Briarcliff Nursery School

Briarcliff Nursery School was founded in 1947 by a group of forward-thinking mothers who recognized the importance of early childhood education. The school initially opened its doors in the Briarcliff Recreation Building, operating under the direction of Dr. and Mrs. Charles Churchill. With tuition set at $21 per month, the school quickly outgrew its first home and moved two years later into the music room of the Law Mansion in Scarborough. In 1950, Briarcliff Nursery School found its permanent home in the Bernard McFadden School in Ossining.

It's worth noting that, at the time, the concept of preschool was considered radical by some. Critics believed that nursery schools were only for working mothers and considered them to be merely a babysitting service for mothers who wanted to "get rid of their children so they could drink cocktails and play bridge!" However, the founding parents of Briarcliff Nursery School recognized the value of early education and persevered in establishing a preschool based on a solid understanding of early childhood development.

Our Philosophy: Constructivist Learning and Personal Development

At Briarcliff Nursery School, we believe that young children acquire knowledge through active engagement in concrete, hands-on experiences. Knowledge is constructed rather than copied, and takes place through the child's active participation. Our program provides a nurturing and stimulating environment that promotes the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of young children. We plan our curriculum for the age span of the group, with special attention given to the different needs, interests, and developmental levels of individual children. Our goals include:

1. Providing materials and creating situations that arouse curiosity, stimulate thinking, and promote intellectual development.

2. Helping children develop independence and enabling them to function on their own with confidence and security.

3. Promoting social development by fostering respect for the needs and feelings of others, and by developing the ability to interact successfully and cooperatively.

4. Promoting emotional development by giving children the chance to express themselves through the arts.

5. Encouraging a lifelong love of learning.

Parent Cooperative: Strengthening Bonds and Supporting the School

As a parent cooperative, Briarcliff Nursery School offers parents a unique opportunity to get to know other families in the school as they work side-by-side on events and projects that are integral to the school's operation. Cooperative opportunities exist across many core operational functions, including social, fundraising, substitution, library, maintenance, and newsletter. Some involve work at the school, while others can be completed from home to accommodate each family's schedule and preferences. Parents may also opt out of participation for an additional fee.

The school is governed by a Board of Trustees, which adheres to the school's bylaws. The Executive Committee assists with all operations of the school, including fundraising, maintenance, setting tuition, and planning social events for families. The school director is responsible for the educational programming, curriculum, and managing classroom teachers.

School Safety and Facilities

Briarcliff Nursery School is committed to ensuring the safety of all students, staff, and families. We have strict safety policies in place, and our facilities are designed to provide a secure and nurturing environment for learning and play. Our two-acre property includes classrooms and a playground, offering ample space for children to explore and grow.

Our Classes and Summer Programs

We offer a variety of classes and summer programs tailored to meet the needs of young children. Our curriculum is designed to foster intellectual development, social skills, emotional growth, and physical well-being. Our classes include:

• Nursery School Programs (2s, 3s, and 4s)
• Summer Programs (half-day and full-day options)

Admissions for the 2024-2025 School Year

We offer rolling admission for the 2024-2025 school year. We would love to meet you and your child! Please email the director at director@briarcliffnurseryschool.com for more information or to schedule a tour. Tours can be scheduled on weekdays or weekends, and we encourage your child to attend so they can see our classrooms and playground. We also invite interested families to join us for an Open House, which is a fun opportunity to meet our families and teachers and explore the school and grounds. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for current open house schedules.