• Application to CNS
• Admissions Process

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Fall Open House and Parent Tours
We strongly encourage interested families to visit our school. We schedule an Open House each fall, giving families the opportunity to visit the school with their children. Alternatively, or in addition, you can schedule a tour of the school to observe a school day in progress and meet with the Director. While children are welcome at the Open House, we suggest they not accompany parents on tours during school hours; we cannot provide childcare during a tour, and parents may find it easier to focus on the tour if they are not also attending to their child’s needs at the same time. Please call the school at (617) 547-7288 to schedule a visit.

Application Process (download an application here)
Applications are accepted at the Open House and on a rolling basis thereafter. A non-refundable Application Fee ($75) is due with each application. Children should be at least 2 years and 9 months on October 31st to be considered for fall admission.

​Applications for Afterschool Program (Download an application here)
​Our Afterschool program runs from 2:45pm – 5pm, Monday – Friday. On Wednesdays, Afterschool will run from 2:15-5pm, given Cambridge Public Schools early Wednesday dismissal. 
For students enrolled at Graham & Parks School, we also offer pickup from Graham & Parks and will walk students to Cambridge Nursery School. Pickup will occur at 2:45 at Graham & Parks. On Wednesday, pickup will occur at 2:15 at Graham & Parks. 

In some years we receive more applications than we have spaces available. In reviewing applications, the formation of a well-balanced group is the main consideration, as well as the date of application. We give priority to current families, siblings, alumni, and to families that add diversity to the school. In general, we seek to provide continuity within the community by giving priority also to families who expect to enroll their child for two years.

We send out the first acceptances in February and add any remaining families to a waiting list. If any initial offers of admission are declined, families from the waiting list are contacted. If your child is admitted and you decide to accept a space at CNS, a $500 Holding Deposit will be required to secure your child's space.

CNS is committed to welcoming a diverse community. CNS does not discriminate in its enrollment or hiring with regard to a person's race, ethnic and national origin, religion, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, HIV status, political beliefs or disabilities. Toilet training status is never a consideration for enrollment.

"We love this school and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a respectful, child-led, play-based nursery school.  The class sizes are small, and the learning environment is quite intimate and personal.  The feedback that we get about our daughter has helped us tremendously with our own parenting and with choosing our next school for her.”

Come see and feel the vibrant, joyful energy of a school day at CNS and learn about our play-based, child-centered program.
Call 617-547-7288 or email
[email protected]
to schedule a tour today.