"If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in."

- Rachel Carson 

Building a new CNS

For sixty-five years, teachers and families at Community Nursery School (CNS) have worked together to create a welcoming and engaging environment to support the healthy growth and development of young children.

A deep respect for children and their families and the importance of building community are at the core of CNS’s values. Its innovative educational approach, combined with an extraordinary level of commitment and collaboration on the part of parents and teachers, has continued to set CNS apart from other early childhood programs.

These values have served as the guiding mission since 1945 when CNS first opened its doors.

Philosophy

In recent years CNS educators have recognized shared philosophical principles with the early childhood programs of the city of Reggio Emilia, Italy. These programs are world-renowned for their collaborative learning environments, where values are strengthened through community dialogue and a commitment to continued growth on the part of all members: teachers, parents, and children.

The physical environment reflecs a respect for children as competent, curious and unique individuals with many ways of expressing themselves. The schools of Reggio Emilia provide affirmation, inspiration, and a strong sense of possibility for CNS’s further growth.

Adults have always set the tone at CNS by working together, exchanging ideas, and respecting both our common and unique identities. Parents, grandparents, teachers, and alumni all develop a sense of belonging and help create the fabric of the school community. The hours invested helping in the classrooms, working alongside other families, and participating in the daily life of the school help foster deep relationships that last long beyond a child’s time at CNS.

At CNS, we believe that this collaborative spirit serves to strengthen, enhance, and enrich life at our school.

Building

Parents and teachers diligently cared for the original building. A Building Advisory Committee (BAC), comprised of current and alumni parents with professional expertise, was formed in the fall of 2007 to thoroughly research the physical condition of the school and determine how to ensure that CNS students and families have a building that will provide the highest quality program for years to come.

The BAC determined that a new building would be the most cost-effective way to continue to provide children at CNS with an excellent learning experience, while providing an environment that both reflects and respects the integrity of the educational program.

As a result of this deliberative process, and with the commitment of the CNS board, CNS launched a Capital Campaign to build a new school for future generations. The goal was to raise as much as possible of the $1.1 million project cost, in order to minimize the debt burden on the school.

The financial support of current and alumni families, as well as the broader community, was key to the success of this Capital Campaign. In June of 2011 we completed construction on a new building.