Emerson School for Preschoolers

At Ralph Waldo Emerson School for Preschoolers, we believe children’s play is a primary vehicle for, and indicator of, their mental growth. Rooted in the values of the Reggio Emilia approach, our school honors children as capable, curious, and deeply connected to the world around them. Here, child-led learning unfolds through nature, relationships, storytelling, art, and exploration, as children build meaning together in community.

As our school grows, we are launching a community campaign to nurture the future of Emerson School for generations to come. We envision a school community that reflects the richness and diversity of the world our children are inheriting. A place where every child feels welcomed, seen, and valued. This campaign will support several important initiatives, including the creation of a permanent endowment dedicated to expanding scholarship opportunities for children and families who may not otherwise have access to this kind of early childhood education experience. By growing scholarship support, we can help remove financial barriers and create a more equitable and inclusive community where children from many different backgrounds can learn and grow alongside one another.

This campaign is also an investment in the spaces, materials, relationships, and to ensure professional wages for a staff that dedicates unlimited time and heart work, all of which make Emerson so special: classrooms filled with light and imagination, outdoor exploration and connection to the natural world, expressive arts, collaborative learning, and the deep listening that is at the heart of our philosophy.

When you support this campaign, you are helping cultivate a living legacy 60 years in the making. One rooted in compassion, creativity, belonging, and respect for childhood itself. Together, we can ensure that Emerson School continues to be a place where children flourish, families find community, and the seeds of a more thoughtful and equitable future are planted every day.