John Winthrop Nursery School

Jan 4th, 2019

We love this school. I have three children attending currently and the teachers are all wonderful and experienced educators with decades of experience. The program is primarily play based (many studies point to play as the primary format in which toddlers learn) which doesn't mean the teachers let them roam free all day - interactions and activities are always thoughtful and intentional both to expose and develop motor skills, social skills, etc. The children are very much ready for kindergarten and graduate to many top elementary schools as I've seen with my oldest. As a parent, the teachers feel like my partner in my child's development and they are a wonderful resource and support as we've gone through different phases. Most importantly, I feel that the staff really love and care about my kids - you can see it in the attention they give them everyday, their genuine interest to hear about their lives outside of school and their shared joy in new milestones. I've noticed a negative review here on Yelp and I'm surprised to see that. Our experience has been wholly positive even as the school has been through director transitions in the past two years (there was a (wonderful) interim director for a full school year). The families have all been warm and friendly too - more so than I even expected.
Nov 13th, 2018

This is a phenomenal school. Very experienced teachers - some have been teaching for longer than some of the parents have been alive. Very caring and loving environment for the children. Great mix of physical activity and classroom activities. Good summer program and care during school vacation week. My daughter started here at age 1.5, and her development in the 1.5 years since has been nothing short of amazing. You need to apply in the fall or early winter for spots the following year - it fills up fast.
Oct 11th, 2018

Extremely rude staff. I am in a bind looking for preschool as we just found out we are moving to the city. I called to ask about availability and before I could even introduce myself or mention my child's age I got a "no" and hung up on. I understand this is very late to secure spots at pretty much any reputable preschool, but the lack of empathy or even basic decency is astounding. I would never send my child somewhere where the grownups think this is acceptable behavior.
May 13th, 2018

Mar 16th, 2018