Old South Preschool

Old South Preschool is our weekday, non-religious early education program which serves approximately 50 children, ages 2-5. The Preschool was founded between 1947 and 1949 as part of the church’s community outreach program, and historically has reflected the multi-ethnic, socio-economic and cultural diversity of Boston. Seven committed and talented teachers under the direction of Carolyn Davis, Preschool Director, provide a broad, process-oriented curriculum with schedule options ranging from 3 to 5 days per week. Children who attend live as near as the surrounding neighborhoods and as far as the suburbs of greater Boston.

The Preschool welcomes children to three classroom groupings: the Blue Room (ages 2-3), Green Room (ages 3-4) and Red Room (ages 4-5). The average child/teacher ratio is 6:1 or 7:1 for the 3-4 and 4-5 year old classes; the 2-3 year old class has a 3:1 ratio. The school day runs from 9AM to 3PM, and follows a standard school year calendar (including most public school holidays).

Philosophy

Old South Preschool is founded on the belief that children benefit from experiences that are presented in an organized learning environment outside of the home. The philosophy that guides operations is based on the conviction that:

• children thrive in an atmosphere of acceptance, support, and encouragement.

• school and parents share responsibility for the development of children in all stages of childhood.

• children move toward their maximum level of competence when operating in a developmentally appropriate environment.

• children construct knowledge through the interplay between self-initiated ideas and experiences with the world's offerings.

The Preschool supports the potential for mastery in social-emotional, physical motor, and cognitive domains, embracing and nurturing individual differences and learning styles. Building on children’s strengths, it promotes sustained engagement in the environment to help develop a wholesome concept of self. With parents, the program seeks to provide an atmosphere that is supportive of their relationships with their children and to promote the understanding of child development.

Activities

The daily routine encourages child-initiated, child-directed involvement and affords opportunities for planning and choosing while operating individually or within small and large groups. A typical daily schedule includes engaging experiences in the classroom or outside, snack, neighborhood excursions or playground activity, group time, lunch and rest.

Reading, dictation, writing, movement, creative arts, cooking, materials exploration, excursions, imaginative play, and games are some of the vehicles used to provide learning experiences that resonate with the children. Teaching strategies reinforce the value of play to foster development and expand children’s interests and resolve. The diversity of projects and range of complexity embody a fundamental consideration: respect for children as unique individuals. With the Preschool’s prime location in Copley Square, children easily make visits to the Boston Public Library, utilize neighborhood playgrounds and parks, take community trips, and participate in programs at area facilities.

Admission

Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis, with consideration given to balancing groups according to development, socio-economic background, ethnicity, and age. Care and education are provided for children and families without regard to color, religious or political beliefs, race, cultural heritage, ability, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin.

Applications are received beginning the September prior to the year of expected entry. As part of the application process, parents must call the Director to schedule an in-person visit by both the parent(s) and child. Notification of available placement is offered in mid-March.

Upon enrollment, orientation for children and parents involves attendance on an abbreviated schedule for at least three times, with parents remaining accessible. After the orientation period, parents are encouraged to visit and schedule participation in their child’s school day experience.

To view photos of the Old South Preschool in action, visit our online photo gallery.

To schedule an appointment or speak with the Director, Carolyn Davis, please call (617) 536-1970.