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About Gardiner Grove
Where learning feels like home.
Nestled in South Boston, Virginia, Gardiner Grove is a cozy, community-based learning cottage that blends the heart of home education with the wonder of hands-on exploration. Inspired by Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, and Charlotte Mason philosophies, yes all of them because education can be whatever we dream it to be, and we believe children learn best through curiosity, connection, and creativity.
At Gardiner Grove, families discover a space where education and belonging intertwine. Our small-group homeschool hybrid programs, nature classes, and creative enrichment experiences are designed to nurture the whole child—mind, heart, and spirit. From tending gardens and building projects to sharing stories and laughter, every day at the Grove grows both knowledge and community.
Our Grove
Rooted in history and heart, Gardiner Grove sits on nearly nine acres of sixth-generation farmland in South Boston, Virginia. The cozy farm cottage—originally purchased from Berry Hill Plantation by the Boothe/Ballou family in 1897 — was lovingly revitalized in the 1990's by the Ballou family and artfully, eclectically curated by the late Frances D. Gardiner.
Today, the Grove’s winding paths, mature woodland, and sunlit clearings welcome children and families to learn, create, and grow in the same spirit of care that has shaped this land for generations.
Our Story
From a young age, founder and director Danyell Ballou felt called to teach—creating “classrooms” in living rooms, backyards, and wherever curiosity could bloom. That early spark led to a career in education, where Danyell spent over 15 years as an educator and curriculum developer with a passion for creating meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities. As a mother of four homeschooled children, she brings both personal and professional experience to her nurturing approach, with a deep understanding of how children learn best through ownership, connection, and creativity.
With experience across both public and private schools, Danyell has worked in traditional classrooms and innovative learning environments alike—designing child-centered, curiosity-driven programs and discovering that the most powerful learning happens when children feel nurtured, inspired, and free to explore.
Guided by that belief, she began developing educational experiences rooted in nature, nurture, and community. With the love and support of her husband William, they brought those ideas to life on their family’s historic land—revitalized and cherished for generations—and the vision of Gardiner Grove was born.
Today, Gardiner Grove blends Danyell’s professional expertise with her heart for community, offering a cozy, nature-rich space where children and families can grow together through wonder, imagination, and belonging.