I cannot say enough wonderful things about the Barn, its teachers, and the school's community. We toured pretty much every preschool in town before choosing the Barn, which we loved immediately for its child-centric philosophy, gentle approach and small class sizes. Our kiddo was the youngest at the school when she started, and we were very concerned that her first school experience be positive.
Nancy, Julia, Kathy and the other teachers are so dedicated, observant, nurturing and responsive! They really get to know the kids (it's amazing how much they notice even if they're only seeing your kid a few hours a week), and they really go to extraordinary lengths to work with every kid's needs and strengths.
Nancy, Julia, Kathy and the other teachers are so dedicated, observant, nurturing and responsive! They really get to know the kids (it's amazing how much they notice even if they're only seeing your kid a few hours a week), and they really go to extraordinary lengths to work with every kid's needs and strengths.
Services
The Acton Barn Cooperative Preschool works together with families of all kinds to provide a nurturing, play based, inclusive educational experience for children ages 2.9-6 yrs old. Our experienced and diverse team of teachers model enthusiasm for learning and discovery coupled with respect for the uniqueness of each individual.
Our Indoor and Outdoor classrooms are designed around Exploration Centers following the guidelines of the Early Childhood Environment Rating System-Revised (ECERS-R).
We ensure that our curriculum follows and aligns with Massachusetts Department of Education Curriculum Guidelines and Standards and that we address individual children's learning in the areas of English Language and Literacy, Mathematics, Science and Technology/Engineering, History and Social Science, Health Education, the Arts and Social Emotional Learning and Approaches to Play and Learning.
We ensure that our curriculum follows and aligns with Massachusetts Department of Education Curriculum Guidelines and Standards and that we address individual children's learning in the areas of English Language and Literacy, Mathematics, Science and Technology/Engineering, History and Social Science, Health Education, the Arts and Social Emotional Learning and Approaches to Play and Learning.
Our Art and Music Centers are carefully designed to allow children to have full access to a variety of materials encouraging them to freely explore and experiment. Sensory activities promote exploration and naturally encourage children to use scientific processes while they play, create, investigate and explore.
The Barn Teachers celebrate early childhood. They are experts in identifying children's individual needs and providing appropriate creative opportunities for exploration, discovery and learning. The teachers at the Barn are college educated and have many years of experience in the field of early childhood and diverse experience in working with families.
I have been working with children since I was 13 years old. I love the wonder you see in children's eyes as they learn. I believe that young children learn best through active play and experience. When I toured the Barn with my children, I walked out the door saying that if I could design my own school, it would be the Barn.
Reviews (7)
Heather Burke
Jan 22, 2019
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We have been members of the Barn for the past year. As new members of the Acton-Boxborough community, we have loved having our preschool home at the Barn.
The curriculum is play-based, the teachers are very nurturing, and the facility is lovely and inspires creative play. My daughter loves the climber inside and the play kitchen. The outdoor play area is so fun for the kids.
As a cooperative preschool, my commitment is to work about once a month in the classroom.
The curriculum is play-based, the teachers are very nurturing, and the facility is lovely and inspires creative play. My daughter loves the climber inside and the play kitchen. The outdoor play area is so fun for the kids.
As a cooperative preschool, my commitment is to work about once a month in the classroom.
Katrina Fulton
Jan 15, 2019
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We have been at the Barn for 2 children and several years now, with another child and several years to go. We could not be more happy with this school in every aspect. The cooperative model encourages such a sense of community and trust that is conveyed to the children and really puts everyone at ease, as well as giving everyone a chance to contribute and participate in the school. My children are always excited to tell me who the "parent helper" was that day, and they are so proud when it is time for one of their parents to help in the classroom. I was reassured to find a school that still emphasizes
Lidia Acton
Sep 28, 2018
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Jessica Cronin
Sep 13, 2018
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The Acton Barn Preschool has provided us with an amazing experience for our kids. The teachers and parents are such a fantastic community and resource. They work with each family and child to help them grow emotionally and socially while providing a strong foundation for the love of learning in children.
Elizabeth Leary
Jun 23, 2018
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I cannot say enough wonderful things about the Barn, its teachers, and the school's community. We toured pretty much every preschool in town before choosing the Barn, which we loved immediately for its child-centric philosophy, gentle approach and small class sizes. Our kiddo was the youngest at the school when she started, and we were very concerned that her first school experience be positive. Nancy, Julia, Kathy and the other teachers are so dedicated, observant, nurturing and responsive! They really get to know the kids (it's amazing how much they notice even if they're only seeing your kid
Kirsten Spargo
Nov 18, 2016
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Both of my children have dearly loved The Barn and it's staff. It's nurturing environment has allowed my boys to develop socially, emotionally and creatively, while learning the skills to prepare them for Kindergarten. The Cooperative aspects allow you to volunteer your skills and interests, to benefit the school and it's families. I can't say enough about this school!!!
Abby Rendish
Aug 14, 2016
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We have experienced this school through the eyes of our three daughters, and cannot say enough about the impact it has had on our family's life. The teachers are lovingly invested in the life of each student and it is felt as a ripple throughout the school community. In an age when many schools are shifting their focus to academics at an early age, the Barn continues to live by its philosophy of "Learning through Play." Also, two of our daughters have life-threatening allergies, and the procedures in place for snack and lunch guaranteed that our girls could enjoy snack with their friends safely
