Russell Cooperative Preschool is a parent cooperative preschool located in Watertown Square. Russell offers a play-based curriculum, a high adult-to-child ratio, sunny and spacious classrooms, an experienced and committed staff, and a community of involved parents. Russell is located at 35 Church Street, Watertown, MA 02472.
The school rents space in the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church of Watertown, just off Mt. Auburn Street Rte. 16 and Main Street in Watertown, near Watertown Square. To request information about the school and the application process, please e-mail at info@russellpreschool.org or call and leave a message at (617) 926-0511.
The school rents space in the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church of Watertown, just off Mt. Auburn Street Rte. 16 and Main Street in Watertown, near Watertown Square. To request information about the school and the application process, please e-mail at info@russellpreschool.org or call and leave a message at (617) 926-0511.
Services
Russell Cooperative Preschool is dedicated to fostering children's play and the enjoyment of childhood by children and parents. Russell Cooperative Preschool was founded in 1975 by a group of parents wanting to provide quality preschool education in a warm, supportive, and open atmosphere. Recognizing that play is essential for young children, we offer a rich variety of experiences to allow and encourage social, emotional, and creative growth.
The week at Russell follows a rhythm, which gives the children a reassuring sense of structure. To provide for optimal learning, our program runs from 8:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. In our experience, preschoolers learn best before their energy wanes in mid-afternoon. All children bring lunches from home, and the school provides an organic, whole-food-based morning snack.
Russell is a parent cooperative preschool, and parents play a vital role in the daily functioning and overall running of the school. Each day, one parent-helper assists the teachers by preparing and serving the morning snack, setting up lunch, and getting the cots ready for afternoon rest. Parent helping is a commitment of at least six days per year for each family.
Our admissions policy is to create classes balanced in age, gender and ethnicity. Children range in age from three to five and may attend three, four, or five days per week. There is a maximum enrollment of 20 children per day. Russell Cooperative Preschool does not discriminate in enrollment or hiring on the basis of race, religion, gender, cultural heritage, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status or disability.
Reviews (7)
Mary Melgaard
Jan 20, 2018
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We love love love this Preschool. My son is in his 3rd year here & off to the kindergarten in the fall 😭
We will miss so many things about this school: from the warmth & kindness of the delightful teachers to the aromas of the delicious homemade snacks wafting through the hall when we drop him off in the morning.
The classrooms are beautiful & calming to be in & the outdoor space is vast & perfect for running!
We have made so many life long friendships & our hearts will always have a small place just for Russell ❤️
We will miss so many things about this school: from the warmth & kindness of the delightful teachers to the aromas of the delicious homemade snacks wafting through the hall when we drop him off in the morning.
The classrooms are beautiful & calming to be in & the outdoor space is vast & perfect for running!
We have made so many life long friendships & our hearts will always have a small place just for Russell ❤️
Adam Cellemme
Nov 10, 2017
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Drew
Jul 04, 2017
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We love Russell, and think you should check it out. My son has gone to the Russell Cooperative Preschool for a year and a half at this point. It is the most wonderful preschool imaginable. They have awesome snacks, just enough structure to support kids while encouraging imagination, and a beautiful focus on nature: the kids play outside almost every day. We also adore the the teachers (great student/teacher ratio, long tenures, and are very engaged). In summary, this is a magical preschool.
Yachen Choi
Jan 24, 2017
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Jaime Endreny
Aug 09, 2016
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Russell has been a wonderful experience for my son. While we were initially anxious about his first school experience outside of a home setting, the school philosophy and the experienced teachers helped him transition to school in an incredible way. He wants to go to school and is engaged and learning and having fun every day! He has made friends, bonded with his teachers, welcomed new routines and concepts and comes home excited about his day. From the moment of our first visit, we knew that Russell was a unique pre-school and we have found that to be true in every way. The space and the style
Allie Haley
Aug 01, 2016
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Both my children attended Russell and I can't say enough good things about it. My son began there a month after he was adopted from Ethiopia (in mid-March), and he was welcomed immediately with warmth and gentle kindness. Five years later, my daughter also went to Russell, and she found the exact same reception.
We loved the atmosphere and the focus on play at Russell. My kids still sing the songs they learned there, and they treasure the gifts they received from Room Mouse and the birthday books their friends made for them each year. Even now, years after they left the school, their best friends
We loved the atmosphere and the focus on play at Russell. My kids still sing the songs they learned there, and they treasure the gifts they received from Room Mouse and the birthday books their friends made for them each year. Even now, years after they left the school, their best friends
Amy Panza
Sep 08, 2015
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My older son attended Russell and now my twins are students there. I love, love, love this place! If you are looking for a preschool in the Watertown area I strongly suggest you schedule a tour. Once you experience the environment for yourself you will understand why it is so different from other preschools.
It is truly a unique and wonderful place for both the children and the parents involved. From the songs sung at circle to the classical music that plays in the background during free play to the aromas of the homemade snack of the day in which the children help prepare. I cannot tell you how
It is truly a unique and wonderful place for both the children and the parents involved. From the songs sung at circle to the classical music that plays in the background during free play to the aromas of the homemade snack of the day in which the children help prepare. I cannot tell you how
