Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Preschool Education in Chevy Chase, MD
BCC Nursery School was established in 1939 as a non-profit cooperative preschool founded by neighborhood parents committed to fostering community-driven early childhood education. Our mission centers on nurturing curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills through small class sizes, low child-to-adult ratios, and immersive outdoor learning in Norwood Park. We prioritize hands-on, play-based curricula that integrate natural exploration, cultural appreciation, and family collaboration. Our educators leverage the park's green spaces to extend classroom learning, ensuring children develop social and academic foundations in a supportive environment.With programs tailored to ages 2-5, we emphasize thematic learning, peer interaction, and individualized growth. We actively engage families in lesson planning and offer flexible enrollment options, including summer sessions and aftercare. Our structured daily routines balance teacher-led activities with child-initiated play, fostering independence and lifelong learning habits. As a community-focused institution, we value diverse perspectives and strive to create an inclusive space for all families. Our commitment to quality education is reflected in our enduring legacy and partnerships with alumni families who continue to support our mission.
Services
Caterpillar Class (2-3 Years)
Butterflies Class (3-5 Years)
Afternoon Enrichment Program
Summer Sessions
Flexible Enrollment Options
Details
- Year established: 1939
Highlights and features
- We offer small class sizes with low child-to-adult ratios for personalized attention.
- Our curriculum integrates immersive outdoor learning in Norwood Park's natural space.
- We prioritize community collaboration and family involvement in educational planning.
- Flexible programs include summer sessions, aftercare, and age-specific classes.
- Founded in 1939, we combine tradition with innovative early childhood education methods.
Services
Caterpillar Class (2-3 Years)
This class focuses on sensory exploration and learning style development for 2-3-year-olds. Through structured routines and outdoor play in Norwood Park, children engage in art, music, and dramatic activities. The curriculum emphasizes socialization, independence, and foundational academic skills through hands-on, child-led experiences.
Butterflies Class (3-5 Years)
A play-based program for 3-5-year-olds using emergent curriculum and developmentally appropriate practices. Students explore cultural appreciation, math, science, and manipulative activities while building peer relationships. Outdoor exploration and thematic projects foster creativity and critical thinking skills in a supportive environment.
Afternoon Enrichment Program
Flexible afternoon care from 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM featuring fun activities for enrolled students. Offers drop-in availability at a discounted rate for registered families. Includes rest periods with yoga mats and accommodates monthly or occasional attendance with advance notice.
Summer Sessions
Seven-week summer programs running June through August. Provides continued learning and socialization opportunities through themed activities, outdoor play, and special events. Designed to maintain educational momentum while offering a relaxed, engaging environment during school breaks.
Family Collaboration
Community-driven approach integrating family input into lesson planning and school activities. Encourages parent participation through classroom volunteering, event planning, and sharing cultural experiences. Builds a supportive network through alumni connections and peer-to-peer family interactions.
Questions
What age requirements exist for enrollment?
Children must be 2 by September 1 for Caterpillar Class and 4 by September 1 for Butterflies Class.
Are there flexible attendance options?
Yes! Choose 3-5 days weekly, monthly or drop-in aftercare, and early morning drop-off with advance notice.
What payment options are available?
Tuition installments, drop-in rates, and discounted monthly aftercare payments provide financial flexibility for families.
Is outdoor learning a core component?
Yes! Our curriculum fully utilizes Norwood Park's natural space for daily exploration and hands-on environmental education.
Reviews (4)
Sarah Taylor
Sep 04, 2018
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Our boys went here and we loved the warmth and attentiveness of the staff. Couldn't have have asked for a better community for our family. The bucolic setting of the park and time spent outside was a huge bonus!
Olga Kochergina
Aug 27, 2018
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My daughter went to Norwood Park Preschool for 1.5 years, from when she was 2.5 to almost 4 years old (Jan 2017 - June 2018). It's been a great experience for her - she frequently chatters about her school friends and teachers with excitement. I especially love that the kids spent a bunch of time outside in the park, both for free play and guided exploration/lessons, as well as all the occasions that they do arts/crafts - making turtles from recycled materials, or mobiles from branches and yarn, etc. The teachers and supporting staff are young, energetic and very calm when setting expectations
Meg Hobbins
Aug 04, 2018
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Nurturing, wonderful school in a beautiful location - 19 acres of park, providing a perfect setting for outdoor play and exploration. The teachers are fantastic and the small class sizes allow for lots of individual attention. Our children are incredibly happy here!
Naomi Kg
Jul 17, 2018
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The environment is very nurturing. Each day, my daughter learns so much, while being provided with the perfect balance of structure and independence. There is nothing like the incomparable warmth of the teachers and staff to whom we confidently entrust our child every day. We have now enrolled our youngest (2 yo). I would definitely recommend you check the Preschool out for yourself. It is also a wonderful place to meet new families and make great friendships.
