The Gardner School of Naperville South
Academically Focused Preschool in South Naperville
More than a traditional preschool or childcare facility, The Gardner School of Naperville South is proud to offer our blended, academically focused early childhood education program to the children and families of the Naperville area. Our blended selection of researched-based curriculums—including Creative Curriculum, World of Wonders, Learning Without Tears, along with incorporating the Reggio Amilia approach—allow each class to build upon the previous year’s learning.
Safe and Nurturing Learning Environment
At The Gardner School of Naperville South, our teachers are nurturing and deeply care about the well-being of our students. Security features like two-tiered secure entrances help keep children safe. The stunning and spacious classrooms, creative indoor play area, and beautiful outdoor play area provide a home away from home for our students.
We offer academically focused preschool and early childhood programs for children ages 6 weeks to Kindergarten. We also offer a School Age Program with before and after care for school-age children during the academic year and Summer Camp programming. As one of our many locations in the greater Chicago area, we primarily serve families in communities such as Tall Grass, White Eagle, Stillwater, and Ashbury. Our school is conveniently located in southwest Naperville at 95th Street and Route 59.
The Gardner School of Naperville South was formerly The Compass School of Naperville South which has served families in the area since 2009.
School Features
- Safe and secure environment
- Academically-focused learning with a blended curriculum
- Real-time updates and photos through our parent communications app
- Inviting classrooms with highly qualified preschool teachers
- An open-door policy for daily check-ins
- Yearly family and community events
Academically-focused Programs
Camp Gardner
Infants
Pre-K
Preschool
Toddlers
Twos
School Age Program
Kindergarten
Naperville South Campus Leadership
Brittney Sharp (Acting Director)
School Director
How long have you been at your school?
I started at the school on January 2, 2018.
Roles served at your school:
I floated throughout the building for my first few months, allowing me to get to know the children and families. I officially began my Administrative Director role in April of 2018.
What is your educational background?
I have a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education with endorsements in reading and language arts from The University of Iowa. After getting my first post-grad job in a preschool setting, I decided to go back to school for endorsements in early childhood education and early childhood special education.
What made you decide to have a career in education?
I have wanted to be a teacher since the second grade. I have always enjoyed learning alongside my students, differentiating curriculum to meet individual needs, and creating relationships that lead to partnerships in children’s education. Inspiring a love for learning and seeing that truly shine through my students has always inspired me to continue teaching, even on the most difficult of days.
What makes you laugh about kids?
I love that kids are so honest. They tell it like it is, all the time, no matter what.
What do you love most about working with infants through the age of 5?
I love that young children are still active and engaged participants in their own learning. I love that they feel ownership and enjoyment in their education and that they are natural knowledge-seekers. I love the feeling of being able to see their wheels turn as they work through new ideas and figure things out.
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
I love greeting each family every day. I love to hear about what they did when they were at home and how excited they are to be at school.
What do you love most about TGS?
I love our community. The care and kindness shown throughout our building by teachers, parents, and students on a regular basis is heartwarming.
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
I love being able to see my nieces and nephews every day at school. Watching them grow, learn, and interact with their peers and teachers on a regular basis is one of the biggest perks of my job!
What inspires you?
I am inspired by all the strong women in my life. My co-workers, my family, and my friends inspire me to work hard and do my best every day.
What is your passion or passions?
I am very passionate about animal rescue. I volunteer as a transport coordinator, scheduling freedom rides for homeless animals traveling from north Kentucky. I am also an active foster and have two rescue mutts of my own.
What does the term “Where Learning Begins” mean to you?
I believe that learning begins the minute a child is born. As soon as any senses are activated, learning is involved. It is our job, as educators, to find moments of experience to build on to create understanding.
How important is early childhood education?
Early childhood education builds the foundation for the future. Children learn not only how to learn but how to be. They become the people they will continue to be throughout their lives. They build skills, habits, personality traits, and learning styles throughout their early years. Although they will most likely forget most of the information they acquired during this time, they will not forget the way they felt about their school experience.
What would you tell new parents who are apprehensive about leaving their infant in the care of someone else for the first time?
I always tell parents of new infants in our building that it is normal to feel apprehensive about leaving your child with someone else, no matter who it is! We would expect nothing less! I remind them that they know their child best and that they are their child’s first teacher. We are here to support them during their transition and make their entrance into school as smooth and comfortable as possible.
