My daughter loves Century, as do I.  She loved going to class, and would ask every day if she was going to school that day.  I loved seeing her interact with the other students, but I mostly enjoyed seeing how much she cared for the teachers (and vice versa).  The Mother’s Day lunch was the highlight of my year, and I’m so grateful that the teachers do something special like that.  My daughter just finished the three year program, and is definitely returning for the four year program.  And her little brother will be starting the following year in the 3’s.  I’m very happy I found Century, and glad I’ll get to be a part of the Century family four years in a row.

Jodi Zils Gagné

“My husband and I had high expectations for CNS since I am an alumna (from many years ago!) and because we are active members of the First Congregational Church. Being members at the church, we know first hand the thought and care that goes into running the school. With their high standard of education in mind, it is no wonder CNS has been operating for over 50 years! Even though we expected a lot, the school exceeded our expectations. I was amazed at how each faculty member really makes a personal connection with every child. I liked that they worked in both small and large groups with the children and learning is easy because they make it so much fun. My son always wanted to go to school to see his teachers and his classmates. Their creative curriculum taught in such a caring, safe environment really gave our son a wonderful first experience in education. He blossomed there and is now well prepared for kindergarten (both in his skills and socially) thanks to CNS and its outstanding staff. My daughter will be entering CNS soon and my son keeps telling her how much fun she will have and all the things she will learn at Century. I believe all CNS alumni are proud to say they went there - even my 5 year old son!” —Paula O’Keefe

Since my son has been going to Century Nursery School he has become much more independent. I also loved the Christmas gift he made for me. One day in December my son came home from school with white paint on his feet. I thought maybe he had spilled paint on them, but no, he was making me a Christmas gift. On Christmas morning I opened his gift and there were his white foot prints on a snowman welcome mat. That was the best Christmas present  I have ever gotten.

Jenn Dimatteo

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Century Nursery School has been a part of our lives for the past 4 years! Having had two older children go through the program and one child who is currrently a student, I have been extremely impressed with how my children have benefited and flourished throughout their time there!

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It is easy to comment on a programs crafts, playtime or music. And although Century excels in these areas, these are not what sets them apart from the other schools! What sets Century apart is the staff. The teachers at Century Nursery School are wonderful. They are the reason that students enter Kindergarten with confidence, knowledge and the well rounded behavior that is needed in todays educational system! They prepare the children both socially and academically! The time and energy that these teachers put into the program is evident everyday! These women go above and beyond to make the preschool experience a memorable one for both the children and the parents! The Tea Party and the Graduation are two primary examples that I look forward to every year!

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The monthly themes that the school focuses on are all important and relevant to the children’s lives! The children learn so much at Century on so many different levels and they have fun doing it!

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All three of my children found different things that they loved about Century! It is a wonderful feeling, as a mother, to drop your child off at a school where you have the utmost confidence in the teachers.

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Century Nursery School is an outstanding program! I have recommended it to several friends and they are also extremely impressed! Century Nursery School has been a wonderful experience and I appreciate all that Century Nursery School has done and continues to do for my children! [ Erin Hamilton ]

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Century Nursery School (CNS) is an outstanding preschool! I have three children; my second child is currently attending CNS and loves going to school, and my youngest son can’t wait to start.
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The teachers (Mrs. Israel, Mrs. Cornwell, and Mrs. Johnson) are wonderful! They are very caring and nurturing and make adjusting to school very easy for both the students and parents. They are fabulous educators, and the children leave the four-year-old program well prepared for kindergarten. The teachers keep the parents well-informed and involved in the school activities.
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CNS offers many activities for social, motor, and academic development. They offer fantastic enrichment programs such as “Smart Starts” science program and music with Shelley. I wouldn’t choose any other place for my kids to attend nursery school, and I have recommended it to many of my friends and fellow teachers. We love Century Nursery School! [ Michelle Bartucca ]

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Some thoughts about our children’s experience with Century Nursery School . . .

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Our twins, Olivia and Mark, began their formal education at Century Nursery School when they were three years old. They began very tentatively, each one needing the reassurance and tender encouragement offered readily by the teachers, Mrs. Israel, Mrs. Johnson, and Mrs. Cornwell.

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As Olivia and Mark struggled with separation anxiety almost every day that they went to school for the first month or so, the teachers offered hugs and kind words that our children have come to count on now even in their second year whenever they need comfort. We credit the teachers with making our children’s transition to school so easy, for without their response, we doubt very much that Olivia and Mark would be asking us if every day is a “Century Day.”

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Furthermore, as time progressed and Olivia and Mark became accustomed to the learning environment, the teachers became just what any parent would want teachers to be: adults whom our children respect, care for and regard with absolute awe.

