​CNS Week of Giving 11/17-11/21:
Join us in supporting and sustaining CNS with a pledge fundraising@charlestownnurseryschool.org or donate today!
In the fall of 2006, a handful of Charlestown parents banded together to explore creating an independent, community-based cooperative preschool. The very next year, CNS was founded as a parent/educator partnership.
HISTORY & FUTURE
2007-
2008
We began our journey with just eight students, driven by a shared passion for creating a nurturing, inspired learning environment. Interest in the school grew quickly, and to accommodate more families, we moved into a larger space. Thanks to private and public grants, donated salaries, and the generosity of our community, we grew from serving 16 preschoolers to 48 in just one year.​
2009
Only two years after opening, we welcomed 62 children and joined a Lesley-NAREA study group that culminated in a dialogue with Lella Gandini, one of the leaders in the Reggio Emilia approach. This year also marked the addition of our 3-day lunch program, extended-day options, Friday Explorers, and the beginning of many valued community partnerships.​
2012-2015
​​During these years, we were honored to welcome leaders in early childhood education—including Ellen Hall, Lella Gandini, Ben Mardell, and Ann Lewin-Benham—as well as educators from Europe, South America, and Asia. Over 200 U.S. educators visited to observe our practices.
In 2013–2014, we opened an afternoon strand of our core program to accommodate our growing waitlist. By 2015, our enrollment surpassed 90 children, and we hosted more than 1,000 visitors annually to share in our innovative educational approach.
2020
​​​In response to the challenges of the pandemic, we brought all of our learning outdoors—transforming the way our children experienced nature, community, and discovery.
How CNS Re-opened In 2020
2022
​We expanded our reach by opening a program for 20-month-olds, allowing us to nurture children even earlier in their developmental journey.​​​​
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2023-
2024
​​​This period marked continued growth and innovation. We expanded our 20-month program, introduced specialist-led enrichment for our 4-year-old classrooms, and grew our teacher training program. Our approach has since been recognized in academic circles for its comprehensive and forward-thinking educational model.​​​​​
2025-
2026
​​​Building on our commitment to early brain development, we extended our youngest program to include 18-month-olds and strengthened our early literacy offerings. With deep respect for the profound growth that occurs from ages 0–5, we continue to focus on these formative years with care and intention.​​
OUR ONGOING PARTNERSHIPS​
Our success continues to be rooted in collaboration—especially with our parents. Their insight, involvement, and generosity allow us to provide an exceptional educational experience and to remain leaders in early childhood innovation.
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ALWAYS GROWING​
We are still very much a dynamic and growing institution, with new milestones achieved every year. Our accomplished teaching staff is second to none, our inviting facility is beautiful and functional, and we have partnered with many esteemed educational institutions. We look forward to writing the next part of our history with new families.
