Early School

Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten

A Foundation for Joyful Learning

At Nantucket New School, our Early School program gives children the space to wonder and the space to wander in a nurturing, joyful environment. These early years are centered on helping students love school, trust new adults, and develop confidence through play, socialization, and exploring the natural world.

In ways that feel engaging and developmentally appropriate, children are introduced to early concepts in:

Our approach honors each child’s individual pace. In the first year, students focus on adjusting to school life and building social-emotional skills through hands-on, multisensory experiences. In the second year, children revisit and deepen their understanding through inquiry-based learning. Topics often emerge from students' questions and surroundings, like observing squirrels and launching an island-wide study of mammals through fieldwork and community connections.

Learning with Joy

PreK and Kindergarten students are encouraged to explore, express themselves creatively, and engage in meaningful, play-based learning. With curiosity as the compass and trust as the foundation, Early School lays the groundwork for a lifelong love of learning, rooted in joy, discovery, and a strong sense of belonging.