Charlestown Nursery School has been nothing short of extraordinary. This is our daughter’s third year at CNS, and watching her grow socially, emotionally, and as a joyful member of the community has been wonderful. She has truly thrived in the loving, intentional care of this school. The teachers don’t just teach; they create magic. They are the best of the best, offering compassion, curiosity, and creativity in every moment. One of the things we appreciate most is CNS’s thoughtful, research-driven philosophy. Inspired by the world-renowned Reggio Emilia approach, the school creates an environment where children are respected as capable, powerful learners. Through rich, playful experiences and careful observation, the teachers develop an emergent curriculum tailored to each child, meeting them exactly where they are while gently encouraging them to stretch, explore, and discover. It is a deeply meaningful balance of guidance and independence. Across three years, we’ve seen our daughter's interests honored and expanded in ways that have surprised and delighted us. Whether she was investigating sculptures in our neighborhood, collaborating with classmates on a project, or exploring nature in ways that connected art, science, and storytelling, she was always learning with purpose. The teachers are constantly documenting the children’s work, through photos, conversation starters and at the end of the year with a Journey Book. Each child’s learning feels visible and celebrated. CNS seamlessly weaves together many best-practice approaches, creating a truly holistic experience that supports the whole child. The result is a school that honors curiosity, encourages deep engagement, and fosters social-emotional growth in profound ways. Our daughter walks into CNS every day feeling seen, supported, and excited. We could not be more grateful for this community and the immense care they pour into their work. Charlestown Nursery School is a treasure, and we feel so fortunate to be part of it.

Charlestown Nursery School (CNS) is a truly magical place for children to begin their educations. I didn't fully appreciate the importance of early childhood education until we watched our older son thrive in his first year at CNS: His speech progressed quickly, he became more confident and more comfortable in social situations, and his curiosity about the world around him blossomed. He truly loves going to school every day. The curriculum at CNS is both research-driven and child-driven; the teachers observe the interests of the children in their classrooms, and create evidence-based learning opportunities based on those interests. At CNS, you notice classrooms full of natural and recycled materials, a space that's designed for children to be as independent as possible, and many opportunities for choice and creativity. The children in each class spend a third of every day outside (rain or shine) exploring their environment and their local community. The communication from faculty and leadership at CNS is unbelievable. We receive daily emails from the teachers summarizing the classroom learning with photos of our son participating in different activities. The emails include suggested "conversations starters" to help us engage with our son at home about the things he's learning. The teachers and school directors make themselves readily available for questions, resources, and guidance. They also foster a sense of strong community - not just among students, but among parents and our neighborhood. We cannot overstate how wonderful CNS has been for our family. We're so sad that it's our older son's last year, and look forward to sending his younger brother to CNS in the near future. We highly recommend CNS and encourage you to visit as you consider the right school for your family.

From the moment our family joined Charlestown Nursery School, we knew we had found something truly special. CNS is far more than a school — it’s a vibrant, nurturing community where children are deeply known, genuinely cared for, and joyfully inspired to grow. Our daughter has had the immense privilege of learning in a classroom and school that embodies warmth, curiosity, and inclusivity. CNS has been a safe and welcoming haven — a place where learning is not only encouraged but made exciting and deeply meaningful. The educators at CNS are not just teachers — they are mentors, role models, and compassionate guides who see and nurture the full humanity of every child. What sets CNS apart is its intentional and research-driven approach to early childhood education. Their work is rooted in a deep belief in children’s capabilities and a commitment to practices that are grounded in both evidence and care. Every aspect of the learning environment is designed with intention to create the best possible conditions for children to grow. We especially love how the curriculum is shaped by the children’s genuine interests — it's playful and engaging, but also purposeful. Through these child-led inquiries, the educators guide students in meaningful exploration that turns curiosity into real learning and joyful discovery. The thoughtful and engaging curriculum is paired with a culture of genuine relationship-building. The team cultivates deep connections not only with students but with families as well. From check-ins and conversation starters to their continuous care and communication, we’ve felt truly seen, supported, and included in our daughter's learning journey. We’ve watched our daughter blossom under their care — growing in confidence, developing a true love for learning, and becoming more curious and reflective each day. Her excitement to go to school and share stories about her day is the clearest sign of the magic happening inside those classrooms. In a world where education often feels rushed or impersonal, CNS stands as a reminder of what’s possible when teachers lead with love, intention, and joy. Their work may be invisible to many, but its impact is profound and lasting. The team at CNS pours countless hours, energy, and heart into every child — and it shows. We feel endlessly grateful that Ava’s first teachers are among the very best. If you're looking for a preschool that nurtures the whole child, values curiosity, and creates a truly joyful foundation for learning — look no further than Charlestown Nursery School. The care, intentionality, and excellence that define CNS are unmatched. We wholeheartedly encourage any family considering early childhood programs to go visit CNS and experience the magic for yourself. It’s more than a school — it’s a community, and it’s one of the best decisions we've made for our child.

I absolutely adore CNS, it is such a special place. I have had two children that have reaped the rewards of their two years at CNS, my third child will attend next year. From the warm welcome each morning, to the smile on my child’s face as they excitedly recant what they explored at school that day. Children are at the center of everything that happens there, every detail and prompt is thoughtful and deeply rooted in the very latest research. A calm space, full of natural materials and open-ended discovery to nurture that special wonder of a child whilst also providing the scaffolding necessary by the finest pre school educators to ensure each child’s potential is maximized.