Epiphany Community Nursery School

After 40 years of fine-tuning, the core philosophy of Epiphany Community Nursery School (ECNS) centers on positive self-image, curiosity, creativity and independence. We want the children to feel good about themselves, to enjoy coming to school, and love learning. We also value exploration and asking questions; we want children to see learning as a process, as a quest, in which knowledge is the ultimate reward. Creativity is also extremely important. Children should be encouraged to express themselves in a variety of ways, through different media, through movement, and through language skills. And finally, independence school must encourage children to grow and, ultimately, grow away from their small worlds into the larger one that awaits them.

The environment and program at ECNS are carefully planned to meet the needs of the young child for play, socialization and individual attention. The curriculum is flexible and recognizes the importance of each child as a distinct personality, developing at his/her own pace. However, there is a regular, constant sequence of daily activities and a clear order in the arrangement of materials and equipment to help the child gain self-confidence. Routines are introduced from the start for the same reason. We plan and implement experiences for the children designed to facilitate optimal cognitive development. Our curriculum framework and general activity areas and materials in the classroom generate the specifics of the cognitive curriculum.

ECNS was founded in 1975 as an autonomous educational institution by the Board of Regents for the Educational Department of the State of New York and is a member of both the Parents League and the Independent School Admissions Association of Greater New York. There is no chapel, no prayer, and no formal religious celebration of any sort. We are an interdenominational, melting pot school and open our doors to all children, regardless of race, religion, national or ethnic origin or family circumstances. Epiphany Community Nursery School abides by the admissions guidelines of the Independent School Admissions Association.