Some of the best noise in our building now happens on weekday mornings. Gentle Dragon Co-op Preschool, a Medford institution since 1985, has moved into a new classroom at Hillside, and we’re glad to have them.
Gentle Dragon is a parent cooperative, which means families don’t just drop off and drive away. Parents take turns in the classroom, help run the school, and bring snack. The result is a school that feels less like a service you buy and more like a village you join. For kids, that means a small class of 13 with a teacher who knows them well and a rotating cast of grown-ups who actually want to be there. For parents, it means getting to see what your child’s day looks like instead of hearing “nothing” when you ask what they did.
And the day is full. It’s a play-based program, so mornings start with puzzles, play-dough, dress-up, and the climbing structure, then move to a group meeting with books, questions, and a fair amount of laughing. There’s a hands-on project most days (expect glitter to come home with your child whether you asked for it or not), outdoor play, and lunch together around one big table. By pickup, the kids are worn out and bursting to tell you about it, which is roughly the goal.
The Basics
Ages 2 years 9 months through 5. Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM, with 3, 4, or 5 day options.
Learn More
To learn more, request a tour, or read about how the cooperative works, visit gentledragonpreschool.org. You can also get a feel for the rhythm of their mornings on their A Day at Gentle Dragon page, or reach them at 781.391.2301 or Admissions@GentleDragonPreschool.org.
