Our Philosophy

The Wellesley Nursery School in the Hills provides a developmentally appropriate program for 2.9 - 6 year old children to socialize and learn together.  Our curriculum presentation follows the Massachusetts Department of Education standards, encompassing the following areas:  Art, English Language Arts, Health Education, History, Social Science, Mathematics and Science. Through these educational standards, children have the opportunity to progress academically, emotionally, physically, and socially within a warm and nurturing environment.

A typical school day allows for a balance of structured and unstructured time. 

The structured times include:

• Morning meeting where attendance is taken and the planned presentations for the day are discussed

• Circle time where the children listen to stories, sing and participate in creative movement activities

•  Presentations by our specialists (science, movement, music)

• Small group extension activities related to the curriculum

The unstructured times include:

• Free play

• Daily open choice time where children make choices based on their interests, and become involved in the various areas of the classroom

• Outdoor time on the playground exploring, interacting and moving

Open choice time continues to have children supported by the teachers, helping each child to become emotionally, socially and academically involved.

Our Mission

“You, like the little caterpillar, will grow up, unfold your wings and fly off into the future” (Eric Carle)

Our mission at Wellesley Nursery School in the Hills is to provide a safe, nurturing and developmentally appropriate learning environment for all children. We strive to foster creativity, exploration, and problem-solving skills, through our play-based, hands-on early learning program. With encouragement, children develop socially and emotionally to become responsible, independent members of our school community. Expert teachers partner with families to provide an educational environment that allows children to develop to their full potential while creating a lifetime love of learning.

Our History

Wellesley Nursery School in the Hills (WNSH) was founded in 1968 by Mrs. Eleanor Schulz, a Wellesley Hills Congregational Church member.  She was the director of the school until 1984. At that point, Ginny Smith Alterio was appointed director where she remained for 28 years.  We have had the privilege of teaching in the community for over 50 years. WNSH currently has a few students whose parents attended our preschool themselves.