Highlands Nursery School

Highlands Nursery School (HNS) is a part of the Christian outreach of MHCC to the community-at-large.  The school was established in 1969.  The School’s mission is to keep tuition at a reasonable level, while offering a quality program and promoting goodwill through the Church to the community.

The school hours are 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday and 9:00 a.m. to noon on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  We offer a 2-day session (T-TH) and a 3-day session (M-W-F.) The School offers a two-day program (Tuesday – Thursday) and three-day program (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.)  Highlands Nursery School is open September to mid-June and observes the same holidays and vacations as the Melrose Public Schools.  The staff work extended hours, which include planning preparation, classroom upkeep, staff meetings, professional development and training courses.  Our daily capacity is for 35 children.  In total we service up to 70 children.  All of this is offered in a cheerful and loving environment where a child can feel loved and valued.

Educationally, HNS strives to provide a secure environment for preschoolers that contribute towards a positive self-image for each child.  Our curriculum includes free and organized play, unit discussions, seasonal activities, language arts, math, art exploration, reading and writing readiness, science, multi-cultural experiences and fine and gross motor activities.

The school operates with a teaching staff of five:  Susan McGrath, Director and Lead Teacher; Jennifer Adelman, Joan Dunne, Denise Valdez – Teachers; and Marilisa Freni, Aide on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Susan is a member of MHCC and has been serving as a Co-Director for 14 years and as a Director for 3 years.
Highlands Nursery School is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and is a member of the Community Partnership for Children (CPC.)