The Gardner School of Minnetonka-Eden Prairie
Open today 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Description provided by the business.The Gardner School of Minnetonka-Eden Prairie is a preschool and child care center located in Minnetonka, next to Children’s Minnesota. 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.
Book a Tour
Choose a date to see available times. Tour times are shown in the local timezone (CDT).
Openings Now
The Gardner School of Minnetonka-Eden Prairie is now enrolling for one or more spaces.
Location Info
6040 Clearwater Dr
Hopkins, MN 55343
| 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 |
Languages Spoken
- English
Location Details
- Offers camp programs.
- Has a kindergarten program.
- 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
Kindergarten
Schedules
Full Time
Calendar
School Year
Languages Taught
English
Description
The Gardner School’s private Kindergarten program, available at select locations, offers a full-day, research-based curriculum designed to provide an academic advantage in a nurturing and engaging environment. With smaller class sizes—one teacher for every 15 students—our program ensures personalized instruction and hands-on learning. Using Open Court Reading, students develop independent reading skills through explicit, systematic instruction, while Math Expressions, based on National Science Foundation research, encourages deeper mathematical thinking and problem-solving. The Learning Without Tears curriculum enhances writing, literacy, and digital skills through multi-sensory techniques, fostering well-rounded academic growth. Kindergarteners explore daily lessons in interactive learning centers, applying concepts through real-world, hands-on activities. Technology is seamlessly integrated into the curriculum with educational games and digital exercises on computers and iPads, preparing students for future academic settings. Parents stay connected through real-time updates, photos, and progress reports via our communication app, KITE binders, and teacher conferences. With a strong focus on foundational skills, responsibility, and individualized support, our Kindergarten program equips students for success in elementary school and beyond.
Education Types
- Academic-Based
- Technology-Based
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 Minnetonka-Eden Prairie is a licensed child care center.
Type
Licensed Child Care Center
Identifier
1086640
Capacity
206
Issued
10/17
Parent Reviews
We love all the family engagement! We love all the family events and activities. The teachers have been great and managers are always there to help either any questions. I feel that my daughter has grown so much in her years here at TGS!
Our family loved our experience at the Gardner School of Minnetonka. Not only did they have fun every day, but also completed very enriching activities. Lastly, all the teachers and staff were so great to our family and provided excellent care.
We absolutely love TGS! Our baby is so happy to be dropped off every day and loves her teachers. They have amazing age-appropriate activities every day that help her grow physically, socially, cognitively, and emotionally. The communication is excellent, and we get many updates through the day.
The teachers and staff always provide great care and a supportive, patient environment for our child to learn and grow. They also are fair, logical and prompt when it comes to answering questions or dealing with day to day inquiries. Could not be happier with our experience at Gardner school!
