grow in a warm, thoughtfully designed environment that supports both academic readiness and emotional well-being. As a NAEYC-accredited preschool serving children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, we offer research-based learning, nurturing teacher relationships, and a calm, welcoming school culture that helps every child feel seen and supported. Conveniently located near Southdale Center, our school provides easy access for families across Edina and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Preschool Built for the Whole Child
Children explore hands-on activities, early literacy and math foundations, and meaningful social-emotional experiences in bright, open classrooms. Our teachers use a research-aligned curriculum and responsive routines to help children build confidence, curiosity, and independence at their own pace. With two large indoor playscapes, outdoor play areas, a Kids’ Café, and a private nursing room, our school gives families the warmth and thoughtful design they expect in the early years.
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 children through purposeful play, hands-on learning, and consistent routines that build confidence and strong academic foundations.
Safety and Health
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Two secure entry checkpoints, clean and calm classrooms, and predictable daily routines help children feel safe and supported. Healthy meals and snacks in the Kids’ Café nourish growing bodies, and a private nursing room provides comfort and convenience for nursing parents.
Environment and Design
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Bright, open classrooms and thoughtfully arranged learning spaces create a calm, inviting atmosphere where children feel comfortable and ready to explore. Natural light, organized materials, and engaging play areas support focus, independence, and joyful learning throughout the day.
Caring Teachers
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Our highly qualified teachers bring warmth, expertise, and genuine care to every interaction. They take time to understand each child’s personality and learning style, building strong relationships that help children feel known, encouraged, and confident as they grow.
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
Corrie Backus
Executive School Director
Corrie Backus
Executive School Director
Corrie loves starting her mornings at The Gardner School of Edina with cheerful greetings and meaningful conversations with families. Seeing children’s smiling faces and hearing about their growth and discoveries always puts her in a great mood. She joined The Gardner School in October 2017 as the Enrichment Coordinator and has since grown into her role as Executive School Director, continuing to nurture the strong community spirit that defines her school.
Amy Schmidt
Assistant Director
Amy Schmidt
Assistant Director
Amy loves starting her mornings at The Gardner School of Edina with cheerful hellos and familiar smiles from children and families. She takes pride in helping each family feel welcome and setting a positive tone for the day ahead. Since joining The Gardner School in August 2020, Amy has grown from Kindergarten Teacher to Enrichment Coordinator and now Assistant Director, deepening her commitment to creating a warm and supportive school community.
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.