About us

We value the unique needs of all our students.

VNS is dedicated to the full child approach.

The foundation of our program is a rich classroom experience which provides an educational environment dedicated to integrating, building upon, and valuing the differing needs and unique qualities of all students.

The Village Nursery School is a non-profit, non-denominational preschool program. Founded in 1953, VNS is the oldest continually operating preschool in Harvard.

VNS does not discriminate in providing services to children and their families, or in its employment policies on the basis of race, religion, cultural heritage, political beliefs, marital status, sexual orientation, toilet training, or disability.

Our Board of Trustees

As a non-profit, VNS is run by a dedicated volunteer Board of Trustees, along with the Director, Maureen Bajko, and Assistant Director, Emilie Staiger. Please contact us if you have questions for the Board!

Our children have flourished in the school’s program. They have learned so many valuable skills ranging from writing their names, to how to communicate and interact with their peers. We love VNS!

Liz, Parent
PHILOSOPHY
The staff at VNS believe that children learn through play. We will provide age appropriate opportunities for children to explore, discover, create and imagine.
Mission
Dedicated to the education of the whole child, VNS provides a rich classroom environment experience focusing on promoting intellectual, creative, physical, social, and emotional growth. We strive to foster and support each child’s unique learning style in a nurturing, child-centered environment.
Why us

The best early learning experience

Our most important function at Village Nursery School is to ensure that each child’s first school experience is a joyful and enriching one. Above all, we hope to impart a love of school and learning for all our students.

Child-Centered Learning

We foster and support each child’s unique learning style.

Creative Spaces

VNS provides a bright, happy space in which children can grow and learn. our outdoor space includes a playground, Nature Nook, and access to the Harvard Conservation Trail System.

Families as a Whole

Parents play an active and important role in your child's education. We encourage, but do not require parent involvement.

Passionate Teachers

Small class sizes are led by highly qualified teachers, many of whom have been with the school 5, 10, or even 15 or more years

Meet Our Staff

Experts in giving your children the best start

Maureen Bajko

Director

Emilie Staiger

Assistant Director and Pre-K Teacher

Katie Ward

Teacher: Building sub and Extended Day Coordinator

Michele Borsari

Teacher: Twos

Rachel Hatch

Teacher: Twos

Carley Rigby

Teacher: Young Fours and Friday 2.9

Heather Thomas

Teacher: Young Fours, Creative Connections

Deb Barton

Teacher: Pre-K

Sue McClain

Teacher: Pre-K

Elizabeth Horne

Teacher: Pre-K

Kelly O-Connor

Teacher: Threes

Kerri Green

Teacher: Threes and Young Fours Tuesday

Karen Johnson-Taylor

Teacher: Threes

More than just a joyful place

We begin enrollment in January. Contact us now to get more details!