Charlestown Nursery School is the kind of school parents expect, educators celebrate and children adore. Our pioneering curriculum celebrates the great potential of young children, with the goal of nurturing self-motivated, life-long learners.
Our emergent curriculum is play-based, but far more than "play." It is a series of expertly guided investigations that grow from the children's own interests, that immerse them in the process and joys of real discovery. Consistent evidence and experience has demonstrated that this approach allows children to consistently exceed the usual educational standards, and to simultaneously develop a joy in learning that will serve them for a lifetime.
A learning community
Each classroom has two master teachers and an intern, and depending on regulations, a Parent Partner. Our low teacher-to-child ratio allows for one-on-one engagement and thoughtful observation. Each member of the teaching staff has outstanding experience, advanced training or degrees, and a commitment to ongoing professional development. Our faculty spend an hour on research and development for every hour they teach.
At the forefront of early education
Just ten years old, we have already found our place at the forefront of early education. We have partnerships with several universities, including the BU Child Cognition Lab, Boston College, Harvard's Laboratory for Developmental Studies, and Tufts. We are also a training location for student teachers, a preferred site for various research institutions, and are engaged in partnerships with international schools. We also regularly welcome educators from around the world to observe and to share best practice.
Visit us
We welcome you to visit so you can experience our research-driven, Reggio Emilia-inspired program firsthand, and to meet our highly-trained teachers. Tours in 2020 for the 2021-2022 school year are optional. Drop by for a tour (8 AM at Harvard Mall on Thursdays in October), or schedule a visit.
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Announcements
Visits by Appointment
Contact us to schedule a visit.
Applications Online
Help CNS raise the bar for education across the city
Donations serve a critical role in helping CNS cover its operating expenses and continue its leadership in early education.
Applications Online
Help CNS raise the bar for education across the city
Donations serve a critical role in helping CNS cover its operating expenses and continue its leadership in early education.
It's easy to give online or learn more about giving to CNS here. Gifts are 100% tax-deductible.
Happenings
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Applications for 2021-2022 now available!
We are now accepting applications for the 2021-2022 school year. Currently enrolled families do not need to re-apply. Sibling applications are due October 15, and applications for Early Admissions are due November 15.Read More -
Alumni Love and Video Volunteers
Read MoreCNS Alumni,You and your families are all in our hearts and minds. We hope you are all healthy, safe and well.Like your schools, at CNS, we have rolled out remote learning opportunities and are enjoying the delight of children in every zoom meeting, block building challenge, small-group lunch, and individual conversation starters. It is not the same, but the children have a great way of making the most of it.With this in mind, we wonder if you wanted to join in the CNS fun! This summer, we had planned to start an alumni internship program for CNS summer weeks; however, with that on hold, we have a great idea for now. We wonder if you could lend your talents and volunteer digitally. Our teachers have videotaped mini-lessons, read aloud and songs. We would love to add some alumni videos that we could share with children.Here is how it would work:- Make a Video: Introduce yourself....and then share a lesson, talent, story, puppet show, dance...)
- Upload: The video on our alumni video drive
- Share: We will add the video in our daily notes to children
- Delight: CNS Children will surely enjoy seeing some older children read, sing, dance and teach.
Feel free to check out Nancy's video for ideas (and some preschool memories).
Just as you did while at CNS, we know that you are embracing this new reality with care, creativity, and courage. We hope you can zoom your CNS friends, and connect with us at any time.We always miss you, and we think of you often. Stay in touch. Zoom, Facetime, Share a Photo or video you wish. We know we will all love to see you, especially the children.All our love,Cady and Kelly -
Lunch Suggestions from CNS Families
Looking for new ideas? CNS families have offered their Lunch Suggestions - feel free to add yours!Read More
