Preschool · Eden Prairie, MN · reviewed since 2017
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%97+56.9Reliability 26%98+25.6Value 15%69+10.5Experts Score= 93Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.93SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#14 of 37 preschoolsiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 64%
5.0★★★★★76 Google reviews · 24 photos
97%five-star reviews
4.94★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
The Gardner School of Minnetonka-Eden Prairie at a glance
Google reviewers rate The Gardner School of Minnetonka-Eden Prairie five stars based on seventy-six reviews, with the owner responding to ninety-nine percent of comments. Families frequently cite the school's structured curriculum, supplementary classes like soccer and yoga, and clean facilities as key benefits. Recurring themes include frequent communication through daily updates and photos, which provide peace of mind, and staff members who are described as welcoming and attentive to individual developmental needs. One reviewer noted that tuition costs were higher than at previous providers, though they felt the price was justified by the quality of care and education received.
Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 76 reviews (97% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 76 Google reviews (69 with written comments).
Owner responses: the business replied to 99% of reviews.
Most recent review: September 18, 2026.
Service: Preschool serving Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
Data from Google, last updated October 25, 2026.
Score profile vs other preschools
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and reliability; weakest: value.
This companyPreschools median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.The Gardner School of Minnetonka-Eden Prairie: 97/100 on this factor. Category median: 90.A
97
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.The Gardner School of Minnetonka-Eden Prairie: 98/100 on this factor. Category median: 91.A
98
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 98.–
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ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.The Gardner School of Minnetonka-Eden Prairie: 69/100 on this factor. Category median: 87.B
69
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.The Gardner School of Minnetonka-Eden Prairie: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 31.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
76 Google reviews we collected
5.0of 5
5 stars7497%
4 stars23%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star00%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 69 written reviews
100%praise
Praise117100%
Complaints00%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
100%fair
Great price00%
Reasonable4100%
Overpriced00%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude2723%
Would recommend2017%
Honesty & trust1916%
Speed & response1815%
Communication1815%
Quality & results1311%
Price & value22%
What customers talk about
We read 69 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“…en so impressed by the staff (especially Miss Caitlyn) who have been caring for our child in our stead.…”
“The TGS staff, specifically Heather Larson (who came highly recommended from a friend), afforded us the time and space to think, observe, and ask toug…”
“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.”
“Heather Larson, the Director, saw that in us right away, as if by intuition.”
“Bonus points for the communication skills of the staff and directors; they're easy to reach and consistent in providing updates about our child throug…”
“Just a wonderful experience from start to finish, and I couldn't recommend it more highly.”
“We drive a good distance to this school but it’s been worth it to see how great our kid is treated there and how much fun she has every day she’s there.”
People customers mention
Heather17 reviews
Angie7 reviews
Natalie5 reviews
Kayla5 reviews
Caitlyn4 reviews
Kindergarten4 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
Emma12 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
We are two weeks in to our new daycare with TGS and we love it! The staff have been so welcoming and accommodating with our 10 month old. She has transitioned seamlessly and comes home happy and tired. They do such great activities with her and we feel so confident in the care she is receiving. We'd recommend this center to anyone interested!
Jenny1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★
Our family had a wonderful experience at The Gardner School of Minnetonka. Our boys truly enjoyed their time here, and the teachers and staff genuinely cared about creating a fun, engaging, and nurturing environment. We always felt that our children were safe, happy, and well cared for. We highly recommend The…
Ben1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 months ago★★★★★
We highly recommend The Gardner School. Both of our children who attended there had great experiences. In addition to the base programming, they offer many supplementary classes and options the kiddos can do during their day, e.g. Spanish, soccer, yoga, dance and more. We always felt our kids were safe and cared for, and the facilities are very nice.
Shelby1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★★★★
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.…
Reasonable priceSoccerService not listed
MahyaLocal Guide · 59 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 7 months ago★★★★★
We’ve had such a wonderful experience with this daycare. As parents of a toddler, the regular and timely updates — along with the many pictures we receive throughout the day — give us so much peace of mind and truly make us feel connected to our child’s day.
My 2-year-old absolutely loves his teacher, Ms. Caitlin.…
Reasonable price
Pattie9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 8 months ago★★★★★
My granddaughter attends The Gardner School and has Ms. Caitlyn as her teacher. The entire school is run beautifully and we just adore Ms. Caitlyn. The school is run very professionally, the building safe and secure, and the staff is extremely conscientious and attentive to the students. I love having the…
We are two weeks in to our new daycare with TGS and we love it! The staff have been so welcoming and accommodating with our 10 month old. She has transitioned seamlessly and comes home happy and tired. They do such great activities with her and we feel so confident in the care she is receiving. We'd recommend this center to anyone interested!
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you, Emma, for these kind words!
Andrew Wolf3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Andrew has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Update: 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!
