A variety of early learning options to consider

To meet the needs of children and their families, Groton Community School offers both Half-Day and Full-Day options for our Preschool programs.  Children in our older Half-Day Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten programs may also participate in the Extended Day Program to extend their day at school before or after class.

Half Day Preschool Programs

Tuesday / Thursday Half Day Preschool for younger children

(For children age 2 years 9 months to 4 years old at the start of the school year)

A two-day morning or afternoon program provides a comfortable time-frame for children who are older twos or three years of age at the start of the school year, especially if they are just beginning their preschool experience. Goals for young preschool children are to provide hands-on experiences to foster exploration, creativity, self-esteem, physical skills, positive peer interactions, and warm relationships with staff. Teachers work together with families to build trust and help children ease into a school routine.  Classes for young preschoolers set the stage for cognitive development, with exposure to many curriculum areas.  Young preschoolers are encouraged in their verbal self-expression, ability to share and negotiate, small and large motor skills, and physical life skills. Separation remains an issue for many young children beginning preschool, and teachers and families work as a team to help children feel comfortable at the start of the school year.

Monday / Wednesday / Friday Half Day Preschool for older children

(For older 3, 4, and young 5 year old children at the start of the school year)

We have a morning and afternoon class to accommodate older three-, four-, and young five-year-old children who may be ready for three days of school.  Older classes focus on goals for four and young five-year-old children, such as becoming more independent overall, dressing oneself, following directions, focusing longer, and cooperating more readily in group activities.  Four-year-olds and young five-year-olds begin to develop a concept of numbers, an awareness of the relationships between sounds, symbols, words and meanings, as well as an interest in the alphabet and writing.

The goals for our Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten programs for fours and young fives are similar in their expectations for children and curriculum areas.  Each program plans activities around themes related to the children’s interests and developmental levels.  Our three-day Preschool and five-day Pre-K programs both offer activities that make use of a rich array of cognitive skills, hands-on discovery, and opportunities for verbal and printed communication.   It is not necessary to attend a five-day Pre-K Class to be prepared for Kindergarten, and many children who attend GCS proceed directly from our three-day Preschool program to a Kindergarten program the following year.  For some children, three days of school with other enriching activities is a good fit, while other children benefit from the consistency of five days at school.

What our families say

“GCS is an incredible place for our family. Since enrolling, my son has truly been thriving academically, socially, and emotionally. The Blue Room teachers are caring, attentive, and deeply committed to each child’s growth, and it shows in the thoughtful support and encouragement they provide every day. The sense of community is genuine; families, staff, and students all work together to create a welcoming and positive environment. My son feels confident, excited to learn, and genuinely happy at school, which means everything to us as parents. We are so grateful to be part of GCS and couldn’t imagine a better place for our child to learn and grow.”

Full Day Preschool Programs

Two, three or five full-day Preschool Programs

(For children ages 2 years 9 months to 4 years old at the start of the school year)

GCS offers a variety of age-appropriate Full Day opportunities for children and their families, with younger and older Full Day Programs.  Both younger and older options operate 2, 3 or 5 days each week.  Full Day Preschool is provided between the hours of 8 AM and 5 PM. For children who attend GCS full time, these classes provide the advantage of a self-contained, family-type grouping with teachers whose hours overlap for added continuity.

Curriculum goals in a Younger Full-Day Program are consistent with those of our Tuesday/Thursday Half-Day Programs, and goals for Older Full-Day Programs are consistent with those of our Monday/Wednesday/Friday Half-Day Programs.  All programs incorporate age-appropriate activities and attend to children as individuals, supporting their needs, acknowledging their interests, and challenging them when ready for the next step.

Children who have attended a Full-Day Program, often enroll in an Older Full-Day Preschool, a 5-day Pre-K Class or a 5-day Kindergarten Class when they are age-appropriate.

What our families say

“We could not have asked for a better first school experience for our daughter! GCS came highly recommended, but it wasn’t until we were here that we could feel the difference. It truly is a community, just like in the name. From the moment you enter the school, it is evident that the staff love where they work and what they do. From the staff to the curriculum to summer camp- GCS really is the best. We are forever grateful to GCS for the knowledge and experiences our child gains everyday there.”

“Our family has had such a wonderful experience with Groton Community School. When our son first started, he was very shy and hardly spoke a word. Over time, with the care and support of his amazing teachers, he’s blossomed into a confident, happy child who loves going to school. The teachers truly know him—they see his strengths, encourage him when he needs it, and celebrate his progress . The school really fosters a sense of community and encourages kindness. We are so grateful for the nurturing environment that’s helped our son grow in confidence, connection, and curiosity.”