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 Central Park
Where Early Learning Connects Community and Care
Welcoming Preschool for Central Park Families
At The Gardner School of Central Park, children learn and grow in a warm, thoughtfully designed environment built to support early academic learning and social-emotional development. Located off I-70 near Central Park Boulevard and E 46th Avenue, our school sits within a growing mixed-use development, making it a convenient and inviting choice for families who live and work in the Central Park community.
Where The Whole Child Learns and Thrives
Our research-based curriculum blends teacher-guided instruction with child-led exploration, helping children build confidence, curiosity, and early academic skills. Classrooms are bright and welcoming, with spaces designed for hands-on activities, creative expression, and meaningful play. Indoor and outdoor playscapes, a Kids’ Café, an enrichment studio, and a private nursing room create an environment where children ages 6 weeks to 5 years feel supported, safe, and excited to learn. With experienced teachers and a caring school culture, families experience a strong partnership from day one.
Location
Inside this School
Learning
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Our research-backed curriculum supports early literacy, math, problem-solving, creativity, and social-emotional development.
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Teachers guide learning through purposeful play, hands-on activities, and routines that build confidence and a strong foundation for kindergarten.
Safety and Health
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Two secure entry checkpoints, clean and calming classrooms, and predictable routines help children feel safe and supported.
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Healthy meals and snacks are served each day in the Kids’ Café, and a private nursing room provides comfort and privacy for nursing parents.
Movement and Exploration
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Children enjoy a private outdoor playground with a covered play area, plus a spacious indoor enrichment room for active movement.
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Daily play supports gross motor development, confidence, and joyful energy.
Community
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With real-time parent communication, daily check-ins, and strong family partnerships, our school fosters a warm, connected community.
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The convenient Central Park location offers easy access for families within one of Denver’s most loved neighborhoods.
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
Dayna Briggs
Executive School Director
Dayna Briggs
Executive School Director
Dayna finds joy in the everyday moments that make The Gardner School of Central Park such a special place. She loves seeing each child’s smile as they arrive in the morning and taking time to ask about their day. Those simple interactions help her understand how each child is feeling and set a positive, caring tone for the day ahead.
Abbie Phillips
Assistant Director
Abbie Phillips
Assistant Director
Abbie loves the energy that fills The Gardner School of Central Park each morning. Greeting children and families, exchanging quick check-ins, and sharing friendly hellos brighten her day and set a warm, welcoming tone for the school. Since joining TGS in September 2023, she has focused on building meaningful relationships that help every child feel comfortable, confident, and excited to learn.
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.