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The learning environment at Century has had many positive effects on Olivia and Mark. The structure of each day has prepared them for the expectation of a daily routine in school, and the guided social interaction has enhanced their ability to learn collaboratively with their peers. This ability is particularly critical for twins who often depend on each other for decision-making, and at Century, Olivia and Mark have had the unique opportunity to learn in small groups apart from each other. Each has developed a separate set of friends, and each one has gained a stronger sense of himself or herself through the experience of learning separately.

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Perhaps the greatest impact that Century has had is the love of learning that has been instilled in our children, for they are truly captivated with acquiring new knowledge. At Century, learning is not a chore but instead an adventure, for this learning comes in such engaging forms as songs, games, crafts, and storytelling. Even the perhaps more traditional tasks of learning to write and identify letters and numbers have become engaging, for Olivia and Mark, like their peers, look forward to their homework each week, and they have come to find creative ways to show that they know how to count and spell. The enthusiasm for learning and opportunity to express creativity offered at Century are extraordinary gifts that we and our children celebrate every day. [ Diane and Joe Russo ]

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Century Nursery School has been a part of our lives for the past 4 years! Having had two older children go through the program and one child who is currently a student, I have been extremely impressed with how my children have benefited and flourished throughout their time there! It is easy to comment on the program’s crafts, playtime or music. And although Century excels in these areas, these are not what sets them apart from the other schools!.

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What sets Century apart is the staff. The teachers at Century Nursery School are wonderful. They are the reason that students enter Kindergarten with confidence, knowledge and the well rounded behavior that is needed in todays educational system! They prepare the children both socially and academically! The time and energy that these teachers put into the program is evident everyday! These women go above and beyond to make the preschool experience a memorable one for both the children and the parents! The Tea Party and the Graduation are two primary examples that I look forward to every year!

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The monthly themes that the school focuses on are all important and relevant to the children’s lives! The children learn so much at Century on so many different levels and they have fun doing it!

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All three of my children found different things that they loved about Century! It is a wonderful feeling, as a mother, to drop your child off at a school where you have the utmost confidence in the teachers. Century Nursery School is an outstanding program! I have recommended it to several friends and they are also extremely impressed! Century Nursery School has been a wonderful experience and I appreciate all that Century Nursery School has done and continues to do for my children! [ anonymous ]

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Having grown up in Bristol, I knew Century had a wonderful reputation. But now after 2 kids enrolled, it’s clear that it is well earned. With more than 3 decades of experience, there’s nothing these teachers haven’t seen and no situation or rites of passage too awkward to ask them about. They are very approachable and not only top-notch educators, but wonderful nurturers as well when the situation calls for a delicate hand.

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My second child had a very difficult time adjusting separating from me, but I was able to rest assured and leave him only because I felt secure with the arms I left him there with. Century helped my older child prepare for kindergarten intellectually and socially.

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Yes, the classrooms are bright and colorful, and the curriculum and art projects, and the programs that are incorporated are absolutely wonderful. But for me personally, the teachers make the true difference. I need to have that peace and security when leaving my children, and I found that in Century. I have 2 more younger children and rest easy knowing that Century lies ahead in their future. [ Michelle Holland ]

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Four years ago I selected Century Nursery School as my son’s preschool for two reasons: 1) It is where I attended nursery school in the mid-1970’s, and 2) First Congregational Church is the Church where we worship.
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Having lived away from Bristol for many years, I had no idea just how well known and well-respected CNS is in the area. When I began to tell people where my son attends preschool I received nothing but positive feedback (along with some jealousy as the classes fill-up quickly!).
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It didn’t take me long to see why CNS earned its great reputation. The teachers are kind and knowledgeable and the curriculum truly makes learning fun.

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My son entered kindergarten very well prepared. He is now in first grade and loves going to school each day. He has a huge thirst for knowledge and I credit the teacher’s at CNS for much of that. CNS truly provides a great foundation for a child’s education. [ Jodi Bond ]

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Two things we were looking for in a nursery school when we began our search in 2003. Our first daughter would be leaving our side for the first time! Who could possibly take care of her and teach her the way we could?

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The tears in Josie’s eyes on that first day were heartbreaking. But the love and compassion seen in all of the teachers gave us the confidence to “hand Josie over” and walk away on that first day. My daughter’s tears and trepidations lasted several months, but Mrs. Cornwell was our “savior” at the door everyday to welcome Josie to school. Four years later, the same love and compassion surrounds our 2nd daughter, Melanie, who, by the way, barely says good-bye at the door!

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Mrs. Israel, Mrs. Cornwell and Mrs. Johnson have such great strength and confidence in teaching and caring for every child in the CNS community. Children learn everything they need to know to move on to kindergarten yet they experience it in a fun, low-pressure manner. The days are structured in such a way to provide group and individualized attention so that evaluations and progress can be accurately made.

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Fun and educational fieldtrips and in-house programs are scheduled frequently. Monthly calendars are prepared so the kids (and parents) know what they can look forward to. Parents are always welcome to volunteer as well. We are extremely proud to be a part of the CNS family. [ Mary Beth and Andy Hintz ]