This is our son's first time in a setting away from home. The caring teachers and wonderful community made the transition so easy for him.

Children must be at least 2 years 9 months and not older than 5 years as of September 1st of the school year for which they are applying. Children may attend 3, 4, or 5 days per week and their schedule must include either a Monday or Friday (or both). The school is open September - June and follows the Boston Public School calendar for kindergarteners (traditionally starting the first Monday after Labor Day). There is also an optional six week summer program in July & August.
Ashmont Nursery School strives to create a school community that reflects the rich diversity of Dorchester and the surrounding neighborhoods. We actively seek applications from all families, regardless of race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, cultural heritage, political belief, marital status, or disability.
There are a maximum of 20 children in school each day for the regular program, and a limited number of Early Morning and Extended Day slots. Drop-in slots are paid for per diem, but are only available when another child's absence (vacation, illness, etc.) creates an opening.
Contact the Admissions Committtee to arrange for a school visit and tour. Download an admissions application here. Applications are accepted beginning at the October Open House Playdate. All applications received between then and February 1 are considered to be in the same application pool. Priority is given to returning families and alumni families. Remaining seats are assigned to prospective families consistent with the availability of each family's requested schedule and ANS's diversity policy. Once the maximum enrollment limit is reached, applicants will be placed on a waiting list in the order the applications were received. The waiting list may move very dynamically in the first few weeks after admissions decisions are initially mailed out, even sometimes through the summer months.
Tuition is paid in 9 monthly installments, from August 1 to April 1. The deposit paid at the time of enrollment serves as the 10th payment. ANS accepts state childcare vouchers. In addition, a limited amount of need-based financial aid is available to families earning 275% of the federal poverty level or less. These financial aid awards are funded through various fundraising events open to the entire Boston community throughout the year. Families interested in financial aid should submit a financial aid application to the co-presidents, separate from their application for admission. The co-presidents confidentially review the required documents and financial aid notifications are made in April, as close to admissions notifications as possible. Download a financial aid application here.