Mission and Vision

Mission Statement

Framingham Centre Nursery School provides a high-quality preschool program which meets the needs of diverse families in the Framingham area. Our developmental curriculum encourages each child’s individual growth through socialization and hands-on experiences in a nurturing and safe environment. This program has been in place for over 60 years and FCNS continues to develop a curriculum to meet the changing requirements of the community. 

Vision Statement

A place where children can flourish through exploration and play, using our outdoor spaces as a natural resource. We value peace and respect.  We are mindful of our diversity and our children learn in a joyful environment. 

What sets us apart

Our Flexibility

• Part-time and Full-time programs available with options Before- and After-School Care.
• Toilet trained is NOT required

Family Events

• Family events 3 times a year – Trunk-Or-Treat in October, a Winter Celebration in January and an end of the school year family concert in June
• Active Parent involvement

Our Staff

• Warm, experienced and nurturing staff with diverse experiences and backgrounds
• Low teacher: student ratios​

Our Facility

• 5 acres of wooded areas and trails within the property afford excellent opportunities for nature and science studies
• Shallow streams and a small pond provide opportunities to learn about the habitats of frogs, snails, salamanders, birds and wildlife
• Elements of an old garden from when the property was part of the Wallace Nutting Estate, Nuttingholme.
• A large, fenced-in playground
• Each class has a designated outdoor space and an indoor space for when it is dangerous to be outside.

What we provide

Framingham Centre Nursery School offers a program designed to meet all of your child’s needs. The goals which provide the foundation for our program are:

• To treat each child as a unique person worthy of respect
• To provide a safe and positive environment where each child can reach his/her own potential
• To provide programs and opportunities that stimulate and encourage creativity, curiosity, divergent thinking and self-reliance
• To support and encourage each child’s cognitive, emotional, physical and social development
• To provide a creative setting where children can both learn and play
• To provide an atmosphere where children can build a foundation for future success
• To nurture the joy of learning

Our history

Framingham Centre Nursery School (FCNS) was started in 1963 by First Parish in Framingham to provide a program for young children at a time when there were few in the area. Since then both our reputation for excellence and our school have grown.

Private Non-Profit Preschool

In 2006, Framingham Centre Nursery School (FCNS) became a non-profit independent corporation, while still maintaining the same excellent facilities, programs and staff. In April 2009, FCNS became a 501(c)(3) organization. 

The move to a nature-based model

With the support of the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), Framingham Centre Nursery School started exploring a nature-based education model in 2017. 

In the Fall of 2018, we opened one Tues/Thurs half day Pre-K class that was based outside in our woods. It was well received by parents and the class moved to all 5 mornings in the Fall of 2019. 

Our goal was to transition most of our 7 classrooms to be outside for a majority of the day over a couple of years but then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. In the Fall of 2020, we opened with 3 classrooms that were all outdoors.

While we continue to have indoor spaces, our classes are primarily outside unless it is dangerous to do so (example: thunderstorms, extreme winds, frostbite temperatures, etc). 

To learn more about our Nature-based philosophy – click here.