We love Russell, and think you should check it out. My son has gone to the Russell Cooperative Preschool for a year and a half at this point. It is the most wonderful preschool imaginable. They have awesome snacks, just enough structure to support kids while encouraging imagination, and a beautiful focus on nature: the kids play outside almost every day. We also adore the the teachers (great student/teacher ratio, long tenures, and are very engaged). In summary, this is a magical preschool.

We love love love this Preschool. My son is in his 3rd year here & off to the kindergarten in the fall 😭We will miss so many things about this school: from the warmth & kindness of the delightful teachers to the aromas of the delicious homemade snacks wafting through the hall when we drop him off in the morning.The classrooms are beautiful & calming to be in & the outdoor space is vast & perfect for running!We have made so many life long friendships & our hearts will always have a small place just for Russell ❤️

Russell has been a wonderful experience for my son. While we were initially anxious about his first school experience outside of a home setting, the school philosophy and the experienced teachers helped him transition to school in an incredible way. He wants to go to school and is engaged and learning and having fun every day! He has made friends, bonded with his teachers, welcomed new routines and concepts and comes home excited about his day. From the moment of our first visit, we knew that Russell was a unique pre-school and we have found that to be true in every way. The space and the style of teaching is gentle, insightful and calm with a wonderful focus on the natural world. We feel so lucky that we found Russell and are grateful for the positive impact it has had on our entire family!

My older son attended Russell and now my twins are students there. I love, love, love this place! If you are looking for a preschool in the Watertown area I strongly suggest you schedule a tour. Once you experience the environment for yourself you will understand why it is so different from other preschools.It is truly a unique and wonderful place for both the children and the parents involved. From the songs sung at circle to the classical music that plays in the background during free play to the aromas of the homemade snack of the day in which the children help prepare. I cannot tell you how many mornings I have dropped off my children and wished I could stay too.What I appreciate the most about this school is that it is a break for the children from the constant clamor of characters and technology that is our day-to-day life. They enter this environment and have an opportunity to use their imagination and enjoy nature. My children often come home so excited to tell me about the explorations of that day. Perhaps my favorite was when they and a group of friends made a batch of soup outside. It began with some rain water and was seasoned with sand from the sandbox as well as a little dirt of course. Finally, they added a few leaves as a final touch.I have been part of this community for over 4 years now and have never had a bad experience. It is a great place!

Both my children attended Russell and I cant say enough good things about it. My son began there a month after he was adopted from Ethiopia (in mid-March), and he was welcomed immediately with warmth and gentle kindness. Five years later, my daughter also went to Russell, and she found the exact same reception.We loved the atmosphere and the focus on play at Russell. My kids still sing the songs they learned there, and they treasure the gifts they received from Room Mouse and the birthday books their friends made for them each year. Even now, years after they left the school, their best friends are the friends they made there.The Russell parent community is like no other school I have ever seen. The parents are thoughtful and kind, and many of my dearest friends are other Russell parents. Russell changed our familys life immeasurably and I highly recommend it.

My son loves coming here, wonderful preschool with amazing teachers that teaches the kids appreciation for the world around us. Highly recommend it!

Russell maintains a welcome, intimate, nurturing environment cultivated by its children, parents, and teachers. Our family has benefited from a truly remarkable experience during our two years with the school!