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 Chicago – West Loop
Where Curiosity Leads the Way
Modern, Nurturing Preschool in the West Loop
At The Gardner School of Chicago–West Loop, children learn in a warm, thoughtfully designed environment that blends traditional teacher-led activities with child-directed learning. As a NAEYC-accredited preschool, we offer trusted early education for infants through Pre-K, with bright classrooms, open floor plans, and spaces created to help young learners feel confident and safe in the heart of the city.
A Learning Experience Built With Intention
Our teachers guide children through research-based curriculum, child-directed activities, and purposeful play that support early literacy, math, problem-solving, and social-emotional growth. Open viewing throughout the school, secure indoor and outdoor spaces, and real-time parent communication create a seamless partnership with families. With long-tenured staff and a supportive school community, children ages 6 weeks to 5 years experience care that feels consistent and deeply personal.
Location
Inside this School
Learning
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Children explore early academics through a blend of curriculum-based instruction and child-directed hands-on learning. Teachers use research-backed programs and responsive routines to build confidence, independence, and kindergarten readiness.
Safety and Health
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Open floor plans, visibility throughout the building, and controlled-entry checkpoints help children feel secure as they learn and explore. Clean, calm classrooms and healthy meals in the Kids’ Café support both well-being and daily comfort.
Movement
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Spacious indoor areas and outdoor spaces provide room for active play, gross motor development, and joyful movement. Daily activity helps children build coordination, strength, and the confidence to try new things.
Community
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West Loop families appreciate our long-term teaching team, consistent communication, and close-knit school culture. Daily check-ins, real-time updates, and welcoming staff create meaningful partnerships that support each child’s growth.
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
Ann Gabelbauer
Executive School Director
Ann Gabelbauer
Executive School Director
Ann loves starting her mornings with the smiles of children and families at The Gardner School of West Loop. Those quick chats, shared laughs, and cheerful greetings help set a positive tone for the day and remind her how meaningful these everyday moments can be. She joined The Gardner School in December 2015 as a teacher and has since grown into her role as Executive School Director, bringing nearly a decade of experience, insight, and care to her school community.
Liz Stark
Assistant Director
Liz Stark
Assistant Director
Liz loves the energy and joy that fill The Gardner School of West Loop each morning. The excited waves, morning hugs, and quick conversations with children and families are her favorite way to start the day. Since joining The Gardner School in April 2025, Liz has focused on helping every child feel seen, heard, and welcomed while ensuring families know their little ones are in caring hands.
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.