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 South
Well-Rounded Early Learning in South Naperville
A Purposeful Preschool Where the Whole Child Thrives
At The Gardner School of Naperville South, children learn, play, and grow in a warm, academically focused environment that supports the whole child. Through hands-on exploration, caring teacher relationships, and a blend of trusted early childhood philosophies, we offer a preschool experience that feels both welcoming and enriching for families across the south Naperville community.
A Blended Approach That Supports Every Stage of Development
Our teachers use a thoughtful mix of Creative Curriculum, World of Wonders, Learning Without Tears, and elements of the Reggio Emilia approach to build skills in 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 through Kindergarten, along with school-age before and after care and summer programming, we provide families with a consistent and supportive partner throughout the early years. Conveniently located at the corner of 95th Street and Route 59, our school supports families across South Naperville and surrounding neighborhoods.
Location
Inside this School
Learning
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Our blended, research-based curriculum supports early literacy, math, creativity, problem-solving, and social-emotional development. Teachers guide learning through purposeful play, hands-on activities, S.T.E.A.M. lab (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), and responsive teaching tailored to each child’s developmental stage.
Safety and Health
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Parents feel confident with secure entry checkpoints, clean and organized classrooms, and daily routines that promote safety and comfort. Real-time communication keeps families updated with photos, schedules, and moments from the day.
Movement
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Children enjoy active play in both indoor and outdoor areas designed for exploration, climbing, running, and gross motor development. Movement is woven into each day to support strong bodies and joyful energy.
Before and After School Support
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.
Available at select Gardner School locations, our Private Kindergarten program offers a full day of meaningful, research-based learning in a small, supportive classroom setting. With nearly half the student-teacher ratio of most schools, children receive the personalized attention and enrichment that build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. Our private kindergarten program represents the culmination of early childhood education at TGS—balancing 21st-century learning skills with the heart of whole-child development.
Enrichment Classes
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
Brittney Sharp
Executive School Director
Brittney Sharp
Executive School Director
Brittney finds her greatest joy in the relationships she’s built with children, families, and teachers at The Gardner School of Naperville South. Whether she’s sharing a laugh with a parent, greeting each child by name, or celebrating classroom milestones, she loves creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued, and connected. Since joining The Gardner School in January 2018, Brittney has become a trusted and caring leader known for her warmth, collaboration, and dedication to helping every child thrive.
Kate Regganie
Assistant Director
Kate Regganie
Assistant Director
Kate loves the unique routines she shares with each child who walks through the doors of The Gardner School of Naperville South. Whether it’s pausing to admire a favorite outfit or matching a child’s energy with a cheerful greeting, those little moments of connection make every morning special. Since joining The Gardner School in 2017, Kate has grown from part-time support staff to full-time teacher, then School Program Coordinator, and now Assistant Director. Her journey reflects her dedication to children, families, and the heart of the TGS community.
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.