The Dewey School

The Mission of The Dewey School is to offer early learning rooted in play and the exploration of nature. 

Founded in 2018 at the historic Canterbury Shaker Village, The Dewey School was created from a simple yet powerful belief: childhood should be filled with wonder, curiosity, connection, and meaningful experiences.

Rooted in a nature-based, child-centered approach to learning, The Dewey School provides children with opportunities to explore the world around them through play, inquiry, creativity, and relationships. Surrounded by forests, fields, gardens, and the rich history of the Village, children are encouraged to ask questions, take risks, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

At Dewey, we believe that children learn best when they are given the time and space to wonder. Whether discovering life in a pond, creating art inspired by nature, building forts with friends, or sharing stories beneath the trees, each day is an invitation to explore, connect, and grow.

Our mission is to nurture curious minds, compassionate hearts, and capable learners through meaningful experiences that honor childhood, foster community, and cultivate a deep connection to the natural world.

Since opening our doors in 2018, The Dewey School has continued to grow as a vibrant learning community where children, families, and educators journey together in the spirit of exploration, belonging, and wonder.

Who We Are

The Dewey School is a nature-based early childhood program in New Hampshire inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, with a strong commitment to emergent curriculum and child-led learning.

At Dewey, we view children as capable, curious, and full of potential. Our work is grounded in the belief that children are active participants in their own learning, driven by questions, interests, relationships, and the environment around them. We believe children have voices that deserve to be heard, respected, and reflected in the learning process. Rather than following a fixed curriculum, our learning emerges from the children themselves, shaped through observation, documentation, reflection, and responsive teaching.

Each day, children engage in meaningful, open-ended experiences that arise from their questions and discoveries. Whether exploring the forest, building structures, investigating natural materials, or engaging in collaborative projects, children are supported in deepening their thinking and expanding their understanding of the world.

Our educators act as co-learners and guides, listening closely, observing carefully, and extending learning in ways that honor each child’s voice and curiosity.

At Dewey, childhood is not a set of outcomes to be completed, but a journey of exploration, relationship, and discovery. We are committed to nurturing joyful, thoughtful learners who feel connected to themselves, their community, and the natural world.

Rooted in wonder and inspired by children, The Dewey School continues to grow as a living, evolving community of learning.

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