Park Street Academy

We made a difficult leap from another area preschool (with a play-based curriculum, but light on the curriculum) after two years because our older kid was right on the K cutoff for birthdays and we felt like we really wanted him to be prepared when he entered K at almost-6. It was hard to leave the known thing and plunge into the unknown, but as soon as I walked into PSA and got my tour from Sandy, I knew we had to make the switch. First of all, did you know a church basement could feel like the children's corner at a well-loved library? Well, it can. The joy and care and connection that PSA inspires can be felt immediately upon entry. They showed me their monthly themes that span across classes and ages but which increase in sophistication as a child develops and I was impressed with the level of organization and administrative support something like curriculum mapping requires (having taught middle school and high school, these little details meant a lot to me--both in knowing there were clearly defined expectations for what was being taught and when for my kids' sake, but that also staff had a basic structure scaffolding their teaching that allowed for coherence and also professional latitude in how the themes were taught. It was also very clear that the school was communicating with and including families in meaningful ways, which was a huge sticking point for me at the last school. For the price tag, which wasn't much more than we were already paying, I knew I had to try it out. To my surprise and delight, PSA overdelivers on their original promises in their "sales pitch" meeting, which I did not see coming. For two years I was part of the closest-knit, best-run, loving, creative, and artful community that set the bar for what I've come to expect from my kids' learning community. Not only did my kids get the 3 R's and come out of PSA overprepared for kindergarten, but they got fine arts, music education, multicultural holiday celebration and education, swimming lessons at the Y during summer camp, a senior prom, a senior art show where a classroom is turned into an art gallery displaying kid work/ artist-studies from the year, a graduation that feels like the event of the year, The Lizard Guy, add on after school extracurriculars, a Halloween parade, a PRIDE FESTIVAL (big one for me and my fam), and a community of friends that continue to be our family's people two years out and hopefully will be forever. Extra shout out to Mr. Lucas who single-handedly created an afterschool art club by accident and instilled a love of drawing and learning through community for our oldest kid and his friends and also to Ms. Carmel who brought in 200 pounds of sand into her classroom and created a serious beach party for our younger kid. The Parent Alliance Committee is incredibly robust and active and makes sure families feel included, heard, and part of a meaningful community. Administration is attentive and professional, teachers are beyond qualified and incredibly loving, their social media presence has been known to make parents cry in the middle of a random workday. The school is one exciting educational opportunity after another. The parents and kids ROCK. What more could you ask for?

Both of our daughters attended Pre-K at Park Street Academy, and we had a very positive experience. The school is well-structured and gave our kids a strong preview of what to expect in kindergarten. The curriculum is solid and well-rounded—our daughters learned a lot during their time there. There’s a good mix of academics, creative activities, and play, and the teachers find thoughtful, engaging ways to keep kids interested. One of the biggest strengths of the school is its warm and supportive environment. The teachers and assistants are kind, patient, and clearly care about their work. Communication was also a big plus—they kept us informed and were always easy to reach if we had questions. Overall, PSA offers a great foundation for early learning. It’s a nurturing place with a strong academic focus, and we felt confident sending our kids there.

Park Street Academy is not just a preschool — it’s a truly one-of-a-kind place where learning, creativity, and kindness come together in the most beautiful way. From the moment you walk through the doors, you can feel the warmth and passion that sets this school apart from the rest. What makes Park Street Academy so unique is its deeply personalized approach to early childhood education. The teachers don’t just know your child’s name — they know their interests, their strengths, their quirks, and how to help them grow with confidence. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to nurture curiosity, independence, and social-emotional development, all while keeping things joyful and age-appropriate. The environment itself is vibrant, engaging, and filled with opportunities for hands-on exploration. Every classroom is a welcoming, inspiring space that encourages kids to be themselves and take pride in their learning. Art, music, play, nature — it’s all seamlessly woven into the day. But what truly makes Park Street Academy stand out is its sense of community. The staff, families, and children create a strong, supportive network where everyone feels valued and connected. It’s rare to find a preschool that feels this much like a second home. If you’re looking for a preschool experience that’s meaningful, magical, and memorable, Park Street Academy is it. There is simply no place like it.

My daughter was born during COVID and, like many kids from that time, had very limited interaction with people outside our home. We were nervous about how she would adjust to preschool, but Park Street Academy exceeded every hope we had. From the very beginning, she loved going—no tears, no hesitation, just excitement and joy every single day. The teachers and staff are warm, nurturing, and truly exceptional at what they do. Not only did she learn so much academically, but she also blossomed emotionally and socially. Her compassion, empathy, and confidence grew tremendously thanks to the kind and supportive environment they’ve built. Our experience with Park Street Academy was nothing short of amazing, and we’re so grateful for the foundation they gave our daughter.

We found PSA by accident after being at a local preschool that didn’t meet our expectations. We called on a whim in 2019, and Sandy (the Business Director) was extremely supportive and welcoming. After her tour, I knew we had to enroll our children there. We spent 6 years at PSA, and the parent - teacher community is top notch. We came in as strangers, and left PSA with an extensive network of friends. Although our oldest son graduated from PSA years ago, we remain connected to his classmates by celebrating birthdays, Halloween, and the winter holidays (ex. Christmas). PSA has an outstanding arts program. It’s a hidden secret in my opinion. As an educator, the emphasis on whole child development (academic, social, emotional, etc) coupled with the ARTS is what makes PSA special. The senior art show should be displayed to the public. The artwork of 4 and 5 years ago olds is outstanding and should be at a local museum. PSA is about family. Our family went through a challenging time, and we were lifted up by PSA administrators and parents via a Meal Train, supportive videos, and house visits. What other preschool does that? Probably not many. As an alumni of PSA, I can attest that the academic program prepares the children for Kindergarten and 1st grade. But preschool should be more than that. It should nurture the WHOLE child, and PSA does just that!