Our Philosophy
At Auburndale Community Nursery School, we believe young children learn best through play, guided by caring teachers in a warm, welcoming community.
Learning Through Play
Play is the natural way young children learn. When a group of four-year-olds builds a block tower, they’re practicing physics, math, planning, and negotiation. When a three-year-old serves pretend soup in the dramatic-play kitchen, they’re building vocabulary, imagination, and empathy.
Our teachers intentionally design classrooms and activities so that play leads to learning. They observe, ask open-ended questions, introduce new materials, and guide children toward the next step. See how this looks day to day in our Preschool Program.
Our Priorities – A Philosophy Statement
Have you ever heard someone say about an early childhood program, “All the children do there is play”? At good early childhood programs there is a lot of play, and there should be! Years of research show the benefits of play for children’s intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and language development.
At ACNS children play in many ways: independently, side by side in “parallel play,” and cooperatively, organizing roles and scenarios together.
What Children Learn Through Play
The teachers support children’s play by providing space, opportunity, and materials. We make sure that they have the time to choose and to become engaged in their own play activities.
Play is fun, but it is also serious business that pays big dividends to its eager, young investors. The children at Auburndale Community Nursery School play and do so much more!
— Barbara Sullivan, Executive Director · Tasha Sullivan, Director
Our History in Newton
ACNS has been part of the Auburndale village of Newton for more than four decades. Executive Director Barbara Sullivan has led the school since 1980, and some parents today were ACNS students themselves. Over the years we’ve added flexible daycare and a summer program, while keeping the warmth of a close-knit community school.
What We Value
The Whole Child
Academic, social, emotional, and physical growth are all equally valued.
Community
Families and teachers work together, and parent involvement is at the heart of who we are.
Diversity & Inclusion
We welcome families of all backgrounds and celebrate customs and traditions throughout the year.
Experienced Educators
Mass EEC-certified teachers lead every classroom. Meet our educators.
Family Partnership
Parents are a child’s first teachers, and we see families as partners. From Literacy Month to our Spring Art Show, there are many ways for families to take part. Teachers share observations at drop-off and pickup, and our directors are always available for conversations. Meet our educators.
Celebrating Every Family
ACNS proudly celebrates the diversity of our community. Throughout the year, families share customs and traditions, and children learn to appreciate differences and find common ground. These experiences build empathy and respect — essential parts of early childhood education in a region as diverse as Greater Boston.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, cultural heritage, sexual orientation, political beliefs, sex, age, marital status, or disability, and we welcome every family to our school.
Continuing the Learning in Summer
Early learning doesn’t stop in June. Our Summer Preschool Program offers weekly themes, water play, and outdoor exploration, helping children maintain routines and friendships. See the Summer Brochure for details.
Choosing Quality Early Childhood Education in Newton
When evaluating early childhood education programs in Newton, families often look for a few key markers of quality: qualified, stable teachers; low child-to-teacher ratios; a curriculum grounded in how young children actually learn; strong family communication; and a safe, welcoming environment. ACNS offers all of these, backed by more than 45 years of experience in the Auburndale community.
Outdoor Learning in Every Season
New England seasons offer endless learning opportunities. In fall, children collect leaves and acorns; in winter, they study footprints in the snow; in spring, they watch buds open and worms emerge; in summer, they splash and dig. Daily outdoor play on our playground builds physical skills, resilience, and a love of nature that lasts a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is your program play-based?
Yes — play is the foundation of our curriculum, guided by experienced teachers.
What ages do you serve?
Children from approximately 2 years 9 months through Pre-K.
How do you support social-emotional growth?
Teachers guide children through sharing, turn-taking, expressing feelings, and solving problems every day.
Who are the directors of ACNS?
Barbara Sullivan (Executive Director) and Tasha Sullivan (Director).
Do you communicate with parents about progress?
Yes. Teachers share observations regularly, and directors are available for conversations any time.
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