North Salem Nursery School

The North Salem Nursery School was founded in 1968 to fill the need for quality preschool education in North Salem and neighboring communities. Now in our sixth decade, we continue to be a focal point in our field and the source of long-cherished relationships in the community. We are sponsored by St. James' Episcopal Church and operated by an autonomous board of directors on a non-denominational basis.

Daily reading from classic and modern literature develops listening and critical thinking skills. Dramatic play based on classroom literature stimulates auditory memory and comprehension. Board games and large-motor activities reinforce letter recognition and phonemic awareness. Natural sciences and math are woven into our students' day through cooking, hands-on experiments, and observations of nature.

In affiliation with Northern Westchester Hospital, North Salem Nursery School is proud to teach and encourage life-long healthful eating habits in our students. The program was begun by registered dieticians in partnership with the Cornell Collaborative. In addition to learning about nutrition, the students get a chance to plant, grow and care for fruits and vegetables in our raised beds in the playground.

Our teachers bring a wide variety of expertise to the program, including backgrounds in music, art, special education, and reading. Their devotion to young students and to the community enrich the children's earliest school experience. Parents are also encouraged to contribute their own talents and interests to the curriculum.

The Nursery School is open to three and four year olds in North Salem and the surrounding area. Classes start the Monday after Labor Day. Holidays and vacations generally coincide with the North Salem Central School District calendar. North Salem Nursery School offers classes for three year olds on Tuesday and Thursday mornings or afternoons with an optional third day on Wednesday.