At Chappaqua Friends Nursery School, children learn through play, exploration, and friendship — guided by Quaker values of respect, integrity, and stewardship.
Chappaqua Friends Nursery School
Our History
Founded by the Chappaqua Meeting in 1962, Chappaqua Friends Nursery School was created to provide the community with an early childhood program inspired by Quaker values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship.
Over the past 60 years, Chappaqua Friends has grown and evolved while staying true to its Quaker roots.
Our program offers a play-based, progressive approach to early childhood education for children 18 months to 5 years old. We welcome all families and strive to foster an inclusive and warm school community.
Our mission is to nurture young children through play, nature, and connection. We foster creativity, individuality, and friendship, helping each child grow with curiosity, kindness, and respect for their community and world.
Our Mission
What Makes Chappaqua Friends Special?
Rooted in Quaker values and inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, we believe children learn best through play and exploration. Our classrooms and outdoor spaces invite discovery, creativity, and community.
Hands-on play-based learing
Connection to nature
Nurturing teachers and community
Testimonials
“Chappaqua Friends is the most thoughtful community of teachers and parents who go above and beyond to work together to continue to develop the finest early childhood program. The passion throughout the entire community is energizing and compassionate. We feel so fortunate to be part of such a giving community.”
CFNS Parent 2025
“To our family, Chappaqua Friends has become more than just our children’s preschool. Chappaqua Friends is a place through which each member of our family has cultivated lasting friendships, new appreciations and the general sense of connection and belonging that is often hard to find in a new community.”
CFNS Parent 2022
“My children will enter elementary school as inspired learners, strong communicators and great friends. The core values that Chappaqua Friends has helped to instill into my children will not only make them ready learners but also ready human beings.”
CFNS Parent 2023