The Bigelow Difference

We believe Bigelow has several key advantages over other area preschools:

• Open year-round, with a flexible schedule.

  Bigelow is open 50 weeks per year, and does not close for summer break or separate summer programs. Children can attend 2, 3, 4 or 5 days per week, either 8:30am-3:30pm or 8:30am-5:30pm. Optional early drop-off starts at 8am.

• Excellent student-teacher ratio

  Bigelow offers an excellent child/teacher ratio that meets NAEYC guidelines and often exceeds the requirements of the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)

• New, state-of-the-art facility

  In Fall 2012, Bigelow opened its new building at 44 Park Street, just 15 minutes walk from Harvard Square.  Awash with natural light, the space features five classrooms, library, on-site parking, a large indoor playspace and a dedicated playground.

• Focus on exercise and physical development.

  The children play outside daily, weather permitting, in a variety of settings (Bigelow is walking distance to several playgrounds, as well as the 5.5-acre woods on the grounds of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences). Scheduled field trip destinations include the Swan Boats, Children’s Museum, Museum of Science, Drumlin Farm and Honey Pot Hill Farm.

• NAEYC accreditation.

  Bigelow is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

• SPYC Partner Program.

  Somerville Partnership for Young Children (SPYC), enabled by the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative grant (CPPI), is a collaborative network of community-based early education programs. The mission of SPYC is to ensure all children in Somerville have access to rich opportunities to play, learn, and grow. Visit the SPYC website for more information on how we are working to ensure that each child receives a quality early education.

  As a partner program of SPYC, Bigelow educators engage in ongoing instructional coaching and professional development that support children’s social emotional, intellectual, and physical development. We also participate in the SPYC Tuition Assistance Program and have access to resources from Somerville Public Schools and other local organizations to meet the needs of children and families.