Awards Earned

Best Curriculum

Earned the highest curriculum score in Powell. This dimension evaluates structured learning, developmental programming, and how well daily activities prepare children for each stage.

Full Ranking Detail

childcare

The Gardner School is a nationally NAEYC-accredited center in Powell, OH, serving infants through private kindergarten as well as school-age before/after care and summer camp. Located on a three-acre campus with an expansive outdoor playscape, the center blends Creative Curriculum, World of Wonders, Learning Without Tears, and Reggio Emilia principles, emphasizing child-initiated play alongside structured academics in language, literacy, mathematics, and science. Teachers are noted for warmth and kindness, with real-time photo updates via their parent app and operating hours of 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Enrichment offerings include dance, gymnastics, soccer, yoga, and basketball. Parents have noted some staff turnover and inconsistency between shifts, suggesting attention to continuity of care would be beneficial.

Safety5.0

Curriculum8.0

Art / Music5.0

Infant care5.0

Kindergarten readiness5.0

Teacher quality7.0

Compassion8.0

Management6.0

Culture6.0

Extracurriculars6.0

Programs & curriculum

Curriculum & approach: Blended curriculum combining Creative Curriculum, World of Wonders, and Learning Without Tears with Reggio Emilia principles. Emphasizes child-initiated, cooperative play alongside structured academics in language, literacy, mathematics, and science.

Programs & activities: Programs for ages 6 weeks through private kindergarten: infant, toddler, twos, preschool, pre-K, private kindergarten, school-age before/after care, and summer camp. Enrichment classes include dance, gymnastics, soccer, yoga, and basketball.

What sets it apart: Nationally accredited by NAEYC for over a decade. Features two-tiered secure entrances, a three-acre campus with expansive playground/outdoor playscape, a real-time parent photo/update app, and hours of 7:00 am - 6:00 pm.

Recognition of Excellence — Website Badge

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Best Curriculum

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This recognition is awarded independently by Creative Minds Montessori based on publicly available parent reviews and public records. Centers do not pay for or request these rankings. Scores reflect editorial synthesis of verified parent experience — not center marketing materials. Rankings are updated periodically as new reviews are analyzed.

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