Let Me Play. Trust Me, I’m Learning.
At ESNS we feel that the lifelong process of learning is best fostered in early childhood through play. We believe that children learn best when they are allowed the freedom and opportunity to play and explore with limited, but structured, direction from adults.
Periods of activity and quiet play include:
Outdoor playground activities
Nature walks on the grounds
Dramatic play
Group games
Music-making
Cooking
Art projects
Block and building play
Water play
Field trips
Science projects
We focus on the children’s social and emotional development by encouraging them to identify and discuss their feelings and ideas, and to learn how to resolve conflicts with other people. Indeed, we believe that one of the most important tasks of early childhood is learning how to get along with others. And one of the best ways children learn to develop socially is through play. As children learn to enter play and cooperate with their peers, we gently guide their interactions in order to empower them to advocate for themselves, to include their classmates in their play, and to peacefully resolve conflicts when they inevitably arise.
The school’s program also focuses on the nuts and bolts of early childhood physical and mental development; the children have opportunities to practice their gross- and small-motor skills and they are encouraged to be creative, to explore, and to try out new things. Our daily routine provides many opportunities for the children to practice self-sufficiency. When we encourage children to actively participate in the care of themselves and the world around them, we foster a sense of independence and of pride.
We feel that the most conducive environment for playing is one that gets kids to explore what they are interested in. Thus we have no screens in our classrooms (TVs or computers) to distract them from engaging with what the class has to offer. We get the kids outside, year-round, and incorporate Nature themes in our activities.
Robert Bernstein teaches and makes music every week with the ESNS children. In 2005, he became the music teacher for ESNS summer camp, which continued into the next school year, and he has been teaching with us ever since. A musician for many years, Robert has loved music since early childhood and began playing drums in his teens. When he moved to St. Louis in 2003 he began teaching a Music Together program.
One of the essential ideas he learned from teaching this program is that it can never be too early to introduce and learn music. It is generally understood that learning a second language can start from infancy. Language and music learning share the same part of the brain, so introducing music at infancy can be beneficial AND fun – an important Music Together concept is, “Music learning supports all learning”.
A special note from Robert Bernstein to ESNS families:
“Hopefully your children will tell you at some point about some of the music we make at school. I hope you will take the opportunity to continue the music learning with them at home using some of those songs from our music time as well as introduce songs/music that you enjoy with them as well. If you ever want information about any songs we do in class (lyrics, etc.) just let me know!
I feel that music is an amazing art form, activity and learning tool. It can be experienced on many levels: physically (dance), emotionally and intellectually (among others). I try to include all of these aspects when experiencing music with the classes at ESNS.
It has been a pleasure and privilege to make music with the Green, Blue and Yellow rooms!”
Becky Craig has been bringing Nature on the Move to the school for over seven years. She has a passion for kindling an interest in the natural world in young children, in hopes of them becoming lifelong stewards of their environment. Each month Becky presents a different topic related to Missouri wildlife, using pictures, artifacts and live animals to illustrate her message.
Membership with the Ethical Society is not a prerequisite for registration to the school.
Full of natural light, our three classrooms are warm and inviting. The cozy environment is enhanced by children’s artwork lining the walls and a wide variety of toys, games, and art materials within their reach.
Our popular playground is composed almost entirely of natural, sustainable materials and allows for creative free play and practice of gross motor skills.
The north end of our property includes beautifully maintained nature trails for children to explore, as well as an outdoor classroom.
Two of our classrooms open to a large porch containing a sandbox, sensory table, and plenty of room to run and play. The children enjoy observing the surrounding vegetation and wildlife.
A local farmer visits frequently to teach the children how to grow their own food organically. The children participate in every step from seed to harvest and at times our snacks are straight from the garden!
Affectionately dubbed “The Rainbow Room” by the children, music class and other large group activities are held here.
