At Auburndale Community Nursery School (ACNS), we believe every child deserves a joyful start to their educational journey. For years, families in Newton, and surrounding Massachusetts communities have trusted us to provide a safe, nurturing, and play-based preschool experience.
Our programs are designed for children ages 2.9 through pre-K, with flexible childcare options, small class sizes, and dedicated educators who meet children where they are developmentally. Whether you are seeking a part-time preschool, a full-day pre-K program, or extended childcare hours, ACNS offers a solution that fits your family’s needs.
Why Choose ACNS Programs?
Parents often ask what makes ACNS different from other preschools in Newton, MA. Here are just a few reasons families choose us:
Play-Based Curriculum:
Children learn best through exploration, creativity, and hands-on experiences.
Small Class Sizes:
Low student-to-teacher ratios ensure individual attention and support.
Flexible Scheduling:
Options for part-time, full-day, and extended hours to fit busy family schedules.
Experienced Educators:
Teachers certified by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).
Community Focus:
ACNS is a cooperative nursery school that values parent involvement and fosters a welcoming community.
ACNS does not discriminate in providing service to children and their families, or its employment practices, on the basis of race, religion, cultural heritage, sexual orientation, political beliefs, sex, age or marital status, or disability.
Preschool Program (Ages 2.9–3.5 Years)
Nurturing Early Independence
The preschool years are a time of discovery. Our program for children ages 2.9 through 3.5 focuses on developing independence, confidence, and social skills. Through daily play, circle time, music, art, and outdoor exploration, children learn how to interact with peers, express themselves, and begin building foundational skills for future learning.
Parents searching for a preschool in Newton, MA often want reassurance that their child will be supported emotionally as well as academically. At ACNS, we prioritize kindness, cooperation, and curiosity during these formative years.
Pre-Kindergarten Program (Ages 4–5 Years)
Building Readiness for Kindergarten
Our pre-K program in Newton, MA is designed to prepare children ages 4–5 for a smooth transition to elementary school. While our approach remains play-based, we introduce more structured activities that focus on early literacy, math concepts, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Core Pre-K Learning Goals
- Recognizing letters and sounds
- Developing number sense and early math skills
- Practicing handwriting and fine motor skills
- Learning to follow multi-step directions
- Strengthening self-regulation and cooperative play
By graduation, children leave ACNS with the academic readiness and social-emotional skills needed for success in kindergarten and beyond.
Flexible Childcare Options
Nurturing Early Independence
We understand that today’s families need more than a traditional preschool schedule. That’s why ACNS offers flexible childcare in Newton, MA, with extended hours available in the morning and afternoon.
Extended Day Program
- Morning Care: Early drop-off before the school day begins.
- Afternoon Care: Additional enrichment, storytime, and outdoor play.
Flexible Scheduling: Choose the days and times that work best for your family.
This flexibility allows parents to balance work schedules while ensuring their children are cared for in a warm, engaging environment.
Summer Program
Learning and play don’t stop when the school year ends. Our summer preschool program in Newton, MA gives children a chance to continue exploring, socializing, and growing in a relaxed seasonal setting.
Summer Highlights
- Weekly themes (nature, art, science, and more)
- Water play and outdoor activities
- Smaller group sizes for personalized attention
- Consistency for children transitioning into or out of preschool
The ACNS summer program is a great way to ease children into their first preschool experience or keep current students engaged until fall.
A Typical Day at ACNS
Our nursery school is open from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. With the exception of our starting and closing dates, we follow a similar schedule to the Newton Public Schools. Our school has been licensed
to offer classes for children ages 2 years and 9 months through 6 years.
Every day at ACNS is structured yet flexible, with a balance of guided activities and free play.
Each class is led by 2 certified teachers
9:00 – 9:20 Free Play
9:20 – 9:45 Circle Time
9:45 – 10:15 Big Room Time
10:15 – 10:50 Bathroom, Snack & Books
10:50 – 11:20 Playground
11:20 – 11:50 Project Time
11:50 – 12:00 Clean Up / Goodbye
Pony Class
Teddy Bear Class
Bunny Class
Dinosaur Class
Penguin Class
Flexible Childcare
Pay only for what you need, billed by the hour
8:00 am – 9:00 am | 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Typical Afternoon Schedule (Flex-Childcare)
12:00 – 12:30 Outside / Big Room
12:30 – 1:15 Lunch
1:15 – 1:30 Bathroom & Books
1:30 – 2:15 Rest Time
2:15 – 3:00 Project / Activity
3:00 – 3:20 Snack
3:20 – 4:30 Outdoor Play
4:30 – 5:30 Free Play/Clean Up/Goodbye
Afternoon Activity Themes
Monday: Yoga/Mindfulness Monday
Tuesday: Puppet Show/ Imagination Theater
Wednesday: Artistic Creations
Thursday: Obstacle Course/Gymnastics
Friday: Dance Party
Parent Involvement & Community
As a cooperative nursery school in Newton, MA, ACNS thrives on parent participation. Families are encouraged to volunteer, join committees, and take part in school events. This involvement not only strengthens the school community but also gives children a powerful example of teamwork and collaboration.
Enrollment & Next Steps
Enrollment at ACNS typically begins in early winter for the following school year. Families are encouraged to schedule a tour, meet our educators, and see the classrooms in action.
- Visit our Tuition Schedule page for program costs and payment options.
- Contact us directly to ask about availability or waitlist openings.
Spaces are limited, and demand is high — we recommend reaching out early to secure your child’s spot.
Tuition Options for 2025 -2026
5 Mornings | M- F
per year
+ $19 / Hour Flex daycare
3 Mornings | M, W, F
per year
+ $19 / Hour Flex Childcare
2 Mornings | T & TH
per year
+ $189/ Hour Flex Childcare
Payment Options Available
Visit Auburndale Community Nursery School
Choosing a preschool is an important decision. At ACNS, we combine decades of early childhood experience, a play-based curriculum, and a community spirit that sets us apart from other Newton preschools.
We invite you to tour our classrooms, meet our teachers, and see why families return year after year.
📍 230 Central Street Newton, MA 02466