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Welcome
A message from Head of School David Egolf.
DEIB
Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
About Corlears
Learn about Corlears School's history, educational philosophy, mission, core values, and more.
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Meet our faculty and staff and explore the directory.
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Admissions Overview
Everything prospective families need to know about Corlears admissions.
How to Apply
Outlining the admissions processes for each of our academic programs, from toddlers through PreK.
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Visit our campus and go inside the curriculum with school leadership. 
Tuition & TEAM
Changing the paradigm from financial aid to equitable tuition level-setting for all families.
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School Programs
Toddler
The Toddler program for ages 12–24 months celebrates the way toddlers learn best: through the art of play and wonderment.
Nursery
The Nursery program fosters the natural wonder and curiosity of 2- and 3-year-olds.
PreK
Empowering 4-year-old children to become even greater participants in their learning and school community.
Auxiliary Programs
Camp Corlears
Classic summer fun with plenty of outdoor play, arts and crafts, and fun with friends. Led by Corlears teachers. Open to all.
Learn. Play. Grow.
Free family activities available on select Saturdays throughout the school year.
See Complete Program Overview
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Meet the volunteer Board of Trustees and learn more about the committees and structures that govern Corlears School.
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Families Association
Corlears families are important members of our school community, and we offer a number of ways to get involved.
Alumni
How to get connected and stay involved with Corlears School's alumni community.
Ways to Support
Corlears is a small school, but our community has a big heart — and many ways to get involved.
Make a Donation
Every dollar has a lasting impact — not just on  students attending Corlears today, but on all children who come through our doors.
Volunteer

There are a variety of opportunities available for current and alumni community members to get involved by volunteering their time.

A Seedlings Blue student jumping for joy during music and movement

Nursery School
for Ages 2–3

Small moments. Big ideas.
A joyful, discovery-driven classroom where your child is known and valued, and their interests and curiosity lead the way.

About

At Corlears, we believe young children are capable, thoughtful, curious people with ideas worth following.

In Nursery, 2- and 3-year-olds discover that their ideas matter. They make choices, follow their curiosity, and find the confidence to express who they are.

Our classrooms are joyful, relationship-centered communities. Our teachers get to know each child deeply and respond with the warmth and comfort that make a first school experience feel safe, familiar, and full of possibility. Alongside families, we celebrate childhood while building the social, emotional, and academic foundation for kindergarten and beyond.

Eligibility

Children who are 2 years old before September 1 are eligible for our Nursery Program.

  • If your child will not yet be 2 years old by September 1, they are eligible for our Toddler Program.
  • If your child will be 4 years old by September, they are eligible for our PreK Program. 
Program Options

Mornings (8:30–11:30 a.m.)

  • For 2s: 3 days (Monday/Wednesday/Friday) or 5 days (Monday–Friday), with the option to extend to 5 days as the year progresses.

  • For 3s: 5 days (Monday–Friday).

Extended Day (optional add-on)

For families who need a longer day, our team supervises lunch, nap, and play from 11:30 a.m. to either 3 or 5 p.m.
Our Teachers and Classrooms

Nursery classrooms have 12–14 children, led by a Head Teacher with 1–2 Associate Teachers or Classroom Teaching Assistants.

Head Teachers hold master’s degrees in early childhood or elementary education. Associate Teachers are often pursuing degrees in early childhood education. Our teaching assistants complete in-depth health and safety training every year.
How to Apply

Applications for Fall 2027 are open. Create an account in Ravenna and submit your child’s application ($50 fee).

Go to Ravenna  →

Not ready yet? Come meet us at a Virtual Information Session, a Coffee + Tour with School Leadership, or a free Learn. Play. Grow. Saturday.

What Children Experience in Our Nursery Program

  • A growing sense of self. Children find new ways to express their thoughts, needs, and interests.

  • Belonging beyond home. They build bonds beyond their immediate family, along with courage and compassion.

  • Learning through play. Painting, sorting, singing, building, squishing dough, and dramatic play grow independence and creativity.

  • Big ideas, small moments. Scientific thinking, emergent literacy, language development, math exploration, and movement activities are woven into the day through teacher-guided experiences and thoughtfully chosen materials.

What Sets Corlears Apart

Why Choose Seedlings at Corlears?

A curriculum built on curiosity.

Our emergent curriculum grows from each group’s questions and discoveries. Teachers observe closely, then introduce new materials, redesign the classroom, and make room for deeper experimentation. Children see their ideas taken seriously, and that builds the confidence they carry to kindergarten and beyond.

At Corlears, families don’t have to choose between play, a joyful childhood, and a strong foundation. Here, wonder and readiness go hand in hand.

Seedlings student engaged in learning during art class

A village for the early years.

Raising young children takes a village, and Corlears is yours. Teachers, child development specialists, and families work as trusted partners, understanding each child deeply and supporting the everyday moments that shape childhood. When it’s time for kindergarten, we offer thoughtful support through the outplacement process.

Benna and Michelle leading a sing-along in the backyard
Building exterior spring 2024 - background

Connect with Admissions 

Interested in enrolling your child at Corlears School? Submit an inquiry and a member of the admissions team will follow up as soon as possible. For any questions, email us at admissions@corlearsschool.org. We look forward to getting to know your family!

Submit an Inquiry