When parents are choosing a preschool, they usually focus on what’s inside a particular location. Understandably, parents are looking for caring and qualified adults and playful, colorful spaces. When they take a tour, they’re seeking a school with lots of activities, as well as an academic focus to help kids learn. While they may ask about toys, naptime, and enrichment activities, not all parents may consider the location of the preschool. Where a school is located can be an important factor when choosing the right preschool for your child. Here a few questions for parents to consider when looking at a preschool’s geographic location.
Is the Preschool Close to Your Home or Work?
This is usually the first question that comes to mind when parents think about the location of a preschool. Certainly, convenience is essential when you’re deciding on childcare. A location close to your home means a shorter trip to and from preschool. This can make a big difference if you have a longer commute to and from work. Or choosing a childcare close to your workplace helps if you have a longer workday. Our preschool locations are placed just off of major thoroughfares and within minutes of residential neighborhoods and corporate business parks or in the heart of a downtown residential and business community.
What Other Amenities Are Close to the Preschool?
It’s also worth considering what stores, businesses, or natural spaces are near your child’s preschool. Pick-ups and drop-offs happen in the midst of your day, so look for preschool locations that are close to shops, grocery stores, hair salons, or gyms. Having these conveniences close by can help you seamlessly integrate workouts, meal prep, or personal care into your morning or evening routine. It’s easy to imagine stopping at any of these places for some self-care before or after you pick up your child from school. As you look at the location, check to see if there are any natural spaces nearby. Preschools that are close to local parks, ponds, or lakes make it easier to spend time in nature with your little one at the beginning or end of the day.
Is the Preschool an Integral Part of Your Neighborhood or City?
Preschool locations that are woven into the fabric of the community can help your child feel connected to their town or city. Preschool locations should also cultivate community partnerships with local organizations to help children understand how a town works together. Look for locations that have relationships with local zoos, museums, and public servants, such as law enforcement, firefighters, or emergency service workers. Through community partnerships, children will begin to understand how they fit into the larger world.
How Are the Views from Inside the Classrooms?
Children spend a good amount of time learning new skills inside of the classroom. While they’re learning, children should stay connected to the world beyond those four walls. When you’re visiting a preschool location, look for large picture windows that showcase the world outside. Look for trees, flowers, grass, and interesting walkways that children can see from inside the school or beyond the outdoor play areas. And, of course, keep an eye out for engaging play structures that offer opportunities for creative, energetic physical play.
Our locations feature windows where children can observe the natural world outside. Gazing outdoors during learning and play times will stimulate deep thinking, creativity, and imagination. The Gardner School offers virtual tours, so you can see inside a building before you schedule a tour in person.
Premium Locations for Enhanced Learning
At The Gardner School, we’ve carefully designed the exteriors and interiors of our classrooms for our number one priority—our students. Our rooms are filled with degreed and highly qualified teachers and a carefully crafted curriculum, as well as stimulating toys, games, and puzzles. When we decide to open a new school in a community, we also spend time considering the best possible physical location for the school. Schedule a tour at The Gardner School nearest you to learn more about our approach to education, growth, and development.