About Our School

Ashmont Nursery School is a non-profit, cooperative preschool licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). We provide a play-based, inclusive environment for children aged 24 months to 5 years, where families and certified teachers work together to foster learning and community.

Since 1985, ANS has embraced openness and inclusivity, creating a safe, welcoming space for children and families. We believe in modeling positive community interactions, ensuring every child feels valued, respected, and supported in their growth and development.

Ashmont Nursery : Reading to the children in school
All Are Welcome

Our Education Philosophy

The program provides an environment where children feel safe, secure, respected and recognized as individuals. A positive self-image affects each child’s ability to get along with others, to explore and to create. We find ways to help children feel good about themselves in all aspects of their learning. The nursery school space is set up with a variety of materials and activities from which children can choose. The materials in the room are stimulating, challenging and adaptable for children of varying developmental levels.

The children are offered a selection of activities each day. There is time for free play, small group activities, art, movement, dramatic play, story time, outdoor play, field trips, singing, reading, and snack. An important goal of Ashmont Nursery School is to draw upon the racial and cultural diversity of the families and our world to enrich all of the children, parents and staff.

Finally, the school believes that the relationship between the preschool aged child and their parents is the single most important part of their lives. It therefore asks that parents assist the teacher in the classroom on a regularly scheduled basis and help in the administration of the school as well.

Read The Brochure

What Is A Parent-Led Cooperative Nursery School?

It's a place where parents are involved in the everyday aspects of our school. One parents is onsite with the students every day during regular school hours, and parents are required to participate in a variety of ways. Choosing to send your child to this school means accepting responsibilities and duties which are routinely handled in other organizations by paid administrators.
 

Admissions Policies Read the Parent Handbook

“Every morning my daughter asks, ‘Is it a school day?’ and is thrilled when the answer is ‘Yes!’”

ANS Parent

Our Teachers

Meet the passionate educators shaping young minds, and building bonds with families and the community.

Yolanda Speller - Teacher

Yolanda Speller

Teacher
Yolanda was introduced into the ANS community back in 1997 when her mom Edna started here as a teacher.  She says it has always been like a secon...
Edna Speller - Teacher

Edna Speller

Teacher
A native of Dorchester, Edna Speller has been a steady presence at ANS since 1997. She is the proud mother of Brandon and Yolanda, now adults. Edna ha...

Discover The ANS Experience

Learn more about our vibrant and engaging school community.

School Year Calendar

We run a full-year program for our students, including field-trips and family events throughout the year.

View School Calendar

The School Day

The ANS daily curriculum is centered around the needs and interests of each child and the group. 

Our Daily Schedule

Photo Gallery

We love making memories with our students and their families.

Our Photo Gallery

Our highlights to Holistic Child Development

At ANS, we believe in fostering a love for learning through play and exploration. Our education philosophy is centered on nurturing each child's unique potential in a supportive environment.

  • Experienced educators dedicated to your child's growth.
  • Inclusive community that values every child's voice.
  • Innovative programs tailored to individual learning styles.
View The Brochure
smiling girl eating a snack close up

Our Facility

We take pride in providing a safe, fun and engaging for all out students.

FAQs

Curious about how Ashmont Nursery School operates? Our FAQ section is here to help! Find answers to common questions about our cooperative model, enrollment, daily schedule, extended care, and more. We aim to provide families with clear, straightforward information about our programs and policies, so you can feel confident and informed every step of the way.

A cooperative nursery school is one in which families share in the operation and management of the school. At Ashmont Nursery School, parents and guardians actively participate in the classroom and on committees—helping plan events, providing classroom support, and assisting with administrative tasks. This collaborative approach strengthens the home-school connection and creates a tight-knit community where both children and families benefit from shared involvement.

We cater to children aged 24 months to 5 years. This range allows us to support early childhood development through tailored programs. Our program is designed to foster each child's cognitive, social, and emotional development in a warm, nurturing environment.

Our school day generally starts with drop-off between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., followed by morning circle time, learning centers, snack, outdoor play, lunch, and quiet/rest time. We end the day with a short wrap-up and pick-up in the mid-afternoon, although exact times can vary by classroom or program option.

Yes! We offer extended care options for families who need longer hours,  after the standard school day. Specific hours and associated fees can be found on our website or by contacting our administrative office.

If you want to enroll, reach out to admissions at admissions@ashmontnursery.com. You can begin the enrollment process by filling out our online application or scheduling a visit. We have flexible tuition plans, and financial aid may be available for qualifying families. For more details, please reach out to our admissions team.

We are a nut-free facility to ensure a safe environment for children with allergies. We provide healthy, balanced snacks, and encourage families to pack nutritious lunches if your child stays for the full day. We ask that lunches do not include any nut products.

Our lead teachers are certified early childhood educators with training in child development and first aid/CPR. We keep our student-to-teacher ratio low to provide personalized attention and support each child’s growth.

We use a play-based, child-centered curriculum that encourages active learning through exploration. Our teachers create thematic units incorporating literacy, math, art, science, and social-emotional skills to build a strong foundation.