Our Philosophy
We respect children and believe a child’s play reveals their theories about the world.
By listening with intention, teachers, family members and children develop relationships and a democratic community where ideas are explored with a commitment to anti-bias learning. Environments are created to extend children’s thinking and materials are provided as “languages” to express these theories. Time in the context of our school life is honored and our pace allows children to develop social relationships essential for learning.
Our Mission
“What we practice we become.”
–Tara Brach
Our mission is to provide an early childhood education that nurtures children’s agency and broadens their sense of belonging. Our teachers create an environment in dialogue with children, encouraging creative inquiry and honoring play. Our cooperative model invites families to engage deeply with their child’s school experience and with our community.
Cooperative
At LNS, family members participate in and help shape the magic of their child’s first school experience.
In keeping with the school’s philosophy of cooperative education, family members are involved in all aspects of the school, including family helping, serving either on the board of directors or a committee, and participating in community events.
Play & Exploration
Children’s curiosities and wonder are furthered through play and explorations together with teachers and family members, side by side. Each classroom has a teaching team of 3; two co-teachers and a family helper, with classroom sizes ranging from 12-16 children.
At LNS, caregivers give their child the gift of friendship with families that will continue for many years.
The cornerstone of our teaching approach is developing relationships, allowing us to uncover and build upon children’s own sets of thoughts, curiosities, and interests.
Nature
We find ourselves constantly returning to the important presence of nature: nature’s slower pace mirrors the children’s inclination to observe, to make connections and form new thoughts to understand their world.
We are located next to conservation land, providing ease of access to trails and ponds. Children explore nature on a regular basis providing spontaneous, outdoor play, and a comfort level, familiarity with, and respect for the environment.
Our History
Founded in 1944 by a small group of innovative parents with a firm belief in cooperative nursery school education, our community values open communication and mutual respect. Learning through play and inquiry, listening and dialog, we generate a multiplicity of relationships. These connections broaden our sense of place and open the world from “me” to “we.”
We represent a cooperative partnership among our citizens – children, teachers, and caregivers.
In 2012, LNS moved to the studios on the deCordova Museum and Sculpture Park campus. Our community has grown to include families from fourteen towns in MetroWest Boston. Large, bright studios are furnished with custom designed furniture that reflects how we think about spaces to support children’s exploration. Understanding that the environment is also an educator, teachers are thoughtful in creating environments that are both comfortable and provide for outstanding experiences. Outside, we offer a wonderfully designed, natural outdoor playspace where children play daily. Many of the indoor and outdoor components of the new campus were designed and put together by family members and faculty.
