Hopmeadow Nursery School

We believe that the ability to work and play well with others is key to a child’s success in life. We encourage children to make positive contributions to the group, cooperate with adults other than their parents, and develop friendly relationships with peers, while celebrating their individual strengths and gifts. We offer many opportunities for children to build confidence and a sense of self-worth in a safe, secure environment. We appreciate and understand that children learn, grow, and develop at their own pace. Through developmentally appropriate experiences in play, art, music, language, and scientific discovery, every child can have a sense of pride and accomplishment. In addition, we feel that fostering independence and self-reliance gives a child a sense of competence and control. Children are active learners, interested in making discoveries about the world around them. Children learn best through play, and it is in their play experiences that they come to understand and interpret the world around them. We offer many opportunities for imaginative play, as well as puzzles, games, and manipulative toys that increase basic knowledge and improve fine motor ability.

Listening skills are honed as children engage in circle time activities. We believe that outdoor play not only enhances gross motor control, but promotes an appreciation for the natural world and is vital for health and happiness.

We feel strongly that building and maintaining relationships is vital in today’s increasingly complex world. We encourage caring and concern for classmates and for those in the community at large. We delight in seeing friendships flourish among children and their families. We believe that parental involvement is essential to a child’s well-being, and encourage parents to participate in the daily life and administration of the school.