Original: The Gardner School of Minnetonka has consistently exceeded our expectations of what a daycare center could be. Our child stayed at home for the first 18 months of life before transitioning to daycare; needless to say, we were very anxious parents at the start. The TGS staff, specifically Heather Larson (who came highly recommended from a friend), afforded us the time and space to think, observe, and ask tough questions. We never felt pressured to enroll our child at TGS, but we always felt informed. Gradually, being informed led to being comfortable, and we have been so impressed by the staff (especially Miss Caitlyn) who have been caring for our child in our stead. The facilities, food, and curriculum are all top-of-the-line. Most importantly, the teachers care about and know the kids (and families) well. Bonus points for the communication skills of the staff and directors; they're easy to reach and consistent in providing updates about our child throughout the day. All in all, we couldn't have dreamed up a better daycare environment and are happy to recommend it to anyone looking for high-quality childcare.
Response from the owner · 2 years ago
Hi Andrew, thank you so much for your kind review!
Jenny Ji1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Jenny has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Our family had a wonderful experience at The Gardner School of Minnetonka. Our boys truly enjoyed their time here, and the teachers and staff genuinely cared about creating a fun, engaging, and nurturing environment. We always felt that our children were safe, happy, and well cared for. We highly recommend The Gardner School of Minnetonka to any family looking for a caring and enriching daycare.
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Thank you, Jenny, for these kind words!
Ben Klassen1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Ben has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We highly recommend The Gardner School. Both of our children who attended there had great experiences. In addition to the base programming, they offer many supplementary classes and options the kiddos can do during their day, e.g. Spanish, soccer, yoga, dance and more. We always felt our kids were safe and cared for, and the facilities are very nice.
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Thank you, Ben! We are so glad you are having a wonderful experience at The Gardner School.
Meghan Roth4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Meghan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We have loved our experience at the Gardner School! Our son Jaxon has thrived in his educational experience there and his wonderful teachers we have loved along the way! Prior to the Gardner school, I was basically home full time with Jaxon outside of him spending time with family on occasion and lifetime daycare a couple of times a week! The moment he stepped into the classroom full time as a toddler, it was amazing to see how quickly he adapted and learned the day to day structure of the classroom among his friends and peers! 3 years later Jaxon continues to love learning and school each and every day! Our experience there makes us very confident going into Kindergarten next year and knowing he has had a very strong foundation from his PreK years! We recommend Gardner to any family looking for the best experience for their children. Thank you for everything Gardner school and staff! We will miss you!
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Thank you, Meghan! We are so happy to hear your family has had a wonderful experience with The Gardner School.
Shelby Pickard1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Shelby has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
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!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Soccer, Service not listed
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Thank you, Shelby! We are so glad to have you in our community.
Mahya HemmatLocal Guide · 59 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Mahya has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We’ve had such a wonderful experience with this daycare. As parents of a toddler, the regular and timely updates — along with the many pictures we receive throughout the day — give us so much peace of mind and truly make us feel connected to our child’s day.
My 2-year-old absolutely loves his teacher, Ms. Caitlin. It’s clear how much heart and energy she puts into planning thoughtful activities for the kids. From engaging daily learning to the fun themed events at the daycare, you can tell she genuinely cares about making each day special and exciting for them.
Heather is also an incredible leader. She is caring, kind, and always brings such positive energy. What stands out most is how well she listens to feedback and communicates with parents — you really feel heard and supported. Her friendliness and openness create a warm, welcoming environment for both kids and families.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Thank you, Mahya!
Curtis Chen2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Curtis has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
This was our first year at the Gardner School of Minnetonka and we really like the environment and pace of the Pre-K program. The curriculum is very engaging and we get constant updates on what our child is learning.
The teachers and staff are amazing and consistently provide a safe, comfortable environment for the kids to grow and learn. In particular, we have been very impressed with Ms. Myah and Ms. Natalie as they are very attentive, consistently provide updates to parents, and make sure that Tiffany stays engaged in the classroom.
Lastly, the facilities are top notch and exceeded our expectations when we first toured the school. The classrooms have had learning equipment upgraded over the last year and the playground look very impressive.
I would highly recommend the school and pre-K program in particular to any parent looking for a safe, nurturing environment with attentive, caring teachers.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Thank you so much, Curtis, for these kind words! We are so happy to have you in our school community!
Pattie Dzuris9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Pattie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
My granddaughter attends The Gardner School and has Ms. Caitlyn as her teacher. The entire school is run beautifully and we just adore Ms. Caitlyn. The school is run very professionally, the building safe and secure, and the staff is extremely conscientious and attentive to the students. I love having the ability, through the app, to follow Ms. Caitlyn’s class and my granddaughter throughout the entire day!
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Thank you, Pattie! We are so glad your family is having a wonderful experience with The Gardner School.
Jenny Ralles1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Jenny has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We loved the rigor of the Pre-K program at Gardner – it set a great foundation for heading off to Kindergarten. The facilities are clean and welcoming, and the staff put a lot of effort into planning engaging days for the kiddos. Cat's Kids Yoga was a highlight!
