Community is at the heart of the Gardner School. Cross grade connections allow students to know each other throughout the school. Parents and other volunteers are invited and called upon to be an integral part of the school community. All school events also build a sense of belonging to the wider Gardner community. It is not uncommon to see parents, students and teachers clustered around the playground long after the school day ends. Our families are involved in every aspect of The Gardner School from classroom help to yard work!

Parents are welcome in the classroom and are encouraged to contribute their time and ideas in planning school events to enrich their children's education. In addition to spontaneous community, many of our school events are organized by the Gardner Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). The purpose of the Gardner School PTO is to promote an interactive school community by providing activities for families and opportunities for individuals to actively participate in the development of a dynamic learning environment. Throughout the year the PTO sponsors both on and off site events which create a sense of community between children, parents, and staff. Unlike more traditional PTO's, we are not considered a fundraising organization. Membership is automatic upon enrollment and there are no dues.