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 often a Parent Partner and an intern. 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 encourage you to visit so you can experience our research-driven, Reggio Emilia-inspired program firsthand, and to meet our highly-trained teachers. Drop by for a tour (9:00 am Thursdays October-February) come to one of our Open Houses in November, or schedule a visit.
Announcements
Thursday Drop-in Tours
Drop-in for a tour on Thursdays at 9:00 AM begnning October 4, or contact us to schedule a visit.
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.
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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Annual Auction Tickets Now on Sale!
Get your tickets today! Friends, family, and neighbors are welcome to our Annual Auction, Saturday, April 6 at the Bostonian Hotel. Join us for a wonderful evening celebrating and supporting CNS!Read More -
New Article from Tovah Klein: Raising Your Resilient Child
Tovah Klein, the author of "What Parents Can Do from 2-5 to Plant the Seeds of Success" has shared a new article "Raising Your Resilient Child" click here to read more or visit her website for additional resources.Read More -
Following the Research: Commitment to Teachers
Recently, we were covered in Boston Magazine for our commitment to teacher education and compensation as a key to high-quality early childhood. CNS is a local and national leader in this work. In the link here, we share our efforts and the incredible work of our board of directors.Read More
In 2017-2018, our Board of Directors put Charlestown Nursery School in the best position to recruit and retain the most highly trained teachers. Through innovative organizational structures and strategic allocation of resources, they finalized the most progressive compensation and professional development plan possible. This commitment will attract some of the most sought-after educators in Boston; it will also keep our current teachers at the top of the field. With compensation paired with training dollars toward rich professional opportunities for regular research and study, this investment will ensure that teachers are supported to deliver best practice.
Learn more
