History of Shore Nursery School

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).

Summer Fun Begins

Summer Fun has begun. On Monday, June 23, 2008, Shore Nursery School located at 38 Bridge Street in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts, began its summer program. Summer Fun is a developmentally appropriate summer enrichment program for children ages 2.9-6 years old. Summer Fun is organized into weekly or bi-weekly, exciting and interesting thematic units incorporating D.O.E. standards for curriculum, and the outdoors! Our themes are Nature/Science oriented and have included such topics as bugs, ocean life, space, the jungle, the desert, and prehistoric life. It is also a time when children will receive support in any areas not yet age appropriate in a "fun" environment, and time when children can "jump start" their school experience. We are open and available for your child or children from 8:30 A.M. until 11:30 A.M. or until 1:00 P.M. depending on your summer needs. These hours are available Monday through Friday and there is space available. The Summer Fun Program runs from June 23, 2008 to August 15, 2008. To register your child, please contact Elaine Nichols at 978-526-1193. We hope you have a lovely summer and look forward to seeing you at Summer Fun.