Calvary Nursery School

Welcome to Calvary Nursery School, where we believe that "play is the work of childhood" - Jean Piaget. Our mission is to nurture the development of each child in a safe and inspirational learning environment that is dedicated to the Episcopal values of faith, hope, love, service, and forgiveness. We welcome and encourage children of all backgrounds and traditions, with no denominational expectations or requirements.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide a learning environment that is safe, nurturing, and inspiring, where children can develop at their own pace. We believe in complementary teaching philosophies, including Waldorf and the Reggio Emilia approach, which provide a well-rounded curriculum and allow each child the opportunity to learn in an environment best-suited to their strengths. Instilling values of faith, hope, love, service, and forgiveness is important in providing children with a base from which to interact and go forward in the world.

Program Highlights

We offer programs for children aged 2.9 to 5 years old, with 2, 3, or 5-day programs available from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm (Half Day) or 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (Full Day). Our low teacher-to-student ratio ensures that each child receives the attention they need to thrive. Weekly parent communications keep you informed of your child's progress, and our indoor/outdoor classrooms provide opportunities for exploration and learning in all weather.

Our partnership with New England Science and Sailing (NESS) provides opportunities for nature exploration, and our music and movement classes promote physical development and creativity. We also offer all-weather outdoor time, allowing children to connect with nature and the world around them.

About Calvary

Our little school by the sea was founded in 1994 by a group of parents from Calvary Episcopal Church who wanted to create a "dream preschool". They believed that complementary teaching philosophies, including Waldorf and the Reggio Emilia approach, would provide a well-rounded curriculum and allow each child the opportunity to learn in an environment best-suited to teaching to their strengths. In addition, instilling values of faith, hope, love, service, and forgiveness were important in providing children with a base from which to interact and go forward in the world.

Since inception, the school has evolved but has remained steadfast in honoring the traditions and philosophies instilled, which have influenced the culture at Calvary to this very day. We provide a hands-on, integrated teaching approach where learning doesn't take place in one lesson but rather throughout the day and in everything we do. We focus on creating an awareness of and an appreciation for the natural world and our role within it. We cultivate kindness and mindfulness, and empower children by celebrating each child's unique strengths.

At Calvary, we value and follow children's natural pull towards play by providing purposeful material that allows for exploration and self-discovery. We believe that learning and playing are intertwined, and that "play is the work of childhood". Our annual traditions create a culture in which each family becomes a part of the Calvary Family, taking great pride in our little school by the sea.