Both my daughters have attended EBNS and loved every moment. Teacher Tom is a rare gem, full of patience and kindness. He creates a wonderful curriculum that follows the seasons that included songs, stories and activities that my girls would talk about excitedly on our way home. As a parent,I have also created lasting friendships with like-minded parents interested in the parent-cooperative environment of the school.

EBNS is a beautifully nurturing play based school where my boys have blossomed and grown so much in their time there. Teacher Tom has a special gift for working with kids where he treats each child with honor and respect. He always chooses to think the best of situations. He fosters creativity in all and has helped me be a better parent. He has the children work with wood and paint and lots of natural things (leaves, sticks, vines, honey). They also make candles each year from beeswax and collect sap to make maple syrup. This school and teacher Tom are such treasures.

We’ve been with EBNS for three children; and we plan on sending the fourth there. Teacher Tom is the epitome of what a teacher should be. I recall looking for a preschool for our eldest, and my neighbor used the world “magical” to describe Tom...she wasn’t exaggerating in the slightest, as he is nothing short of just that. My children adore Tom and the Assistant teacher, Audrey. The environment is calm, caring and unlike anything you have experienced. The kids explore nature and grow/make their own food; they participate in oral story telling and dramatic play. EBNS is as old school as it gets- if you’re looking for a place with desks and raising of the hands and gold stars, this may not be your cup of tea. But if conversations about the moon phases and how to grow and harvest potatoes (yes, they do this) sounds good, then come check out EBNS.

We love that EBNS focuses on the emotional development of the child. Two of my children have experienced the benefits of this preschool and I know they are better humans for it. The open ended play, nature based learning and child directed lessons are what makes EBNS unique. In fall we harvest from the garden in our play yard, winter brings a lantern walk and tapping the maple trees and spring is full of planting the garden. We are outside almost every day in all kinds of weather. I’m not sure who loves EBNS more me or the children.

When my son was 2 and a half I toured many pre-schools. I wad looking for more than just a school, I wanted a community of people. As soon as I walked into the EBNS open house I knew it was different. Everyone was so welcoming. All the parents were working together and really passionate about the school. When Teacher Tom came over and sat with my son and I for a few minutes I was SOLD! He is such a wonderful and kind soul! Tom told me about how he adjusts the curriculum each year based on the interests of the kids. But, he said, we always do candle making, make maple syrup, make apple cider, study moon phases.We are now in our second year at EBNS and we have not been disappointed! We have all learned so many great things and formed wonderful friendships that will remain beyond our years at this school.Today I was parent helper and some kids shucked corn which we popped at snack time. Last week the children used flour they made from milling corn to make gingereread cookies. This is truly a unique and wonderful school that I feel honored to be a part of!UPDATE: We had five wonderful years at EBNS between two of our children. I cannot say enough about how much this school community changed me and brought into my life and my childrens lives some of our closest friends. I am so grateful for this experience. ❤️