We are so lucky to have found Cambridge Nursery School. We were nervous that our child wasn’t quite yet ready for school and it has been absolutely beautiful watching him really thrive in this warm, loving, engaging environment. Where do I even begin? The teachers are absolutely amazing and he talks about them constantly at home. They all seem to have a sixth sense about what the kids need. For example: On mornings when our kid seems to be having a little bit more difficulty saying goodbye, one of them inevitably notices and comes over to us to help with the transition: Whether that’s taking him to a window to wave bye, or reading a book with him, or whatever it is that he seems to need that morning. As another example: Our kid gets really nervous around other children, which is one reason we weren’t sure if he was ready yet for preschool. The teachers have gently suggested activities for him with other kids, on days when it seems like he’s in the mood for it, while leaving him to play on his own whenever that’s what he needs. As a result - he has slowly started to warm up to some of the other kids, and has not been stressed at all about it. The curriculum is exactly what a preschool should be. The kids are free to play and explore and the teachers follow the kids’ interests when designing class projects. As a result our kid absolutely loves school: It’s stimulating and fun. But there’s still just enough structure that I feel confident our kid will be ready for grade school when he gets there. But the thing that really makes CNS special is the parent co-op structure. We’re a family of 2 working adults and I was worried it would be difficult for us to make this work. But it has been an absolute joy and blessing to be able to be a part of our kid’s classroom, and I have treasured the extra time I get to spend with him. But it also helps us to see what his school days are like. For example, when he comes home saying he wants to “do the numbers” and then is upset because we don’t have pipe cleaners, I know exactly what he’s talking about. I’ve heard from the teachers that it helps them too - when they see how parents interact with their kids it gives another layer of insight into the kid. Overall the parent co-op structure helps teachers and parents work more smoothly in tandem to support each kid in exactly the way they need. I really can not recommend Cambridge Nursery School enough. It has been the perfect school for our kid and our family and I am so grateful that this institution exists. There really is nothing else like it.

CNS is absolutely awesome and we feel so lucky we found it! My son was with a nanny or in a nanny share when he was a baby and young toddler and the CNS program is so great for kids like him -- small school, lots of individual attention from the teachers, and just a beautiful and comfortable space (with it's own awesome outdoor space too!!). We tried to send him to a larger, more "daycare"-like center a few months before we enrolled him in CNS and it was just terrible but CNS he took to immediately because it's such a loving environment. I've also been hugely impressed by how much he's grown and learned academically but even moreso socially and emotionally. I'm really impressed by how much the teachers at CNS let the children lead instead of teaching from a rote curriculum. This year there's been a months-long project where the class is building a city from cardboard, making up street names, adding infrastructure -- just fantastic stuff. Finally as a parent it's really a joy to have the opportunity to go in for parent helper days and get to know the other kids and the school overall. Absolutely highest recommendation for CNS!!!

Our daughter attends Cambridge Nursery School and we absolutely adore it. The staff is very experienced, long tenure, and caring. The building itself is nestled into a dead end, making the space safe and lovely. There is fantastic outdoor space, this was a Huge benefit for us that the school has such amazing outdoor space without going anywhere, very safe. The school community has been overwhelmingly welcoming. When we drop off our 3 yo our 1 yo comes and everyone is so kind to her, knows her name, includes her. We can’t wait for our youngest to attend too. Our daughter is learning so much, is strong verbally and emotionally. We feel truly lucky to have found CNS.

CNS has been an instrumental part of our lives for the past four years. My son and daughter each attended for two years. Play based, outdoor exploration every day, cooperative model allowing us to participate in our children’s first school experience. We have developed lasting friendships with staff and families. Couldn’t recommend more highly for a wholesome, child and family, community centered preschool experience! Mother to A age 6 and M age 4

This preschool is magic. The minute I turned off Avon Hill street and entered the gate, I was immediately captured by this school's charm. And it's not because the building is new or the toys are state of the art. The school, the staff and the community feel comfortable, authentic and genuine. It's exactly what I was hoping to find for my child's preschool experience. We have been thrilled by our experience here. The staff is incredible. They are super attentive to each individual students' needs and they work hard to make sure everyone feels safe, comfortable and nurtured. Every day my daughter reports with enthusiasm about Yoga with Katie, a special pumpkin project, music with Mr. Phil, constructing outside, or a new song that she starts belting out. Though there is just the right amount of structure and routine to the day, no two days are the same. Not only is my daughter making friends, but our entire family is gaining a community. The returning families and the school's staff make a tremendous effort to foster community. What a difference it makes at pick up and drop off when everyone knows not only each other's kids and parents, but also each others' providers, little siblings, grandparents and dogs. I cannot recommend this amazing neighborhood co-op highly enough. As you think about preschool for your child in Cambridge, schedule a tour and come check this place out.