Evergreen Pre-School

Evergreen Preschool was founded almost 40 years ago by four women in the Vergennes area who wanted a preschool for their children. The mission of Evergreen Preschool is to foster children's natural thirst for knowledge and meaning through play in a collaborative environment that respects, values, encourages, and sees the individuality of each child and family, while inspiring a deep connection with the natural environment and surrounding community.

At Evergreen Preschool, we believe that children learn best by doing what they do best - through their play. We provide an environment that is warm, welcoming, dynamic, challenging, and safe, which encourages the greatest possible climate for learning. Our approach is based on solid educational philosophy and evidence-based early childhood practices.

Our Vision

Our vision is to create a new generation of compassionate, creative, and active learners whose education was planted and nurtured at Evergreen Preschool.

Our Programs

We offer two programs for children ages 3 to 5, each enrolling 17 children. Children must be 3 years old by September 1st of the current school year to attend. Our two-day program meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while our three-day program meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Each program runs from 8:00 a.m. until 1:15 p.m. We also offer an extended day option for up to six children per class at an additional charge, running from 1:15-4:00 pm.

Our Staff

Our dedicated team of staff members is dedicated to providing a nurturing and educational environment for our children. Our staff includes a Director, Co-Teachers, and Teaching Assistants.

Teaching Staff

Our Director, Ashley Bessette, received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Champlain College and holds a Vermont State Teaching License with endorsements in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. Co-Teacher Kim Crawford has an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education and has been a part of the Evergreen family since 2006. Teaching Assistant Amanda Anderson holds a Master's Level Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Early Years) and a Bachelor of Arts in Education studies and English. Teaching Assistant Lori DeVine has worked with children in various capacities and holds a Vermont Teaching License with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education. Teaching Assistant Allison Stetzel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and VT Studies from the University of Vermont and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Education from Castleton University.