ACNS School Calendar
Plan your family’s year with the Auburndale Community Nursery School calendar. Our preschool runs 9:00am to 12:00pm, Monday through Friday, and apart from our starting and closing dates we follow a schedule similar to the Newton Public Schools.
How the ACNS School Year Works
The ACNS school year runs from early September through June. Our first days are staggered so that new children can separate gradually and teachers can get to know each child in a small group before the whole class comes together. Closing dates in June are set so children finish the year with celebrations and a proud send-off to the next classroom or to kindergarten.
Between those dates, our calendar closely mirrors the Newton Public Schools. That means families with older siblings in Newton schools — or parents who work in education — generally share the same holidays and vacation weeks, which makes planning much easier.
Typical Closures & Vacations
While exact dates change each year, the ACNS calendar typically includes closures for:
For the current year’s exact dates, please request a copy of the calendar by calling (617) 527-0723 or emailing info@acnsnewton.org, or ask during your tour.
- Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving break
- Winter vacation in late December
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Presidents’ Day
- February vacation week
- April vacation week and Patriots’ Day
- Memorial Day
- Religious and cultural holidays observed by Newton Public Schools
- Snow days — when Newton Public Schools close for weather, ACNS generally closes too
Special Events Throughout the Year
Our calendar is full of traditions that bring families from Newton and nearby towns together.
Fall
Classroom parent breakfasts, coffee with the directors, the Halloween Parade, and our Thanksgiving Feast.
Winter
The Holiday Performance and Literacy Month in January, when parents, grandparents, and family members visit to read to the class.
Spring
Color Day Preschool Olympics, the Spring Art Show, and the Spring Performance.
Every Month
Visits from the librarian and all-school sing-alongs.
Curious Creatures
Animal visits that spark curiosity and conversations about nature.
Summer
Our optional Summer Preschool Program continues the fun after the school year ends.
Daily Hours
Preschool runs 9:00am to 12:00pm, Monday through Friday. Younger preschoolers attend 2, 3, or 5 mornings; Pre-K attends 5 mornings. Flexible daycare is available on school days from 8:00–9:00am and 12:00–5:30pm, billed by the hour.
On a typical morning, children move through free play, circle time, big room time, snack and books, playground, and project time before goodbye at noon. See the full schedule on Our Program.
Important Enrollment Dates
Enrollment for the following school year typically begins in early winter. Because spaces fill quickly, we recommend families touring in the fall or early winter. Summer program registration opens in the spring — see the Summer Application.
Tuition, fees, and payment options are detailed on our Tuition Schedule.
Planning Tips for Families
Many ACNS families come from nearby towns — Waltham, Watertown, Weston, Wellesley, and Needham — whose public school calendars differ slightly from Newton’s. If you have older children in another district, we recommend comparing calendars early so vacation weeks line up as closely as possible.
If you have questions about a specific date, our directors are always happy to help. Families also receive regular reminders about upcoming closures and events throughout the year.
The First Weeks of School
September is an exciting — and sometimes emotional — time for young children and their parents. Our calendar builds in a gradual start so every child can settle in comfortably. New students often begin with shorter visits in small groups, giving teachers time to learn names, favorite activities, and comfort routines before the full class gathers.
We encourage families to talk about school at home in the days before the first day: drive past our Auburndale building, look at photos, and read books about starting preschool. Teachers will share tips for goodbyes at drop-off, and our directors are always available if your child needs a little extra support. By October, most children walk in with a smile and head straight for their friends.
End-of-Year Celebrations
The final weeks of the ACNS year are full of joy. Children proudly share their work at the Spring Art Show, sing and dance for families at the Spring Performance, and compete in friendly fun at Color Day Preschool Olympics. For our Pre-K graduates, these celebrations mark a meaningful milestone as they prepare for kindergarten in Newton, Waltham, Wellesley, and beyond.
Families who want to keep the fun going can enroll in our Summer Preschool Program, which begins after the school year ends. Returning families usually re-enroll for the next school year during the winter enrollment period — check the Tuition Schedule for deposit details.
Flexible Daycare on School Days
Hourly flexible daycare follows the school calendar and is available on school days only. If your family needs care during vacation weeks, we recommend planning early. Our directors are happy to share suggestions from other ACNS families in Newton and surrounding towns.
Staying Informed All Year
Families receive regular updates about upcoming closures, special events, and reminders — from what to wear on Color Day to when to sign up as a Literacy Month reader. Teachers also share classroom news at drop-off and pickup. If a weather closure is possible, we generally follow the Newton Public Schools announcement, so families in Auburndale, West Newton, and across Newton can plan with confidence.
Families from towns with different school calendars, such as Waltham or Wellesley, are always welcome to ask us to compare dates as they plan vacations.
Half Days, Early Dismissals & Conferences
Occasionally our calendar includes schedule changes such as parent-teacher conference days or early dismissals before holidays. These are noted well in advance so families can plan. Conferences give parents dedicated time with teachers to discuss their child’s growth, friendships, and next steps, and they are one of the most valued parts of our year.
Request This Year’s Calendar
Call or email and we’ll send you the current ACNS calendar with all closures, vacations, and special events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ACNS follow the Newton Public Schools calendar?
Apart from our starting and closing dates, we follow a similar schedule to Newton Public Schools.
Do you close for snow days?
Generally, when Newton Public Schools close for weather, ACNS closes too.
Are you open year-round?
We follow a traditional school-year calendar, with an optional summer program.
What are the daily hours?
Preschool is 9:00am–12:00pm, with flexible daycare 8:00am–9:00am and 12:00pm–5:30pm.
How do I get the current calendar?
Call (617) 527-0723, email info@acnsnewton.org, or contact us.
When does the ACNS school year start?
The school year begins in early September with a gradual start for new children and ends in June.
Is flexible daycare available during vacation weeks?
Flex childcare follows the school calendar and runs on school days only.
Contact Us
We would love to meet your family. Call, email, or send us a note to request a tour of our Auburndale classrooms, ask about openings, or learn more about preschool, Pre-K, and flexible daycare in Newton, MA.
- 230 Central Street, Newton, MA 02466
- (617) 527-0723
- info@acnsnewton.org
- Preschool 9:00am–12:00pm, Mon–Fri · Flex childcare 8:00am–9:00am and 12:00pm–5:30pm