Neighborhood House Nursery School

This preschool is a absolute gem; we feel so lucky to have found it! Both of my kids attended from 2019-2023. The school (which has been open in Millburn for over ONE HUNDRED years) is still set in the original Victorian house on Taylor Street. There are only 2 classes--3's and 4's--so it is super small and intimate, and because of this, a very close-knit and friendly parent community. They have an amazing playground which backs up to the Millburn community garden. The school owns 3 large plots in the garden and they include it in the curriculum. So the kids get to plant seeds (which they also use for counting & math), watch & learn about the different stages of growth throughout the seasons (science/STEM), and best of all, harvest & eat the fruits & veggies they grow! The school is very tied in with the town, including field trips to the local fire station, the local farmers market (goes with the garden curriculum), and Paper Mill Playhouse. The head teachers and assistant teachers have all been there for 15-25 years I believe, which speaks volumes about the school. They are nurturing, kind, fun, and truly great at what they do. They also make good company at the school happy hours :) The other major selling point of the school for us was the flexible hours. Kids can attend half day, half day + lunch, or full day, anywhere from once a week to 5 days- you customize the schedule. I have never seen another school offer this. This year for the first time they also offered aftercare as yet another option. And of course they have summer camp too. Between my 2 kids and moving around we have attended 4 different schools/daycares in the area, but Neighborhood House is our absolute favorite, hands down.

We could not have asked for a more warm and welcoming school community of both staff and parents! My daughter attended Neighborhood House Nursery School for prek-4, right after we moved from DC. The small classrooms and attentive teachers was perfect for my daughter, and they were able to adjust seamlessly to her needs. We also loved the large and enclosed outdoor space made it possible to play outside safely nearly every day.

We love this school! It's a small place that feels very homey. The teachers are knowledgeable and caring. My child is happy and loved, and she occasionally begs to go to school on weekends. As a parent, I value the play based approach, daily outdoor time (the playground is spacious, well equipped and securely fenced), and a calm nurturing atmosphere. I can see that my child progresses rapidly, and I could not be happier with the school choice.

It is the best preschool we could have ever wanted for our kids. After 3 1/2 years there they have become our family. The teachers are so sweet, patient and nurturing. The admin is understanding and so helpful with any issues. They also have a summer camp which the kids love so much. I highly recommend Neighborhood House Nursery School.

I cannot say enough good things about this wonderful school! The teachers are early childhood experts who have helped our sons thrive and grow, and our oldest was so ready for kindergarten after his two years here! The care we've felt from the staff and teachers towards our whole family is unmatched; it truly feels like a neighborhood community. The play based curriculum and the community garden plots that the students help tend keep all the kids engaged, and the flexible scheduling works so well for our family. We love Neighborhood House and cannot wait to send our third child here, as well!