“We fell in love with the Stony Brook School (SBS) when seeking a local preschool or daycare center for our child in the Jamaica Plain area. We chose SBS for our child because of the play-based curriculum, emphasis on learning early social and emotional skills, and community feel.

The teachers and staff are all compassionate, well trained, and amazing with the students. Additionally, our child has numerous food and environmental allergies that can be challenging to navigate in the school setting. SBS takes our child’s medical situation very seriously and work with us to ensure that we feel confident and safe sending our child into school. Some measures they take include doing routine certified training on anaphylaxis & epi-pens, training with the parents including discussion of what signs and symptoms to look for, and even asking the classroom families to accommodate an egg free (unless in a baked good) classroom. 

Beyond the thorough care they provide for the children, the classrooms are clean & well maintained with rotating toys and age and developmentally appropriate activities. Our child was in full time daycare since the age of 6 months (with the exception of the pandemic closure in 2020) and did not enjoy going to “school” until transferred to SBS. Within 1 week of being at SBS, our child opened up like he was at a second home. We attribute this to how welcoming and supportive the atmosphere is for the children in SBS and how great the other families are. Our child quickly developed meaningful friendships at SBS that are continuing beyond SBS. 

Lastly, the teachers are phenomenal. They all have a positive attitude towards the students and know so much about child development. We even learned several great tips from the teachers that we could implement at home when navigating the “threatening threes” stage. Overall, our experience at SBS over the first year has been that it feels very much like a village and we look forward to seeing what the second year will bring us.” (Care.com Review)

“We absolutely loved Stony Brook School for both of our children. Our son attended 2018-2020 and we were delighted when our daughter was old enough to attend starting in 2022-2024.

Both of my children, who are quite different, were well known and well cared for during their respective times at this school. I was truly moved by how deeply they were seen and responded to. I believe this school does so much to value the children as humans with real needs and complex emotions.

I loved the environment, the thoughtfulness of the space and the lighting. The staff were motivated to spend a great deal of time in nature, which was so good for my babies. I felt seen and heard by staff and engaged by the administrators. I recommend the Stony Brook School to many of my friends and have been pleased when they have thanked me for the referral. Trust me when I say: you will be so happy to bring your child to this place and see them cheerfully say goodbye and rush toward one of the engaging activities that are set out each day.” (Google Review, 5 stars)

“My son is finishing up his third year at Stony Brook School. We had a wonderful experience and will take with us many great memories. The school uses a play-based learning model with an emerging curriculum depending on the current interests of the children. My child has thrived at Stony Brook. The environment was an ideal introduction to school, making it fun for him, and allowing him to explore his interests. Developing a love for learning was our top priority for preschool and Stony Brook certainly delivered. Stony Brook also instills a sense of community, where children have responsibilities, an opportunity to contribute, and a sense of belonging. All the teachers have been outstanding! Though there was some turnover, which is typical in early education, Stony Brook manages to attract professional, caring, and experienced educators. Our son's teachers have always been responsive to our needs and concerns, and they provide frequent updates about our son's growth. More than any other attribute, the teachers are what make Stony Brook so special. The school prioritizes outdoor time, 1 or 2 times per day, and have access to several green spaces and playgrounds within walking distance from the school, including a garden that the kids love. While the pandemic was a hard time on many schools, Stony Brook was able to reopen safely and in-person to the students in June 2020. They continue to take COVID precautions seriously, which adds another level of comfort for our family. Stony Brook School had everything we were looking for in a preschool. We highly recommend!” (Care.com Review)

“Wonderful place. Our two oldest children both spent multiple years at SBS before heading to kindergarten. Both came through as curious, engaged learners and very ready for elementary school. They also are so well connected with the JP community and helped our family make lasting friendships. Hopefully Stony Brook School can be a generational institution for the neighborhood!” (Google Review, 5 stars)

“We came to Stony Brook School after moving half-way across the country. Our 3 year old felt right at home at Stony Brook School. He knew this was the right school for him after seeing some of the websites pictures about the play spaces, "I want to go to the school with the dinosaurs" he said excitedly after seeing a picture of a themed toy set up that included dinosaurs and bright colored tiles. We were allowed to meet with his teachers before our little one started there and shared a little bit about him and the things he was going through with our move. The teachers were eager to support him through this transition time and of course ensured they would have some dinosaurs ready in their play area for his arrival. Staff at SBS have continued to be supportive and communicative throughout all transitions and difficult moments that all children experience. SBS uses a Reggio Inspired approach to teaching which allows the children to explore the things most interesting and work as a community to learn and grow. We see this in action as our little one has teacher's at SBS that develop his curiosity, and are responsive to his social and emotional development. Our big 3 year old is excited for "school days" and always comes home with stories of being supported by his teachers and the fun things he explored that day. “ (Care.com Review)

“Our daughter attended Stony Brook School, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. From the very beginning, the staff created such a warm, nurturing, and supportive environment where she felt safe, loved, and excited to learn every day. The teachers provided her with the tools, structure, and encouragement she needed to grow both academically and socially. We've seen incredible progress in her confidence, communication, and curiosity since joining the program and we’re so grateful for the foundation they’ve given our daughter! She’s thriving because of their care and dedication. I can’t recommend Stony Brook School enough to any parent looking for a place where their child will be supported, challenged, and loved.” (Google Review, 5 stars)

“We had an amazing experience with this school! They were kind, patient and invested in my child's learning and wellbeing. I cannot recommend this school enough.” (Google Review, 5 stars)

“Stony Brook School has been a nurturing, caring environment for my 3 year old. She loves her teachers, and looks forward to going to school each day. She has learned valuable social, academic, and general life skills. We are thrilled to be part of such a positive community for our child.” (Google Review, 5 stars)

“Our daughter goes to Stony Brook School and it has been such a wonderful learning environment for her and our family. The teachers and administrators really care about each child and the nature of it being a smaller school enables deeper connection and understanding of each child and family which I really appreciate. We are so lucky to have a school like this in JP!” (Google Review, 5 stars)

“Very caring and attentive space for children. My son attends this school, and has loved it from his first day! The teachers and directors of the program have been understanding and supportive, and create both a nurturing and highly creative atmosphere for the children who attend. I am thankful that we found this school!” (Google Review, 5 stars)

“Our son and daughter have gone here and we've been so pleased with the quality of teachers and the safe and fun environment that Stony Brook provides. I really appreciate the play-based approach to learning and the way the teachers follow the kids curiosities and interests.” (Google Review, 5 Stars)

“I can go on for so long about how much my daughter and I love this school. The teachers, the administrative staff, the kids, the energy in the classrooms as a whole. Nothing but positive experiences every single day. Even when my child has had a hard time from just being a 5 year old, the way that the staff handle it, is exactly what I would want from a school and aligns with what we do at home. We came from another preschool midyear, I’m so grateful that we ended up here. My daughter is excited to share what she learned in the day, it’s always something really interesting. The projects that they work on are educational but so fun at the same time. We just love it.” (Facebook)