Old South Preschool | Kids Out and About Boston

Old South Preschool

Old South Preschool is a weekday, non-religious early education program that serves approximately 40 children, ages 2- 5. Our program offers an emergent curriculum, play-centered learning, an experienced and caring staff, and flexible scheduling at an affordable price. Situated in the heart of Boston’s Copley Square, Old South Preschool is a truly special place. Here, children are given the opportunity to delve into their interests, to become explorers of the world and this neighborhood of Boston, to learn important life lessons through play and inquiry, and be honored and respected as individuals. On any given day, you might find a classroom constructing a cardboard fire engine or installing a “pizza shop” in the dramatic play corner; planting a vegetable garden in the classroom to observe how new life forms and grows; taking a field trip to the New England Aquarium to visit the penguins they have been learning about; reading newly acquired library books together; or simply delighting in playing in the park. Our emergent curriculum allows the children to dictate what is explored and learned based on their interests, and is ever evolving. Teachers act as facilitators in scaffolding their learning experience, guiding lessons to be impactful, meaningful, and developmentally appropriate, while encouraging the children to make their own discoveries. Joining Old South Preschool also means becoming part of a vibrant, caring community. Teachers and students get to know not just the children in their own classrooms, but in all three classrooms. In our welcome to families, we commit to establishing relationships that are open, mutually respectful, and collaborative in nature. Our staff strives to build trust and foster reciprocal interactions that help nurture budding connections. At Old South Preschool, we love what we do. We find magic in watching children grow and evolve. We honor and respect each individual child, and are passionate about their well-being. We care deeply about assisting children to move through developmental stages toward kindergarten and beyond. For over 75 years, we have been helping children to develop and reach their full potential, and we would love to have your family be a part of that.

In 1942, Old South Church’s members organized the 2-day per week, informally structured, Tuesday/Thursday Preschool as one part of the church’s community outreach work, providing a respite for families experiencing the upheavals of the period. After about 25 years, in an effort to meet the changing needs of families with young children in the city better, the school transitioned to a broader programmatic and philosophical focus. The schedule options expanded to 3, 4 and 5 days. As organized today, Old South Preschool acknowledges its origins, occupying a part-time scheduling niche rarely found now in early education facilities in the city of Boston.