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 Naperville North
A Preschool Built for the Whole Child
Well-Rounded Early Learning in North Naperville
At The Gardner School of Naperville North, children learn, play, and grow in a warm, well-rounded environment that nurtures academic readiness and social-emotional development. Through hands-on exploration, caring relationships, and a blend of trusted early childhood philosophies, we offer a preschool experience that feels both welcoming and enriching for families across the Naperville community.
A Blended Approach That Supports the Whole Child
Our teachers use a thoughtful mix of Creative Curriculum, World of Wonders, Learning Without Tears, and elements of the Reggio Emilia approach to support early literacy, math, creativity, problem-solving, and social growth. Classrooms are led by highly qualified teachers who personalize learning and help each child build confidence at their own pace. Serving children ages 6 weeks to Pre-K, along with school-age before and after care, we offer families a consistent and supportive partner throughout the early years. Located off Hobson Road and Naper Blvd, our school is easily accessible for families in Naperville, Lisle, Woodridge, and nearby neighborhoods.
Location
Inside this School
Learning
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Our blended curriculum supports early literacy, math, problem-solving, creativity, and social-emotional skills. Teachers weave together research-based programs with child-led exploration to create meaningful learning experiences that grow with each developmental stage.
Safety and Health
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Families feel at ease with a secure school environment, clean classrooms, and consistent routines that help children feel safe and supported. Daily communication helps parents stay connected to their child’s day with real-time updates and photos.
Movement
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A large outdoor playscape gives children room to climb, run, and explore. Daily movement supports gross motor development, coordination, and joyful energy.
Community
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Families value our warm, welcoming school culture and the strong relationships built between parents, teachers, and children. Yearly family events and open, approachable communication create a true sense of belonging.
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
Ashley Zunkel
Executive School Director
Ashley Zunkel
Executive School Director
Ashley joined The Gardner School as Assistant Director at Naperville North before serving as Executive Director in Lincoln Park, and she’s now proud to be back leading Naperville North as Executive School Director. Each morning, she loves the small moments that come with greeting families — a child’s excitement to share a story or a parent’s update that sparks a smile.
Kathy McQuillen
Assistant Director
Kathy McQuillen
Assistant Director
Kathy loves starting each day at The Gardner School of Naperville North with warm smiles and cheerful greetings. Those morning moments of connection help set a positive tone for the day and remind her how meaningful it is to be part of a community built on trust and care. Since joining The Gardner School in 2024, Kathy has grown in confidence and connection, developing strong relationships with children, families, and her teaching team.
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.