Beyond the Classroom: Enrichment at BCNS

From visiting musicians and wildlife educators to literacy groups and long term projects, our enrichment experiences expand children’s worlds. These opportunities bring new voices, skills, and perspectives into the classroom - sparking curiosity, creativity, and connection. All enrichment programs are built into the school day.

A woman and four children sitting on a carpeted floor playing a card game with circular cards.

Willow Group (Small Group Project-Based Learning)

The Willow Group provides children with the opportunity to participate in small pull-out groups that connect children across classrooms based on areas of interest. Our Willow Group Guides collaborate closely with Maple, Oak, and Birch classroom teachers to identify shared areas of interested. When a common interest has been discovered, the Willow Group Guide creates curriculum for small pull-out groups that encourages children to wonder, explore, and dive deep on a topic. Willow groups typically meet once a week for 4-7 weeks, and each child in the school will participate in at least one Willow Group during the school year. Willow Groups foster community, collaboration, and curiosity across our classrooms. Check out our blog to learn more! 

A woman with blonde hair sitting at a table with two children, a girl in a pink dress and a boy with brown hair, in a classroom or daycare setting. The woman appears to be speaking or explaining something, while the children listen. There are toys, books, and a pink lunchbox on the table.

Literacy Corner

The Literacy Corner is available for children in all of the classes. The Literacy Corner is a space where children can gather in small groups to focus on reading, writing, and drawing in a quiet and cozy environment. Children have access to our Literacy Corner teacher two days per week.

Two children outdoors in a forest during autumn, standing on the ground with fallen leaves, looking at fallen logs and trees with yellow and green leaves.

Habitat Nature Partnership

We are excited to partner with Habitat, a Mass Audubon education center and wildlife sanctuary in Belmont, MA to develop an enrichment program for all of our preschool age programs. The Birch classes learn about nature and local organisms in an outdoor setting through 8 to 10 visits to Habitat during the fall and spring of the school year. The BCNS faculty and Habitat educators lead small groups through outdoor activities, exploration and play.

Habitat educators also visit the Maple and Oak classrooms on a monthly basis and present opportunities for the children to learn about local nature and seasonal change through exploration, active observation and activities. Read more about our partnership here!

A young girl with brown hair playing with a yellow toy car indoors, sitting on the floor with other children and an adult in the background.

Rockabye Beats: Music & Spanish

Rockabye Beats provides hands on learning through music, dancing, Spanish, and fun. Shon, Marcos, and Jarred are professional musicians who know how to expertly engage the room, and create an unforgettable experience. Their program is entertaining, educational, and community-building, all rolled into one!

A young boy wearing a baseball cap, gray T-shirt, and shorts is hanging from a blue gymnastic bar inside a bus or play area. He is holding onto the bar with both hands, with his legs bent and feet off the ground, smiling and enjoying the activity.

The Action Bus: Mobile Gym & Gross Motor

The Action Bus is a school bus that has been converted into a mobile gym and features a challenging obstacle course geared for children aged 3 to 5. The Action Bus program improves a child’s coordination, balance, flexibility, and body strength, while increasing self-confidence, self-esteem and sportsmanship.

A woman and a little girl playing with a baby goat in a park. The girl is laughing while the woman is petting the goat. Other children are in the background, one sitting on the ground and another standing. Trees, grass, and a building are visible in the background.

Baby Goats

One of our most joyful enrichment experiences is a visit from Farmer’s Helpers and their playful baby goats! Children get to learn about animal care, explore what goats eat and how they live, and enjoy gentle, hands-on time feeding and brushing them. The visit sparks curiosity, laughter, and connection - bringing the wonder of the farm right to BCNS.

FAQs: Enrichment

  • Yes. Each family pays a set annual enrichment fee, which covers all supplemental educational experiences. This fee is not optional and ensures all children benefit.

  • Enrichment is integrated throughout the year and offered regularly as part of the school day, in addition to the daily play-based curriculum.

  • Enrichment is led by BCNS teachers along with guest experts, including naturalists from Mass Audubon Habitat and musicians from Rockabye Beats.

  • Enrichment connects children with the wider community - from nature walks to guest musicians - adding depth, creativity, and real-world experiences to classroom learning.

  • Yes! BCNS classes enjoy a few field trips each year that extend learning beyond the classroom. Trips range from local favorites - like a Belmont fire station and nearby bakeries - to exciting destinations such as the New England Aquarium. These experiences help children connect what they learn in school to the world around them and deepen their sense of curiosity and community.

  • "BCNS has a curriculum that is influenced by the children's interests and is supplemented with programs like the Action Bus, a partnership with Habitat, visits from Rockabye Beats, and more."

    Parent, Birch Class

  • "We feel so lucky to have found this preschool. We love how the curriculum is thoughtfully customized to each class' interests every semester."

    Julia, mom of three BCNS’ers

  • "We've witnessed our kids' curiosity explode during extracurricular classes like Science, Art, Mystery Club, Building, Sensory Exploration, Dance, Sports--just to name a few."

    Brian, dad of two BCNS alumni

  • "BCNS is always figuring out ways that they can positively engage their students and their community. We couldn’t have been more impressed with the school, the staff and the leadership. It was truly a special place for us."

    Steve and Jeff, parents of BCNS alumni