Nazareth Day Nursery is a Catholic and Montessori-based day nursery accepting children ages 2 to 6 in Manhattan. Founded in 1901, Nazareth is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 5:30 and follows a 10 month school year. Classes start in September and end in June. There is also a July summer session.
The Montessori method is famous for it’s intuitive method of allowing children to teach themselves through their natural curiosity. Children are encouraged to explore the world around them and in doing so naturally learn the basics of math, science and geography. Because children love stories and begin to develop the inclination for independence, reading naturally follows being read to and writing follows naturally from the desire for self expression. The school encourages these natural tendencies and helps the child learn what the child wants and is ready to learn. As the child gets older there is more formal instruction.
Nazareth Day Nursery does not segregate children based on age, adding a more family feel to the nursery. They learn from older children, teach younger children and learn to interact with various ages. This teaches gentleness, kindness and humility. Children have music, art, dance and ample opportunities for play both indoors and outdoors. Because Nazareth is a Catholic nursery, there are religious tones. Grace is said before meals, Bible stories are told and the example of Christ is lived as well as taught. This is to be expected as the staff consists of the Sisters of Saint Francis and volunteer students from nearby Saint Francis Xavier High School.
For more information visit the website of the Nazareth Day Nursery.
