The Gardner School of Chicago (West Loop)
Open today 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Description provided by the business.The Gardner School of Chicago-West Loop is a NAEYC-accredited preschool and child care center at W. Madison Street and S. Throop Street, across from the Verizon store in Chicago, IL. We offer early childhood education for ages 6 weeks through 5 years — infant care, toddler programs, preschool, and Pre-K. Our academically focused curriculum supports early literacy, math, and social development in thoughtfully designed classrooms with indoor play spaces and enrichment areas that foster exploration, routine, and confident learning.
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Location Info
1301 West Madison St #100
Chicago, IL 60607
| Monday | 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Accreditations
-
NAEYC
Military Assistance
- Offers Military Subsidies/Benefits
Financial Aid
- Sibling Discount
Languages Spoken
- English
Location Details
- Offers camp programs.
- Offers summer care programs.
- Meals are provided.
- Outdoor play space is available.
Programs Offered
Infants
Toddlers
Schedules
Full Time, Part Time
Calendar
Full Year
Languages Taught
American Sign Language, English
Description
The Gardner School’s toddler program nurtures independence, growth, and socialization in a supportive, engaging environment. Using The Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers, and Twos, teachers encourage exploration through play and responsive interactions. As children transition from American Sign Language to early language, communication is supported through stories, songs, puzzles, and hands-on learning. Group activities build confidence, social skills, and emotional development. Families stay connected through real-time updates, photos, and app notifications. Monthly themes introduce colors, sensory exploration, cooperative play, and self-expression. Itsy Bitsy Yoga supports sleep, digestion, and well-being. By fostering curiosity and creativity, we build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Education Types
- Creative Curriculum
Two's
Schedules
Full Time, Part Time
Calendar
Full Year
Languages Taught
English
Description
The Gardner School’s two-year-old program supports rapid physical, cognitive, and social growth through play and exploration. Using The Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers, and Twos, teachers foster autonomy, confidence, and early learning. Interactive centers focus on language, math, science, fine motor skills, and dramatic play, while group activities and circle time build socialization and self-help skills like feeding, hand-washing, and sharing. Teachers partner with families to support potty training when children are ready. Parents stay connected through real-time updates, photos, and progress reports. Children can also explore enrichment classes such as music, dance, language, and sports. Through engaging, individualized experiences, we build confidence, independence, and a love for learning.
Education Types
- Creative Curriculum
Preschool
Schedules
Full Time, Part Time
Calendar
Full Year
Languages Taught
English
Description
The Gardner School’s preschool program fosters curiosity, independence, and cognitive growth through hands-on learning and cooperative play. Using the World of Wonders (WOW) curriculum, teachers introduce language, literacy, math, and science while supporting social-emotional development. Learning centers encourage exploration in reading, construction, dramatic play, fine motor skills, and sensory activities, while routines, classroom roles, and enrichment build confidence. Learning Without Tears strengthens early writing and readiness through multi-sensory techniques. Children participate in enrichment classes like dance, music, language, and sports, and take on leadership roles that promote responsibility. Preschoolers wear uniforms and enjoy meals in the Kids’ Cafe, supporting independence. Families stay connected through real-time updates, photos, and progress reports. Through engaging academics and individualized support, we prepare children for kindergarten and a lifelong love of learning.
Education Types
- Academic-Based
- Creative Curriculum
- Play-Based
Pre-K
Schedules
Full Time
Calendar
Full Year
Languages Taught
English
Description
The Gardner School’s Pre-K program prepares children for kindergarten through structured learning, hands-on activities, and leadership opportunities. Using the World of Wonders (WOW) curriculum, teachers build early literacy, math, and social-emotional skills while fostering independence. Learning Without Tears supports writing and readiness through multi-sensory techniques, while interactive centers encourage creativity, problem-solving, and exploration. Technology, including educational games on computers and iPads, enhances engagement. Students build responsibility with KITE (Keeping It All Together Every Day) binders, introducing early homework concepts and strengthening home-school communication. They also take on leadership roles in enrichment classes like music, drama, language, and sports. Families stay connected through real-time updates, KITE binders, and conferences. Graduates can continue skill-building in Kindergarten Boot Camp, supporting a confident transition to kindergarten.
Education Types
- Academic-Based
- Creative Curriculum
- Emergent
Summer Camp
Schedules
Full Time, Part Time
Calendar
Summer Only
Languages Taught
English
Description
At The Gardner School, summer becomes something magical. Our Wings & Wonder 2026 theme invites children to explore, imagine, and grow through a season filled with curiosity, creativity, and joyful learning. Designed for toddlers through Pre-K, our summer program blends play-based learning with hands-on exploration, giving children the freedom to spread their wings in a nurturing, engaging environment. It’s a natural entry point for new families, and a season current families look forward to all year. Children continue building confidence, social skills, and early academic foundations through meaningful routines, all with a little extra sunshine mixed in.
Education Types
- Creative Curriculum
- Nature-Based
- Play-Based
- STEAM
Licensing
The Gardner School of Chicago (West Loop) is a licensed child care center.
Type
Licensed Child Care Center
Identifier
522250
Capacity
178
Issued
06/16
Parent Reviews
I appreciate the thought and care of the teachers and staff at Gardner. I also appreciate The flexibility and creativity in working with each student.
Kim and Martin were exceptional teachers. We've moved away from Chicago but our daughter still talks about them regularly. I am sure they will do great things in their careers, and the ability to have them work with our child at Gardner was a special opportunity. Kim has changed how our daughter sees the world and how she approaches learning - what a gift.
We were at the Gardner School (West Loop) for four years, staring at age 2 and ending at approximately age 6. Our son started in the midst of COVID, when everything was topsy-turvy to say the least. In short time we found Gardner and, most importantly, its teachers and administrators to be just what we needed. The balance between educational and fun-time activities was just what we needed. Over these four years we saw significant growth in our child's social skills as well as with respect to his language, mathematics and general education. We highly recommend the Gardner School for anyone looking for a well-balanced experience for their child.
Gardner was great to our child and she felt at home right away. We were sad to move out of the area because of the great time she had a school with the other kids.
