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 Plymouth
Quality Preschool and Trusted Childcare in Plymouth, MN
Community Built for Belonging for Plymouth Families
The Gardner School of Plymouth offers a welcoming, thoughtfully designed environment minutes from Medina, Maple Grove, and Wayzata. Inside our classrooms, children learn through hands-on exploration, purposeful play, and early academic experiences guided by caring teachers who nurture confidence and curiosity.
Conveniently located just off Highway 55, our new school sits at the end of 45th Ave. N., tucked into a quiet cove that feels safe and welcoming for families. Although you can see the building from Highway 55, there’s no direct entrance from the highway. To reach the school, turn north onto Peony Lane, then left onto Old Rockford Road, and left again onto 45th Ave. N. Follow the curve around to the left, and you’ll arrive right at our front entrance at the end of the cove.
Purposeful Start for Young Learners
Our early childhood programs blend academic readiness, social-emotional development, and warm relationships in a secure, nurturing environment. Children build early literacy and math skills, develop independence, and explore through sensory-rich, play-based experiences. Families appreciate real-time communication, open-door check-ins, and a school culture rooted in connection and genuine care. From indoor and outdoor playscapes to our cheerful Kids’ Café, every space is designed to support joyful learning and a true sense of belonging.
Location
Inside this School
Learning
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Our research-based curriculum supports early literacy, math, problem-solving, creativity, and social-emotional development. Teachers guide children through purposeful play, hands-on learning, and consistent routines that build confidence and foundational academic skills.
Safety and Health
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Two secure entry checkpoints, clean and calming classrooms, and predictable routines create a safe and supportive environment for young learners. Healthy meals and snacks served daily in the Kids’ Café nourish growing bodies and support positive eating habits. A private nursing room offers comfort and convenience for nursing parents.
Environment and Design
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Bright, modern classrooms with natural light and warm materials create a calm, inspiring atmosphere for learning. Expansive indoor and outdoor playscapes provide space for movement, exploration, and creative play throughout the year.
Community
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Families value our open communication, welcoming environment, and real-time updates that keep them connected to their child’s day. Our school culture is built on partnership, trust, and a shared commitment to each child’s growth and happiness.
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
Sarah Barlow
Executive School Director
Sarah Barlow
Executive School Director
Sarah loves watching the joy and excitement that fill The Gardner School of Plymouth each day. Whether she’s walking a child to class, hearing about their morning, or seeing friends greet each other with hugs, those small moments of kindness and connection remind her why early childhood education is so meaningful.
Hannah Lewellen
Assistant Director
Hannah Lewellen
Assistant Director
Hannah loves the energy and excitement that fill the halls of The Gardner School of Plymouth each morning. She treasures the connections she builds with children and families, taking time to listen to stories, celebrate accomplishments, and share in the joy of learning together. Since joining The Gardner School in December 2022, she has brought warmth, curiosity, and collaboration to every part of her work.
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.