Imagine Nation

Business Details

Trusted Early Childhood Education & Museum Programs

Imagine Nation is a pioneering early childhood education center dedicated to fostering inquisitive and imaginative lifelong learners. Our mission centers on creating a joyful, diverse community where curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity thrive. As the first preschool nationally to integrate a children's museum with its curriculum, we offer a unique Reggio Emilia-inspired approach that values children as capable, resilient individuals. With NAEYC accreditation and a 8:1 student-teacher ratio, we provide personalized learning through 11 Museum Studios, culinary arts, and STEAM initiatives. Our sliding fee scale ensures accessibility while maintaining high-quality education.

Over two decades, we've served Bristol families with innovative programming, community outreach, and family engagement events. Our staff combines professional expertise with compassionate care, preparing children for future academic success. Through continuous improvement and pandemic-era adaptations, we maintain rigorous safety standards while delivering exceptional educational experiences. Our commitment to transparency, community partnerships, and educational excellence establishes us as a trusted leader in early childhood development.

Services

Preschool Programs Reggio Emilia Curriculum Museum Studios Access Culinary Arts Program Art Curriculum Outreach Programs Birthday Parties Field Trips Workshops Community Engagement

Highlights and features

We offer a unique Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum integrated with museum resources
Our 8:1 student-teacher ratio ensures personalized attention
We provide access to 11 specialized Museum Studios for hands-on learning
Our sliding fee scale makes quality education accessible to all families
We maintain NAEYC accreditation for educational excellence

Associations and certifications

NAEYC

What people say

Dedicated staff Engaging Reggio Emilia curriculum Exceptional early childhood development Welcoming and caring staff Prepared for kindergarten

Website

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Services

Preschool Programs

Our NAEYC-accredited preschool programs serve children aged 6 weeks to 5 years with individualized learning plans. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention while our Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum fosters creativity and critical thinking. The integrated museum resources provide unique hands-on learning opportunities that prepare children for future academic success.

Reggio Emilia Curriculum

This innovative approach values children as capable, curious learners through project-based exploration. Teachers facilitate self-directed learning experiences that emphasize artistic expression, problem-solving, and collaborative discovery. The curriculum adapts to children's interests while maintaining educational rigor and developmental appropriateness.

Museum Studios Access

Our 11 specialized Museum Studios function as extended classrooms for hands-on STEAM learning. Children engage with interactive exhibits covering art, science, culinary arts, and music. The studios support curriculum integration while offering public access for family learning experiences and community programs.

Culinary Arts Program

This program teaches nutrition and cooking skills through age-appropriate kitchen activities. Children learn food preparation techniques while developing math and science concepts. The curriculum emphasizes healthy eating habits and cultural food awareness through practical, sensory experiences.

Community Outreach

We provide educational workshops, parenting resources, and home visitation programs to support family engagement. Our outreach initiatives include professional development for educators and community partnerships that extend our educational impact beyond the classroom environment.

People

Mr. Vigo

Director

Leads our educational team with expertise in early childhood development and Reggio Emilia methodology. Committed to creating innovative learning environments that nurture children's natural curiosity and creativity.

Mrs. Johnston

Lead Teacher

Experienced educator specializing in Reggio Emilia-inspired instruction. Develops engaging curriculum that integrates museum resources with classroom learning for optimal child development.

Mrs. Lopatosky

Preschool Teacher

Dedicated early childhood educator with expertise in social-emotional development. Creates supportive learning environments that foster children's confidence and interpersonal skills.

Mrs. Strahowski

Administrative Assistant

Manages daily operations with exceptional organizational skills. Provides warm, responsive support to families while maintaining efficient administrative systems.

Karen Pac

Program Coordinator

Organizes museum workshops and community programs. Ensures seamless integration between educational initiatives and public engagement activities for children and families.

Questions

What age groups do you serve?

We serve children from 6 weeks through 5 years old in our NAEYC-accredited preschool programs.

What educational approach do you use?

We implement a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach that emphasizes child-led exploration and integrated museum learning experiences.

Are scholarships or financial assistance available?

We offer a sliding fee scale based on household income and family size to ensure accessibility.

What safety protocols are in place?

We maintain rigorous sanitation practices and pandemic safety measures while providing transparent communication with families.

Can the public access museum studios?

Yes, our Museum Studios are open to the public with general admission during designated hours.

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Reviews (5)

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Merideth A.

Feb 01, 2020 Report

This is the best preschool, by far, in the area. There is video surveillance in every classroom, softscaping outside (so your litttle one doesn't come home injured every day), head teachers have bachelor's degrees, AND it's a part of an amazing Museum. (These are all things lacking at other places)

We have been there for 2 years and LOVE our teachers- it was an upgrade from Kindercare, and for lower tuition. The only downside is that there are VERY limited spots for babies.

Joseph S.

Apr 29, 2019 Report

ImagiNation constantly updates their facilities and we have been going to this place for years. They adjust their rooms and facility for changing child interests. They have a lot of Open Ended play and they offer some real cool opportunities to let your child explore their imagination. They have an Art room, a Animal exhibit room, a doctors office area that looks EXACTLY like a doctors office, an kitchen area built to look like a kitchen, a place to put on a play with stage lights and so much more. We loved the new changes so much we got a family season pass. This is not only the perfect place

Kelly S.

Feb 18, 2019 Report

We took our boys here yesterday for a play date with another family. 3 kids total (ages 2 and 1.5). I thought the price was fair considering I've been to other children places and they all seem to be in-line. There is a lot for kids to do there. A nice kitchen area when you first walk in with lots of props. There's sand play, blocks, water play, music play, science area, and a room with a few animals. We got to see a snake, bird, bearded dragon, and turtle. Our kids has a good time. There is a cafe, but I can't really comment on that as we didn't get anything. The one complaint

Alex R.

Sep 21, 2018 Report

This place is awesome if you have kids (or if you're just an overgrown adult child). I've worked with Imagine Nation a few times helping with certain events they put on for kids. The kids are always happy here, and from an outside POV I've never seen any problems! They have a cafe for you to eat, they plan events for your kids to participate in, there's always something cool going on.... I can't wait to have kids just to bring them here! Great place right in the heart of Bristol!

Mickey Z.

Aug 29, 2018 Report

Took our under 2 year old here and she loved it. Didn't want to leave and had fun in nearly every room. Did not get to enter the water room as there was water all over the ground and it looked dangerous. Would definitely go back as it kept her so busy.