Program

Play is the work of small children. Play drives all we do and it permeates all aspects of our program. Children play to make sense of their world, to learn about themselves and each other, to develop language, to gain self-confidence and self-control and to understand and express their feelings. Our goal is to create a play environment where children have the opportunity to explore, collaborate and construct meaningful understandings of the world around them.

We receive children, listen to them carefully and support them emotionally, socially, cognitively and physically. The social/emotional development of children is intrinsic to all aspects of our educational program. Our goal for all of our students is that they freely develop their sense of autonomy and their relationships with others knowing they are safe, respected, heard and valued.

The curriculum emerges from each of the classroom communities. The content is different from year to year while being age-appropriate. Each area of study builds vocabulary, uses the scientific method, challenges mathematical thinking, supports collaboration and cooperation, facilitates social learning and offers children opportunities to express their ideas and feelings.

The Arts are explored each day through clay, paint, printing, natural materials, weaving, collage and more. Poetry, storytelling, music and play-acting build literacy skills as children collaborate with their peers. Each child’s work is unique and respected.

2/3s Classes

There are 10 children with 2 teachers in each class.
Children attend 3 or 5 mornings a week from 9am to noon or 5 full days a week 9am-3pm.

Threes Classes

There are 10 or 11 children in each class with 2 teachers. Classrooms with 12 or 13 children have 3 teachers.
Children attend 5 mornings a week and two full days until 3pm.

Fours Classes

There are 12 or 13 children in each class with 2 teachers.
The children attend full days 9am-3pm.

All school dismissal is at noon on Fridays.

Studio Art

children playing outside on a rooftop with natural materials

The studio art program aligns with Chelsea Day School's classroom practice of building a strong foundation of curiosity and individual expression. The studio program resembles a laboratory for experimentation and exploration where children are introduced to a variety of materials and given space and time to explore the material's properties. This approach is beyond the traditional role of an art teacher as it values process over product. Open-ended, unstructured and guided explorations, with multiple experiences over extended periods of time allows for this valuable learning to occur.

two wire figures one says 'man bowing' the other saying 'a man with a scarf'

Music

Music at Chelsea Day School invites children to explore through singing, movement, listening, and playing instruments. With guidance from our Music Specialist, they discover rhythm, pitch, and musical patterns while building listening, memory, and collaboration skills. Music often emerges naturally from classroom activities, with songs and games created to support and enrich the emergent curriculum, making it an integral part of their learning and development.

Nature Nook

The Nature Nook is an intentional space on the roof of Chelsea Day School that brings nature into our city environment. It offers children opportunities for hands-on exploration, imaginative play, and sensory inquiry, using loose parts and natural materials to support open-ended discovery. Children are encouraged to engage with the natural world at their own pace, fostering curiosity and inquiry. This thoughtfully designed space also promotes conversations around sustainability and environmental responsibility, complementing our rooftop garden and greenery.

Arts Alive – Afterschool Program

Arts Alive classes are led by Chelsea Day School teachers and take place Monday through Thursday from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm. This program is open to students enrolled in our Three’s and Four’s classes and provides a wonderful opportunity for children to explore shared interests with teachers in small, focused groups. Each class is inspired by the passions of our teachers and offers hands-on, experiential activities. Previous sessions have included playacting, chess, movement, cooking, art, painting, and Spanish, among many others. This program allows children to explore new creative experiences while building connections with different teachers.