Our Philosophy

At FCNS, we believe children learn best through play, especially when immersed in the natural world. Our nature-based environment encourages curiosity, creativity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning through hands-on exploration and discovery. We intentionally foster social and emotional growth by creating opportunities for children to practice cooperation, empathy, problem-solving, and conflict resolution both in the classroom and outdoors. Through meaningful play, strong relationships, and daily connection with nature, children develop confidence, independence, and a deep sense of belonging.

Mission and Vision

Mission Statement

Framingham Centre Nursery School is an outdoor-based preschool which meets the diverse needs of our families through a focus on connection to, appreciation for, and learning from nature as major themes in its curriculum. We encourage each child’s individual growth through socialization and hands-on experiences within nature.

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 FCNS 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 throughout the year, including a Fall Festival, Trunk-or-Treat in October, a Winter Celebration, a Spring Festival, and an end-of-year family concert in June
  • Family Night Out gatherings hosted throughout the year, bringing FCNS families together at local restaurants, breweries, and community spaces to connect and build relationships outside the classroom
  • Active Parent involvement, including opportunities to help clean up the school grounds in the fall and spring

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 July 2006, 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.