The Ethical Society Nursery School’s play based approach is very nurturing to a wide variety of children. The teachers adapt to each student’s individual needs and are open to educating and caring for each child in a variety of ways. The teachers make the Ethical Society Nursery School a very warm and loving place. I have spent a significant amount of time at Ethical and I absolutely love it. Additionally, the music class is very engaging and all the kids love participating in a fun and interactive special. Krystle Gaehle-Rapp, M.A., BCBA, LBA
Having sent my two (now elementary-aged) daughters through Ethical Society Nursery School, I cannot recommend it highly enough. Not only were they both academically well-prepared for Kindergarten after having finished at ESNS, but additionally because of the unparalleled warm, nurturing atmosphere of the program, they developed strong and lasting relationships with their teachers, director, and classmates. They were honored as individuals and encouraged to develop in their own way throughout their time there, and for me, finding a pre-school that understood and cared about child development enough to foster that was invaluable.
Melissa Reif, alumni parent
I’m able to visit a variety of early childhood programs with Nature On the Move. The teachers at ESNS celebrate children’s natural creativity, imagination and individuality – it’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all program! The children’s responses to my open-ended questions are remarkable for their ingenuity and depth of understanding.Liz McCane, Nature On The Move
My husband and I have been nothing short of thrilled with the experience our daughter is having at ESNS. The director and teachers are so attentive, caring, and communicative. Our little girl loves going to school and the social/emotional and developmental gains she has made since starting in the fall has been so exciting for us to see!Jenny, parent
Emily still feels a connection to ESNS, and has such fond memories of her time there. It’s clear that she felt loved there (and still feels that love!) which is so wonderful. And that’s why I will always drive the extra distance for Sarah to go to ESNS…because you all have created the kind of environment where a kid knows they are loved.Jenny Bosworth, parent
I have two children attending ESNS. They are both extremely happy and emotionally supported at the school not only the teachers and staff but also by the parent community. I am amazed by the social and educational strides they both make everyday. They are consistently challenged and encouraged to learn on a level that they are comfortable with. I am so impressed with the teachers philosophies on learning and the processes in which it is carried out. Heather McMillin, parent
A magical place to introduce your child to “school.” They truly understand the needs of 2-5 year olds and the importance of play based learning for healthy social, emotional and behavioral growth. It’s a warm, loving environment and has taught my son to love school. A true hidden gem in St. Louis!Kelly Mehan, parent
We chose Ethical Society Nursery School because we, too, believe in play-based learning. An unexpected bonus for us was how much the school and teachers nurtured our daughters’ social and interpersonal development. Playing and interacting with peers of all different backgrounds and beliefs at such a young age gave our girls the opportunity to develop skills that have allowed them to negotiate, and succeed, in any social situation in school. Our daughters have carried those lessons with them, and are open, ready, and willing to work with anyone and everyone, in and out of school. That is the lasting gift the school has given us and, for that, we are thankful!
Chris and Laura Chisholm, alumni parents
When I drop off my daughter at ESNS in the morning, she runs into school excited to play and learn. The small size of the school provides a warm, nurturing atmosphere where all the teachers know her name. At the same time she has plenty of space to grow and develop independently. I love the school’s emphasis on the importance of play and I see how well-prepared my children have been for kindergarten. ESNS has been a wonderful preschool experience!Jenny Kissel , alumni parent
The Ethical Society Nursery School staff is truly excellent, with warm, skilled, well- educated individuals who enjoy working with young children. The teachers are the single most important indicator of quality for any school. A note of introduction follows for each teacher.
Director
This is Stacie’s first year as Director. She was the summer camp director at ESNS for 6 years from 2015-2020. She also has 19 years experience teaching preschool and pre-k children. She taught at University United Methodist Preschool in University City until it closed in 2020 and taught at Harper School for two years. All four of her young adult children live and work in St. Louis. She enjoys coaching grade school volleyball and basketball and running a small local food pantry. She has a MS in Child Clinical Psychology from SIUE.
Two- and Three- Day Green Room
Jamie Reese has been working in early childhood education for 9 years. The last 7 years have been spent as a nanny to some wonderful alumni of ESNS. She lives in south STL city with her husband and daughter, Hadley. She is so excited to be working in the Green Room this year. She loves working with children of this age as they enjoy participating in dramatic and sensory play, using their imaginations and developing their motor skills as they grow more independent each day. She feels it’s truly a joy and an honor to be part of this phase of their lives, and is looking forward to a great year ahead!
