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 Ashburn
A Trusted Preschool Community in Ashburn
A Premier Preschool for Loudoun County Families
At The Gardner School of Ashburn, children learn and grow in a warm, thoughtfully designed environment that blends early academics with meaningful social-emotional development. Our highly trained teachers support each child at their own pace and partner closely with families to ensure a strong, confident start. We serve children ages 6 weeks to Pre K with programs that combine research-based curriculum, nurturing care, and a calm, welcoming school atmosphere. Conveniently located off Russel Branch Parkway near Harris Teeter, our Ashburn school supports families across Ashburn, Sterling, Leesburg, and the surrounding Loudoun County area.
Purposeful Approach to Early Childhood Education
Inside our inviting classrooms, children experience a balanced learning approach that includes Creative Curriculum, World of Wonders, Learning Without Tears, and elements of the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Teachers guide early literacy, math, problem-solving, and social-emotional learning through hands-on activities and thoughtful routines. With supportive teacher relationships and an environment designed to spark creativity and independence, children feel safe, engaged, and excited to learn each day.
Location
Inside this School
Learning
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Our academically focused, blended curriculum supports early literacy, math, creativity, problem-solving, and social-emotional skills. Teachers guide children through purposeful play, hands-on exploration, and consistent routines that lay the foundation for kindergarten and beyond.
Safety and Health
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Secure entry systems, clean classrooms, and predictable routines help children feel safe and cared for each day. Healthy meals and snacks support daily well-being, and attentive classroom practices create a steady and supportive learning environment.
Environment and Design
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Bright classrooms, warm materials, and thoughtfully arranged learning areas create a calm space where children feel comfortable and ready to explore. Our modern facility supports creativity and independence throughout indoor and outdoor learning environments.
Community
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Children are encouraged to work together, share ideas, and explore new concepts through hands-on learning experiences. Classroom activities support imagination, teamwork, and problem-solving, helping children build confidence and strong social connections.
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
Marilynn Mason
Executive School Director
Marilynn Mason
Executive School Director
Marilynn’s favorite moments at The Gardner School of Ashburn are the “ah-ha” ones — when a child suddenly grasps a new skill, discovers something exciting, or proudly shows what they’ve learned. Watching infants through age five meet milestone after milestone is what fuels her passion for early childhood education and reminds her why these years matter so deeply.
Shannon Rancourt
Assistant Director
Shannon Rancourt
Assistant Director
Shannon loves starting her mornings with cheerful conversations as children and families arrive at The Gardner School of Ashburn. Whether students are showing her something special from home or families are sharing about their morning, those moments of connection set a positive tone for the day ahead. She joined The Gardner School in August 2019 as a Pre-K teacher and has since grown into her role as Assistant Director, bringing care and enthusiasm to every part of the school.
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.