The Gardner School of Oak Brook
Open today 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Description provided by the business.The Gardner School of Oak Brook is a NAEYC-accredited preschool and child care center located in Oakbrook Terrace, IL, off of the I-88 Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway near Midwest Road. 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
17W712 E Butterfield Rd
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
| 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
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 Oak Brook is a licensed child care center.
Type
Licensed Child Care Center
Identifier
531483
Capacity
204
Parent Reviews
The staff is friendly and responsive. They are invested in my child’s education and well being.
The teachers and their willingness to work together to keep our children on their schedule
The curriculum, the exceptional staff & educators, and the feel of family when you are in the building.
Excellent care for my children with highly experienced teachers and deeply knowledgeable and friendly staff.
