February 17, 2025

Dear Gardner Community, 

Our mission at the Gardner School is to cultivate authentic learning through integrated experiences in a supportive community. We know that a sense of safety and belonging is foundational to a child’s ability to learn, and our staff believes deeply in the importance of creating an environment that is inclusive, kind, and compassionate. From the first time families tour our campus, they can see the warmth and welcoming nature of our students, which is perhaps a primary reason your family chose Gardner, too. Our staff has also chosen Gardner for its open-heartedness, its inclusive mission, and the opportunity to participate meaningfully in a vibrant, diverse community. 

From my own experience as a parent here, I saw my children develop a strong sense of self that I believe was only possible because they were safe enough to be their authentic selves at Gardner. Instead of worrying about fitting in, they were allowed to stand out and to show their diverse talents and abilities, and they learned how to listen and respect others’ perspectives, too. I want that for all our students, and I want our families to feel equally welcome to participate openly in that dynamic. Our school culture is truly special and unique in this regard, which reflects our unwavering commitment to represent our mission and institutional values in all we do.    

At Gardner, we teach children to be curious and to look for ways to connect with one another and to learn about experiences and beliefs that may be different from their own. This diversity of perspectives makes our community vibrant and nuanced, and we stand with families who want a welcoming, inclusive, and affirming place for their children. We strive to be known in Clark County as a school that honors the dignity and worth of each individual—a place where we believe our differences make us stronger, where we lean into our mission and core values to inform how we treat each other, and where we will advocate for kindness, equality, and justice in the greater community.

During this eventful and occasionally disruptive period in our country, we have a responsibility to remain a safe harbor for all members of our school community and to provide stability, predictability, and safety. As a non-profit independent school, we are largely immune from shifting federal regulations that may impact student experiences or funding at other schools. However, I continue to stay informed and will evaluate if any policy changes could impact our school directly or indirectly and will share updates when relevant to the Gardner community.

We have work to do and barriers to overcome in our communities, but we also have a tremendous opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to one another in the same way our students do- by navigating obstacles with bravery and determination, by advocating for ourselves and others, and by building connections through genuine and open dialogue. Thank you for being part of Gardner School, and for sharing your unique contributions with all of us. I welcome conversations with you to learn more about how your family can be supported here, and to hear your ideas on how we can share this space with others in our area who need it most.
 

With gratitude, 

Courtney Tomlinson
Interim Head of School