Business Details
Trusted Play-Based Preschool in New Canaan for Ages 3-5
First Presbyterian Nursery School has been nurturing young minds for over a decade, providing a play-based educational experience for children aged 3-5. Our dedicated team of educators emphasizes cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development through hands-on experimentation and small-group learning. We follow the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards while maintaining alignment with New Canaan Public Schools' curriculum to ensure kindergarten readiness.Our programs incorporate daily music, weekly science classes, and nature center field trips to create a holistic learning environment. Stacey Walker and our experienced staff personally cultivate a welcoming community where parents and children form lasting relationships, fostering both academic growth and emotional well-being.
Services
Threes Program
Fours Program
Pre-Kindergarten
Triple Play for 3s
Jumpstart for 4s
Lunch Bunch Camp
Highlights and features
- We offer play-based curriculum aligned with Connecticut Early Learning Standards
- Our experienced teachers provide individualized attention to each child's needs
- We maintain strong home-school communication with daily updates and involvement
- Our programs follow New Canaan Public Schools' curriculum for kindergarten readiness
- We cultivate a close-knit community with lasting parent-teacher relationships
What people say
Nurturing environment
Strong community
Experienced teachers
Kindergarten readiness
Individual attention
Services
Threes Program
Our Threes Program nurtures independence through play-based learning. Children develop social skills, early literacy, and math concepts while exploring colors, shapes, and patterns. Daily music classes and weekly science activities support holistic development in a warm, structured environment.
Fours Program
The Fours Program combines play with structured learning to build empathy and academic skills. Using Connecticut ELDS standards, we incorporate Wilson Fundations handwriting while fostering friendships through intentional play and weekly science exploration.
Pre-Kindergarten
Our Pre-Kindergarten program extends learning through kindergarten-like experiences. Children engage in morning messages, data collection, and literature studies while continuing Wilson Fundations handwriting instruction to ensure school readiness.
Triple Play for 3s
This enrichment program adds a fourth day for three-year-olds, focusing on imaginative play and outdoor activities. Children explore new challenges while maintaining the core benefits of our play-based curriculum.
Jumpstart for 4s
Jumpstart enhances kindergarten preparation with extended learning days. Children develop math skills through graphing, measuring, and journaling activities while building confidence through creative play experiences.
People
Stacey Walker
Director
Stacey Walker leads FPNS with over a decade of experience in early childhood education. She personally ensures each family feels welcomed and supported through daily interactions and community-building initiatives.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We serve children aged 3-5 through our Threes, Fours, and Pre-Kindergarten programs.
How does your curriculum prepare children for kindergarten?
Our play-based curriculum follows Connecticut Early Learning Standards and New Canaan Public Schools' framework, focusing on cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development.
What makes FPNS unique?
Our combination of structured learning with play, dedicated staff, and strong parent community creates a distinctive early childhood experience.
Are there extended care options?
Yes, we offer Triple Play for 3s and Jumpstart for 4s programs to extend learning days for enrolled students.
How do you communicate with parents?
We maintain daily communication through classroom updates and personal interactions during drop-off and pick-up times.
What special activities do you offer?
Our program includes weekly science classes, daily music activities, and field trips to the New Canaan Nature Center.
