Belvedere-Hawthorne Nursery School
15 Cove Road Place, Belvedere Tiburon, CA 94920 & 145 Rock Hill Road
School Contact: Ariel Eck
(415) 435-1661
Email: kathleenparker@belvedere-hawthorne.com
Website: https://www.belvedere-hawthorne.com/
School Information:
Established in 1939, Belvedere Nursery School is the oldest nursery school in Southern Marin. From the beginning, our dedicated teachers have lovingly supported children through play and meaningful projects—scaffolding emerging skills, fostering self-regulation, and nurturing social-emotional growth. We provide hands-on experiences in a joyful and supportive environment, where children engage in problem solving and enhance acquisition of cognitive and linguistic skills within our developmental play-based curriculum. Our students leave with a lasting love of learning—and often, lifelong friendships. Early childhood education foundational theory is embedded in our play-based curriculum, and substantiated by current research in brain development, creating a highly valuable learning environment for enriched and optimal cognitive growth and development. Our program fosters creativity, stimulates the imagination, cultivates an inner sense of trust and autonomy, and supports cognitive, physical and social development. Through immersion in our play-based curriculum, children strengthen emotional and executive functioning for goal-oriented collaborations, imperative for school readiness and learning success. Our teachers are highly qualified and trained in early childhood education, and we maintain a 6:1 child-to-teacher ratio across all programs. Both directors and teachers work closely with each child, maintaining open and ongoing communication with parents to support the unique needs of each child. Formal parent-teacher conferences are held twice a year, offering thoughtful insights into each child’s development and providing an opportunity to address any questions or concerns. Our school is also rooted in an active and supportive community that fosters strong home–school connections.
Philosophy
Play Based
Schedule:
Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30-12:30, Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 8:30-2:00; 8:30-12:30 (if under 3) Hawthorne Pre-K: Monday-Friday 8:30-2:00 We offer up to five weeks of summer school (typically the last two weeks of June and the last three weeks of July) for students currently enrolled in our program. We take the students on an imaginary trip each summer: Australia, Africa, Mexico, or Hawaii. Following the same daily routine with the same teachers as the school year, but with fewer students and a slightly shorter day, summer school gives children a chance to transition to their fall class with ease.
Admission:
We accept enrollment on a first-come, first-served basis with the following consideration to be used as guidelines by the Director: Siblings of our present school population have priority. Children of former families (including children of alumni) currently living in the Reed School District have priority. Children currently living in the Reed Union School District have priority. Placement in a program will be determined by age and upon the mutual agreement of parent and Director. Belvedere-Hawthorne Nursery Schools welcome children of any race, color and national or ethnic origin. Because parents become members of the Belvedere-Hawthorne Nursery Schools' non-profit corporation, attendance at a school orientation is required. Each of the Belvedere-Hawthorne programs has an age requirement: Tuesdays and Thursdays: Children must be two on or before September 1st. Monday, Wednesday & Friday: Children must be three on or before December 31st. Hawthorne Pre-K: Children must be 4 on or before December 31st. Prospective parents should connect with Kathleen (Head of School/Director of Admissions and Enrollment) at kathleenparker@belvedere-hawthorne.com for information on scheduling a tour.
Class Size:
Belvedere-Hawthorne Nursery School has three programs, each with one classroom. We maintain a 6:1 child-to-teacher ratio across all programs.