I have loved TGS Minnetonka’s willingness to individualize for our child. When he was an infant, they were flexible with his nap times. Now that he’s a toddler, they’re being so helpful and flexible with potty training. I’ve been so thankful for that aspect of TGS Minnetonka.
The commitment from the staff is amazing at each level, starting with Heather Larson. We went through about 7 years of Gardner with two kids and had an amazing experience throughout. The staff's care for the children is amazing and the leadership team's commitment to community and family building are equally impressive. I would recommend Gardner School to anyone looking for high quality care for their kids, impressive communication throughout the days, a safe and inclusive environment, and preparing kids for their next phases in life.
We are so incredibly grateful for TGS-Minnetonka/Eden Prairie. We were on the verge of burnout when we enrolled our oldest child in early 2024, with no family in the area and a very limited support network. Heather Larson, the Director, saw that in us right away, as if by intuition. The genuine care that was shown first by her was present in all the teachers and aides our child had along the way, including long-standing gems like Ms. Caitlyn, Ms. Leanne, and Ms. Taylor (to name too few). If you're looking for a joyful school community that emphasizes real curriculum and social development, I'd be surprised if there's a better option in the Twin Cities than TGS. You'll get to know other parents, all the teachers and staff will recognize you before long, and your child will make many friends and feel known from Day 1. Just a wonderful experience from start to finish, and I couldn't recommend it more highly. Make time for a visit and see for yourself!
We are so impressed by this school! We transferred to Gardner from a Montessori school in another state recently. I love how fun, unique, and challenging the curriculum is. My sons genuinely love going to school everyday. They come home with new skills, like handwriting and speaking Spanish, that just blow me away. There are numerous electives you can add on. My kids enjoy the food too. It’s convenient having breakfast and lunch at school. Overall, I feel like Gardner will really prepare them for an academic future. I am really glad we chose this school.
Every teacher in the Infant rooms. In particular Ms. Angie and Ms. Isabel.
The facility was always clean and bright which made us glad to bring our baby girl to school.
Heather runs a great operation. She always made us feel our daughter was well cared for and not just another infant at Gardner School.
We absolutely loved our experience at The Gardner school in Minnetonka! Our kid is extremely prepared for kindergarten! The teachers are so caring and wonderful:)
Our daughter is currently in the infant room. Miss Maddy, Ali, and Angie are absolutely fantastic! I am able to go to work with confidence my little one is in good hands and well cared for!
Finding a preschool that feels like an extension of your family is rare and that’s exactly what this school has been for us. Our little one has been attending since she was 1 a year old.. the love, care, and nurturing she has received during these formative years have meant more to us than words can fully express.
From the very beginning, every teacher created an environment where she felt safe, seen, encouraged, and genuinely loved.
A very special thank you to the Director Heather, whose kindness, openness, and constant support made such a lasting impact on our entire family. She always made us feel heard, welcomed, and deeply cared for. The sense of community here is truly exceptional.
As parents, there is no greater gift than knowing your child is spending her days in a place filled with patience, joy, encouragement, and heart.
Leaving is incredibly bittersweet because this place has never felt like “just a school”, it has felt like family. We will carry this chapter with us forever. 💛
TGS has been the most wonderful experience for our family. My daughter has been enrolled since she was 2 years old and will be graduating next month. The family and community that is TGS, is a very special place. The education and individual support they provide has more than prepared her for kindergarten next year. We will cherish these years and many memories for a lifetime. Thank you for all you do for our little ones!
Teacher engagement has been great, my daughter’s vocabulary, emotional control and ability to play with and adapt to different kiddos in various environments has improved greatly since coming to Gardner from an in-home daycare. The director and her administrative staff regularly have unique on-site educational (and fun!) events throughout the calendar year tailored to multiple holidays and seasonal events (e.g. llamas, pumpkin painting, Christmas elf, shamrock party, grandparents tea). Having enrichments on-site available like soccer shots, code njnjas, yoga, dance, Spanish, tumbling has been great convenience too.
I like the transparency from leadership and the dedication from teachers. Regarding the latter, I feel like nearly every teacher in the school knows my child by first name, which makes me feel secure in having chosen TGS.
Consistent transparent communication. The school staff works with me and my child to ensure the best experience. I appreciate all of the dedication of the staff to ensure my child is cared for.
We were so warmly welcomed and cared for. The regular updates from the teachers through the day were detailed, the menu is very balanced and our baby even ate things he normally wouldn’t eat at home, the staff were exceptional. We are more than grateful for the care our baby had during our short stay in Minnesota.
They really seem to know and love my son. And I’m guessing my son isn’t at all exceptional. They seem to get to know all the kids so well and work hard to meet all their needs.