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Education
Education
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Inspiration

A History of SMNS

St. Mary’s Nursery School was founded in 1964 as a cooperative, non-profit, and non-denominational organization. Our Reggio-Emilia inspired approach to learning holistically engages children in the natural and playful development of their physical, social, emotional, artistic, and academic selves. This philosophy grows competent, curious, and caring learners prepared to succeed in kindergarten and in their communities.

Located on the University of Pennsylvania’s campus, we have access to a wealth of enriching learning environments, such as the Walnut Street West Library, the Penn Biopond, the Annenberg Center for the Performing arts, in addition to the wonderful green spaces right outside our door.

Our qualified team of professional educators adheres to the latest standards for early childhood education and strives to continuously improve their application of developmental science to the context of each individual learner. We know that the first three years of life are foundational to all later development, and our focus on social-emotional learning and trauma-informed methods gives young learners the strongest basis on which to grow. Our facility follows all state standards and has received Keystone Stars highest rating of four stars as a result.

Our center embraces the linguistic, cultural, and racial diversity of our students and families, and firmly believes our differences can bring us together. We explore a wide variety of traditions and languages in our lessons, and we also aim to make our programs as accessible as possible through participation in the PHLpreK program. At St. Mary’s, everyone is welcome.

A Reggio Emilia Inspired School

3916 Locust Walk Philadelphia, PA

Phone: 215-386-0321 or 267-251-5267

Email: suria@stmarysnursery.org

Programs

Toddler

18-36 months old

Full day care

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Preschool

3-5 years old

Half or full days

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School Age

5+ years old

After School & Summer camp

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Parent Resources

Academic Calendar

Board of Directors

Parent Handbook

  • All enrolled families must participate in Parent Workdays three times a year for “spring cleaning” and minor maintenance tasks.
  • Each family must contribute 2 hours per workday. Failure to attend results in a $50 fine per workday.
  • Families participating in the CoOp discount program are required to volunteer in the school in exchange for the tuition discount received.
  • Required background checks: PA Criminal History, Child Abuse Clearance, FBI Fingerprint, and National Sex Offender Registry.
  • Full day program: 8 hours per month for a $120 discount.
  • Half day program: 4 hours per month for a $60 discount.
  • Missed hours reduce the CoOp discount by $15 per hour missed.
  • Optional from September to June (not available in July and August).
  • Provides nutrient-rich foods meeting CACFP and USDA guidelines.
  • Monthly cost: $98. Parents can opt-out with a 15-day notice for the following enrollment.
  • Sample Menu
  • 8:00 – 9:00: Early arrival
  • 9:00 – 10:00: Free play (gross motor, fine motor, art, etc.) in the classroom
  • 10:00 – 10:15: Clean up
  • 10:15 – 10:30: Bathroom
  • 10:30 – 10:45: Circle time
  • 10:45 – 11:05: Snack (Provided by SMNS)
  • 11:05 – 11:40: Outside play
  • 11:40 – 12:00: Transition activity & wash hands
  • 12:00 – 12:30: Lunch
  • 12:30 – 12:45: Bathroom
  • 12:45 – 2:45: Nap
  • 2:45 – 3:00: Clean up mats
  • 3:00 – 3:15: Bathroom
  • 3:15 – 3:30: Snack (Provided by SMNS)
  • 3:30 – 4:15: Circle time/group activity
  • 4:15 – 6:00: Free play & pick up
  • Awarded based on financial need.
  • Application Period: Early April to early May. Applications received after the deadline or after funds have been allocated will not be accepted.
  • Scholarships are awarded monthly for the upcoming school year starting in September to August.
  • A 5% discount applies to all enrolled children in the family, except the youngest child.
  • Calculated against the full fee before other discounts and scholarships.
  • Does not apply to the school-age summer camp program.
  • SMNS accepts payments from Child Care Works, PHLpreK, Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC), and DHS.
  • Families must apply directly with the funding agency.

Toddler&Preschool

After School

School Age Summer Camp

Enroll now! Press the Enroll button or call
215-386-0321/
267-251-5267. This application is for our private pay program only. If you’re applying for the free PHLpreK program, please submit your application at https://www.phlprek.org/
Enroll Online

Testimonials

Pearl Kim

testimonial

I'm so grateful to St. Mary's for the loving care they provide my son. He's learning so much and loves talking about his teachers & friends! Getting to know the other families has also been such a joy, and I appreciate the regular updates from his teachers.

Dan Samuels

testimonial

When I arrive to pick her up, my child is full of joy and wants to stay as long as I'll let her -- whether it's to hear one more book or play on the playground with her friends a little longer. I'm so grateful to SMNS for helping lay such a strong foundation for my child.

Betsy Jane Dougherty

testimonial

We are endlessly thankful to be part of St.Mary's and the wonderful community of teachers, students and parents. Our son Henry has grown so much in his year at St.Mary's through the gentle guidance of his wonderful teachers -- it is a magical place!

Natalie Johnson

testimonial

SMNS is a place where kids can be kids -- they can get dirty and explore freely, do real hands-on work, and still have ample unstructured time to develop social skills. But the teachers are incredibly active while allowing for all this independence.

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