Frequently Asked Questions

Programs & Schedules

What ages do you serve?

BCNS Preschool offers drop-off preschool programs for children ages 2 years 9 months through 5 years old. Class sizes are small, with two or three teachers in each classroom to ensure strong connections and individualized attention. We also have a Stay & Play program from younger children (ages 1 year 6 months through 2 years 9 months) and their caretakers.

What are your school hours?

Our core preschool programs run in the morning. Families can extend the day with options such as Early Care (before school), Extended Day (afternoons), and Extracurriculars, which can provide coverage from 8:15am to 5:00pm.

Do you offer part-time or flexible schedules?

Yes. We have several schedule options to meet families’ needs, including 3-day, 4-day, and 5-day morning programs. Extended hours are optional and can be added depending on your child’s age and readiness.

When does the school year start and end?

Our school year typically begins the Monday after Labor Day and ends in early June. Our vacations and snow days align with the Belmont Public Schools calendar, making logistics easier for families with older siblings. In addition, we are closed for 3 days at the end of October for parent/teacher conferences as well as a Friday in March for a teacher Professional Development day.

Admissions & Enrollment

How does enrollment work?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Enrollment decisions consider available space, classroom balance, and the needs of the community. If a class is full, families are placed on a waiting list and contacted as soon as spots open.

Do I have to live in Belmont to attend?

Not at all! Our program is open to children in all surrounding communities. We currently have families from Watertown, Arlington, Cambridge, Waltham, and even as far as Wellesley and Medford.

Do children need to be toilet trained?

No. Toilet training is NOT required for enrollment. We know every child develops at their own pace. Our teachers will partner with you to support your child's toilet learning process at school in a low-pressure, encouraging way.

Tuition & Financial Aid

How much does BCNS cost?

Tuition varies by program and schedule. Please see our Tuition page or contact us for current rates. Financial sustainability is important, and we work hard to keep tuition realistic for families while supporting our teachers and programs.

Do you offer financial aid?

We understand that affordability can be a challenge. Please reach out to us directly to discuss current financial aid or scholarship options.

Our Philosophy

What is your teaching philosophy?

We are inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, which values child-led learning, hands-on exploration, and the environment as the “third teacher.” Teachers observe children's interests and design meaningful projects that encourage collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.

Is Reggio Emilia similar to Montessori?

Both approaches respect the child as a capable learner. However, Montessori often focuses on individual work with structured materials, while Reggio Emilia emphasizes collaboration, social learning, and open-ended creativity. At BCNS, we focus on the relationships between children, teachers, and the environment.