AN ECOSYSTEM FOR EARLY LEARNING
We live our values: inventive, adaptable, and believe in continuous improvement.
We take a cross-disciplinary and research-based approach to our pillars: people, spaces, programs, and wellness.
PEOPLE–the heart and Sol
Students are sponges—so we surround them with people we admire.
We hire for character traits—like being growth minded, brilliant, and fun—and teach skill. We recruit globally and promote internally. Each educator and leadership team member is a part of SolBe with a purpose. We combine unique skills and talents that enrich our community.
Curious about our global educator team?
Want to learn about our research-based recruiting?
Interested in how we take care of our educators?
Want to know the people that spend 35+hours per week with your child?
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SPACES–redrawing “the classroom”
Space is our third teacher
Children and teachers can only do so much in a traditional, four-walled classroom—so we reinvented it. SolBe created a dwelling and a yard, spaces that encourage energetic pursuits and focused time.
Curious about our MIT Design Lab project?
Want to know why space matters so much?
Interested in our dedicated outdoor space?
How do our materials improve gross motor development?
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PROGRAM–Reggio-inspired
Being safe and happy is a given, we invest in your child’s lifelong success.
Work is play and play is work. Our single purpose is to create curricula that prepares students for lifelong success. SolBe makes parenting easy. We ALWAYS collaborate with parents through celebratory milestones and find strategies to navigate challenging behaviors.
Curious about why we like Reggio Emilia more than Montessori?
What does it mean by 'establish foundational character traits'?
Does early education matter that much?
Is it enough for my child to only be safe and happy?
How do you navigate challenging behaviors and parent-guilt?
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WELLNESS–inside and out
Fueling brains and bodies since 2018
2,000-2,500 new chemicals are introduced each year—we do our best to avoid them! 100% of our meals are made in-house, from-scratch, sourced-locally (when possible), and organic.
Why are we vegetarian?
How do students participate in our garden?
What strategies do we use to combat picky eating?
Can I bring the foods my child loves at SolBe to our home?
Want to hear about the Great Pizza Mutiny?
We’re nurturing a world of flourishing children and thriving families.
We treat parents as partners. We communicate. We create community. Join us.
The first five years of your child’s development are the most influential.
Return on investment is highest for programs that target the earliest years because in these years the foundation for lifelong character is largely set—attributes like grit, flexibility, creativity, empathy, and a growth mindset. Research links these attributes to successful outcomes throughout life.
Source: James Heckman, Nobel Laureate in Economics
SolBe pursuits: Continual improvement. Cross-disciplinary. Research-based best practice. Honest and non-judgmental communication. A holistic approach. A willing mind. Your child's and your best interest at heart.
Great, we grew up here! We're happy to share the skinny on where to live, the best restaurants, and the parent groups so you can find other parents like yourself!
Campuses (2 min drive)
SolBe Nursery School
201 Sherman Rd
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
SolBe Canopy School
631 VFW Pkwy
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
FAQs
Our inventive practices grow from the shoulders of giants, with roots in the Reggio Emilia approach and well-researched cognitive disciplines that attend to the whole child, complemented by Spanish exposure. Under the keen guidance of well-prepared, professional educators, your child will explore their natural curiosity through the physical world. This project-based approach is sometimes called “child-originated and teacher framed.” It’s a remarkably powerful and engaging way to learn.
The right choice will be different for different families. Nannies will always be more convenient, especially if they come to your home. That said, SolBe's educators are deeply connected with our students. We structurally create this in a few ways. First, we have more teachers in the classroom than the Department of Early Education requires. More teachers in classroom means that each student gets more quality attention and engagement. Second, we use a 'looping model.' This means at least one educator will travel to the next age group with your child to create community continuity. Third, all of our teachers complete multiple professional development trainings each year. We continually learn, reflect, and incorporate new skills to improve the experience for your child and family. Finally, there won't be any last minute schedule changes because we can continue to staff and sick and vacation time.
The classic chicken-vs-egg conundrum. Our nutrition program as a deeply important part of our curricula. We solve for two things. First, we make sure your child is eating enough food to keep them satiated. We have lots of options each day that we know children will love. Second, we want to make sure students get to try a variety of foods. It can take 15+ exposures for students to like a new food. As we share new flavors, we use lots of strategies to encourage explorative eating. For example, we cook ingredients several ways (apple sauce, sliced apples, apples with granola, etc.) and we practice family-style meals.
We encourage questions!
Complete our contact form to
1. Learn about what isn't on our website
2. Connect with our Head of Admissions
3. Access our Scholarship Application