About Us
Bethlehem School, a non-sectarian school, is owned and operated by Saint Paul's Episcopal Church of Lynnfield. The school is governed by a board of directors made up of both professional educators and parents.
History
The Bethlehem School was founded in 1956 by Margaret Emery and dedicated to "following and nurturing the whole child."
Bethlehem is a unique non-profit preschool that has served Lynnfield and surrounding communities, providing quality early education for more than 57 years. We offer a happy, secure, caring environment for children 2.9-6 years of age.
Program and Faculty
Our program has adopted the Montessori principals using the Best Practices of Early Childhood Education. Our faculty of experienced and dedicated professionals is certified by the State of Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. In addition, all teachers are Montessori trained.
Governance
Bethlehem is governed by a Board of Directors whose responsibilities include safeguarding financial stability and ensuring that policies and operations adhere to the mission of the school.
The Bethlehem Board consists of Chair Person, School Director, Treasurer, Scribe, St. Paul's Vestry Representative, Teacher Representative, Parent Representative, and Alumni Representative.
Our Program/Schedule
“We are a child’s place, working at a child’s pace”
Bethlehem School is dedicated to serving children between ages 2.9 through 6 years of age. We are pleased to offer the following programs to meet the needs of children and parents:
Regular Session
Our primary program (2.9 – 6 years of age) runs weekdays 8:30 – 11:30 am and includes 2, 3, 4, or 5 day options. Our approach offers a developmentally appropriate hands-on environment that nurtures the whole child. “Children learn best by doing.” Here we lay the building blocks for a solid foundation of lifelong learning.
Lunch Bunch
This extended day program enhances our morning curriculum. It is offered each day 11:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Extended Care
Early Morning Drop Off is available 7:35 – 8:30 a.m.
Our Stay and Play program runs daily 3:00 – 5:30 p.m. (based on a minimum of 6 students.)
Miss Joyce brings “Wiggles and Giggles” with a focus on movement and fun!
Bethlehem’s PTO sponsors additional programs throughout the year which enhance curriculum.
Curriculum/Classrooms
“The children are the curriculum”
Bethlehem’s curriculum is based on the Montessori approach to learning. Developmentally appropriate practices are in place, allowing each child to reach his/her full potential in all areas of development: emotional, social, physical, and cognitive growth.
Our curriculum provides a rich array of activities and hands-on materials that are meaningful and relevant to our children. These focus on: sensory and motor development, practical life skills, language arts, nature/science, culture, geography, math, art, and music.
“If it hasn’t been in the Hand…and in the Body…it can’t be in the Brain”