The Gardner School of Chicago (North Center)
Open today 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Description provided by the business.The Gardner School of Chicago - North Center is a preschool and child care center located near Irving Park and Lincoln Avenue. We provide early childhood education for children ages 6 weeks through 5 years, including 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 encourage exploration, routine, and confident learning for young children.
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Location Info
3819 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
| 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 |
Military Assistance
- Offers Military Subsidies/Benefits
Financial Aid
- Sibling Discount
Languages Spoken
- English
Location Details
- Offers camp programs.
- Offers summer care programs.
- Outdoor play space is available.
- Meals are provided.
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 (North Center) is a licensed child care center.
Type
Licensed Child Care Center
Identifier
630020
Parent Reviews
We were some of the first enrollees at the Gardner School on Ashland and worked with Katy, who was then the assistant director. We were thrilled with multiple things about that school and were excited to switch our second child under Katy's direction when she opened the North Center school. The things we love about BOTH Gardner schools were: 1. The security and safety of our child was clearly well looked to 2. The structure the children have been provided. While there was free play, there was so much more. Our kids bring home beautiful art and were able to participate in structured art and music classes, and more. 3. The staff. While we have never had a bad experience at daycare, it is clear that Gardner hires only the top tier staff to care for the kids in their care and we greatly appreciate it.
Directors, staff, cleanliness, playscape/outside area, food options.
We love The Gardner School North Center. It is very well organized, clean, and incredibly friendly and loving to the children and families.
The teachers are great and the school itself is very clean. They communicate very well with parents throughout the day. My son seems to be happy when there which is a nice feeling for us.
