Our School

Learn more about our school!

Narrows has a play-based philosophy, as play is how young children learn best. Children go on to kindergarten self-reliant and having learned incredibly valuable skills of cooperation, self-regulation, creative thinking and problem solving.

Our classroom is bright, colorful, and cozy, with plenty of free play time of a child’s choosing - large motor play, imaginative play, puzzles and games, art and other fine motor activities. Themes change monthly and children are exposed to early literacy and math concepts as a natural part of the school day.

We have a large outdoor play area on-site, and children play outside nearly every day. And children have the opportunity to make trips outside the classroom as well – from visits to the nearby Curran Apple Orchard, to theater performances and science trips.

Narrows Co-op gives parents a chance to celebrate those fleeting first few years with their children and build a great foundation of respect and cooperation. Many parents find that this experience allows them to develop friendships for themselves and their children that can last far beyond the preschool years.

Our Mission

We feel strongly about an individualized, child-centered program involving play to learn.

Discovering how to play with others is a first step among many steps--and it's harder than most people think!  Once your child is exposed to play with peers on a routine basis they learn more than just playground manners.  

Narrows believes in:
*Respect for the individual child;
*the ability to think and play creatively;
*the ability to grow and develop inner controls;
*the ability to discover and use individualized resources.

 

What is a co-op preschool?

A co-op lets parents participate in their child’s education. You volunteer in the classroom with other parents and caregivers—this means a high adult to child ratio and lots of helping hands and individual attention for each child.

Co-op preschools have affordable tuition and a very high quality program. We use approved practices within the guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Parent Board
In addition to the teacher and parent volunteering, Narrows is run by a volunteer board of member parents. This board keeps the school running and makes it possible to have low tuition. You can participate in shaping the school!

Narrows Cooperative Pre-school maintains a policy of equal opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran in its programs and activities in accordance with Bates College policy, and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations.