Our History
The Beginning: A Vision Takes Root
The story of Nantucket New School began in 1983 with a conversation between founding parent Patti Claflin and educator Linda Zola about the potential expansion of Montessori Children's House of Nantucket to 8th grade. Pren and Patti Claflin attended meetings with Lucille Jordan, the founder of Montessori Children's House of Nantucket, to explore the option for their own children. Although that particular expansion didn't materialize, the seed of an idea had been planted.
This sparked a bold question: What if they started their own school? With educator Constance Umberger joining the founding teacher, Linda, the vision began to take shape. Linda had experience starting schools; she had recently started and closed a school called Eastmoor Academy. In this new school, Linda could focus on literature and the arts, while Connie could lead math and science instruction.
After securing approval from the Nantucket School Board, Building Inspector, and Fire Department, and completing renovations to create a proper learning space, Nantucket New School opened its doors in September 1985. The school was established as a parents' cooperative and welcomed its first students to the Claflins' renovated basement at Polpis Road.
I would say that Pren and I were really proud of creating an inclusive environment where the students were exposed to hearing fine literature read allowed to them daily, as well as encouraging the students to use their imagination in play rather than using TV shows as their guide. Being taught to be kind, respectful and curious while getting an exceptional classic education was our goal. We wanted the students to accept and be responsible for their actions.
- Patti Claflin, Founding Parent
Just six children arrived on opening day, but word spread quickly. By the second week, the school reached full enrollment with fifteen students, two teachers, and one teacher's aide. From the beginning, NNS established a sliding scale tuition policy to ensure economic diversity—a principle that remains central to the school's mission today.
Linda Zola became the school's first formal Head of School after the inaugural year. Patti Claflin served as the founding Board President, with Pren Claflin remaining deeply involved in board leadership until his death in 2019. His contributions included facilitating the Surfside Road property sale, acquiring the Nobadeer Farm Road campus, participating in hiring processes, and helping to plan and build the current school facility. He was also instrumental in the successful merger discussions with Strong Wings.
Core Values from Day One
I wanted to take the best of what was around. I wanted to take the art stuff from Waldorf. I wanted to take the work materials from Maria Montessori. I read everything and observed every place I could go.
- Linda Zola
The school day at Nantucket New School, then and now, is structured around independent work and individualized attention, creating an environment where each child could thrive. In the early years, students were in mixed-age classrooms, with minimal furniture and no shoes allowed. Small class sizes fostered close relationships and collaborative learning experiences. Theater and arts were central to the curriculum, with every student participating in plays and creative activities. The inclusive nature of these productions ensured every child found their place.
Everybody was in all of the plays, all the time. There was no such thing as somebody not having a part. They would write down what kind of part they wanted. Do you want a speaking part? Do you want to sing? Do you want to sing alone? Do you want to sing with people? Do you want to do scenery?
- Linda Zola
Pren Claflin brought literature to life in countless ways. A former member of Harvard's Hasty Pudding, he read classics like Arthur Ransome's "Swallows and Amazons" series in theatrical voices that captivated students. He then recreated scenes from the books by taking children on sailing adventures in Beetle Cats on Polpis Harbor—magical experiences that those students, now parents themselves, still reminisce about today.
Growth and Evolution
1985–1988: The school operated from the Claflins' home on Polpis Road, with students enjoying access to the first floor, greenhouse, and yard. They helped plant trees that still stand today and tended vegetable gardens.
1988–1990: NNS moved to the Old Spouter building on Lower Orange Street (now 118 Orange Street), expanding capacity to 35 students. To generate necessary income, the space was sublet to an antique dealer each summer, requiring the school community to pack and move everything from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
1990–2000s: With loans from dedicated parents, NNS purchased a former fitness center at 45 Surfside Road, accommodating 50 students with five teachers and multiple aides. The summer subletting tradition continued in this three-story building.
2000s–Present: Through the dedicated efforts of board members including Pren Claflin, the school acquired three acres at 15 Nobadeer Farm Road for a purpose-built campus. Later, a merger with neighboring Strong Wings expanded the campus to six acres with two school buildings and two residences. A new house was added to campus in 2025.
Community and Tradition
Nantucket made things so much easier because it's such a casual place.
- Linda Zola
The island's unique environment fostered an educational approach that might have been impossible elsewhere. This wasn't just about geography—it was about community, connection, and the freedom to innovate. The island's character allowed for resourcefulness and creativity to flourish where traditional resources were scarce in the early days. This spirit of making do and finding joy in simplicity became woven into the school's DNA.
In the school's first year, Pren helped establish what would become an island-wide tradition. He coordinated with downtown restaurants and residents to create a Halloween trick-or-treating route for NNS families, starting at Bookworks and visiting restaurants like the Boarding House, 21 Federal (now Ventuno), and The Brotherhood. What began as an event for fifteen school children has grown into a beloved Nantucket tradition enjoyed by the entire community.
When NNS hired a Head of School who was moving to Nantucket from off-island, Pren learned the new administrator enjoyed wearing bow ties. On the Head's first day, Pren arrived wearing a bow tie—but he'd also distributed his entire collection to the student body, ensuring the new leader was welcomed by an entire school wearing bow ties in his honor.
Throughout its history, the school has maintained its commitment to parent involvement. Daily "Parental Readers" shared great works of children's literature with students, and families participated actively in maintaining facilities, planning events, and shaping the school's direction.
Legacy and Continuing Impact
Today, as Nantucket New School celebrates over 40 years of educational excellence, the foundations laid by Pren and Patti Claflin, Linda Zola, and the early community continue to influence the school's approach to learning and growth.
The school's commitment to individual attention, creative expression, and community building remains as strong today as it was in those early days in the basement. Students continue to benefit from small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and an environment that values both academic excellence and personal growth.
From six students in a basement to a thriving institution that has educated generations of Nantucket families, the New School stands as a testament to the power of educational vision, community support, and the belief that every child deserves a learning environment tailored to their unique needs and potential.