Yellow Room
This is Amy’s first year at ESNS. She is very excited to join the team and become a part of the community. Amy has enjoyed teaching preschool for 13 years, including experience at University United Methodist preschool and The Lab School. Prior to preschool, Amy taught First grade for 8 years in both public and private schools. She has a BA in Elementary Education from John Carroll University and a Masters in Elementary Education with a Reading Specialization from University of Missouri-St. Louis. A St. Louis native, Amy and her husband have 2 children. Abby attends Fordham University and Ryan attends SLUH. She also enjoys baking, reading, spending time with her family and cheering on the Cardinals.
Blue Room
Jill is the former ESNS Director after having taught in the Blue Room for nine years. Jill’s relationship with the school started as the mother of three ESNS graduates. As a parent, Jill served on the ENSN board and as a substitute teacher. She has experience as a past Board President at The College School, years of HR, AR and management work during the time she helped run a local bakery/café and currently coaches swimming at Clayton High School. Jill has a degree in art history from Old Dominion University.
Two Day Green
A former board member and parent at ESNS, this is Maggie Horn’s sixth year in the 2-Day Green Room! She holds a BS in theater and French from Northwestern University and spent more than ten years performing in the vibrant Washington, DC theater scene. She wrote grants and raised funds for different arts organizations too. Maggie has three sons in the Ladue School District: seventh graders, Charles and Paul and fourth grader, Wesley. Maggie enjoys baking and experimenting with new flavors when cooking.
Yellow Room
This is Mindy’s tenth year at ESNS, and this year she will be teaching in the Blue Room! Mindy has a B.S. in Elementary Education from DePaul University and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Iowa. She taught third and fourth grade in Chicago for five years and spent one year teaching second grade at Kennard Classical Junior Academy in St Louis. Her son, Graham, is in 10th grade and daughter Sasha is in 12th, both at Clayton High School. Her son Max is in his first year at Carleton College. Mindy’s favorite thing away from ESNS is taking hikes with her husband and dogs.
Blue Room & Summer Camp
This is Laurence’s 4th year at ESNS. Prior to teaching with Katie in the Blue Room, she was a preschool teacher in Kirkwood for 6 years. She graduated from Missouri State University with a degree in Business and Minors in Marketing and French. Laurence and Katie work together as Summer Camp co-directors.
She has been married to Ken for 28 years and they have 4 daughters. Sophie, Caroline and Emily are triplets attending University of Missouri, Columbia. Her youngest, Hadley, is a freshman, also at Mizzou. Laurence enjoys exercising, travel, golf and family time. She also owns a screen printing and embroidery business on the side.
Science – Nature on the Move
Becky has retired as a lead teacher in a pre-K classroom after eleven years to take over the Nature on the Move program which exposes and educates young students about Missouri natural flora and fauna. She and her husband have worked very hard in conjunction with the Missouri Department of Conservation to improve their property in Northern Missouri for the benefit of their wildlife neighbors.
Her passion for conservation and education inspire young children to “take care of our community” by taking care of our wildlife neighbors and habitats. Her monthly topics include: backyard animals, the food chain, turkeys and hibernation. She brings pictures, pelts and live animals to help children understand the importance
of our natural world.
Blue Room, Ext Day & Summer Camp
Katie is starting her 11th year at ESNS and will be moving to the Yellow Room this year. Katie and Laurence teach the Extended Day Program together. Katie and Laurence work together as Summer Camp co-directors. Katie has a BS in elementary education with a concentration in children’s literature from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. She has taught pre-k through 4th grade and PE in four cities (including Monterrey, Mexico.) Her son, Mac, is a sophomore at Marquette University. Her daughters, alumni of the nursery school, are Annie, a senior at St. Joseph’s Academy, and Mia, a 8th grader at Visitation Academy.
In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time with her family, reading and cooking.
We build strong partnerships with parents for sharing and communicating through:
Ethical Society Nursery School
9001 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
Director: Stacie Zink-Duda
staciezd@gmail.com
Tel: (314) 991-1353
