Shore Nursery School is a private, integrated preschool, in Manchester MA, business owned and directed by Elaine Nichols. The School was founded in 1953 by her mother, Marcia
McDiarmid, and Grandmother, Vera
Tenney, and was operated from their home at 36 Bridge St. until 1960. In 1960, the School expanded to its own harbor view building with 2400 sq. ft. of contained, grassy areas for outdoor play, overlooking
Tenney Creek (Mill Pond). In 1972, Elaine joined the staff as Lead Teacher, in 1990 became director, and after her mother's passing in March '02, owner.
At this time there are five Department of Early Education and Care certified staff, including a daughter, niece and alumna, music teacher, and one educational consultant, with wide ranges of educational backgrounds.
The School is licensed to serve up to thirty children daily, ages 2.9 to 7 years. However, a lower staff/child ratio is preferred, as is a 6 year old maximum age limit.
Shore Nursery School is licensed by the MA Dept. of Early Education and Care (Formerly the Massachusetts Office for Child Care Services).
