Mission

We are committed to promoting children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth within a warm and loving setting. We recognize the vital importance of play as a medium for learning and for providing a firm foundation for later academic success.

Children are encouraged to express themselves verbally, emotionally, and creatively through the rich and diverse media of language, art, dramatic play, block building, music, and movement.

The special relationship children have with nature receives particular emphasis in our program. We draw upon the children's curiosity and sense of wonder as we closely follow the changing seasons and explore and handle many objects from the natural world.

Our goal is to integrate children's innate eagerness to learn with a deep and enduring respect for their relationship with the environment.

The School

Since 1974, Ellwanger-Barry Nursery School (EBNS), a parent run, cooperative preschool, has offered Rochester parents a unique education alternative. Parents make up the board of directors, participate in the classroom, and are responsible for all activities of the school other than teaching.

EBNS seeks to supplement the home environment with positive social, creative, and educational experiences. Its aims and objectives are:

• To help develop interactive play skills
  
• To encourage the use of imagination and the expression of thoughts, feelings and ideas
  
• To help children learn to get along with each other as well as adults
  
• To provide the opportunity to experiment with materials such as paint, clay, sand, and water
  
• To ease the child's transition from home to school
  
• To provide opportunities for parents to grow with their children by sharing in the nursery school experience

Staff

EBNS has a salaried, full-time teacher. In addition, there is a parent assistant each day who helps the teacher and brings a snack. Typically, each parent assists about once a month, however, we offer flexible parent participation.

Facilities

EBNS is located in South Presbyterian Church near the intersection of East Henrietta Road and Mt. Hope Avenue.

In addition to our two indoor classrooms, we have the use of a large indoor play area and a fenced outdoor playground. Active play is an important part of every day.

Whenever possible, the children play outside. The outdoor play area is adjacent to the school building, and is equipped with a swing set, slide, sandbox, jungle gym, and playhouse.

When the weather is inclement, the children play indoors. They may use the climbing equipment or indoor sandbox, play with balls and toys, explore the castle, or participate in organized games. In addition, there is a dress-up room and puppet theater.

Schedule and Registration

EBNS school year begins in mid-September and ends in mid-June. School meets from 9:00 a.m. until noon. Children may come Monday through Friday; Tuesday and Thursday; or Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Many parents prefer to start their younger children in the Tuesday/Thursday group.

Call Us and Visit!

For more information about our program, please give us a call! Prospective families are encouraged to visit the school during school hours.

Ellwanger-Barry Nursery School
4 East Henrietta Road
Rochester, NY 14620
(585) 461-4250

Rochester's alternative choice since 1974!

Visit the Ellwanger-Barry Nursery School web site for further information, news items and changes in schedules.