From The Children’s School, 118 Scofieldtown Road in Stamford
Enduring schools are not defined by trends or fashion. They are defined by clarity of purpose. Rooted in mission and guided by principle, they evolve thoughtfully while holding fast to the values that first gave them life.
For nearly 65 years, The Children’s School has remained steadfast in its promise to take the young seriously. Over time, it has built a community of families, teachers, and alumni whose ties to the school span generations. What draws them back is not nostalgia, but the memory of a place where childhood was honored, where children were deeply known, and where learning unfolded with intention and joy.
At the heart of the School’s philosophy is a simple yet profound belief: the early years matter immensely. They shape not only how children think, but how they see themselves and their place in the world.
“Our work begins with reverence for childhood,” said Maureen Murphy, Head of School.
“The early years are not a rehearsal for life—they are life. When we honor a child’s intellectual curiosity alongside their emotional and social development, we are shaping not only capable students, but grounded and compassionate human beings. In a world that often moves too quickly, we remain committed to thoughtful practice, deep relationships, and enduring principles that place children at the center of all we do.”
The School’s guiding expression, Joyfully Growing Hearts and Minds, is more than a phrase. It is visible in every classroom and heard in every interaction. Teachers use affirmative language, so children feel seen and valued. Materials are placed with intention, inviting exploration and independence. The environment is calm yet vibrant, structured yet flexible, designed to meet children’s developmental needs while awakening wonder.
The curriculum is individualized and deeply responsive. Each day includes purposeful engagement in literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving, thoughtfully aligned with a child’s readiness. Classrooms hum with the energy of Spanish, movement, chess, scientific discovery, artistic expression, and collaborative inquiry. Music and art are not enrichment afterthoughts; they are integral to all learning, priming the brain, enhancing engagement, and inspiring creativity.
Learning here is not passive. It is active, hands-on, and relational. Through meaningful engagement, children develop independence, confidence, and the capacity to think creatively and work collaboratively. They learn not only how to solve problems, but how to listen, reflect, and contribute.
Equally central is the cultivation of respect. Respect is woven into the fabric of daily life and stands at the heart of the School’s culture—even finding voice in the School song.
Teachers model kindness and integrity in their interactions, fully aware that children are always observing. The School embraces the belief in “connection before content,” recognizing that trust and belonging are the foundation for all meaningful learning.
For over six decades, The Children’s School has remained devoted to the belief that when children are nurtured with intention and joy, they flourish in ways that endure. In growing young minds, the School cultivates strong hearts and prepares children for lives marked by curiosity and compassion.
To experience this spirit firsthand, families are warmly invited to attend our Open House on Friday, April 17, from 5:00 to 7:00pm.
Meet the teachers and school community, tour the campus at 118 Scofieldtown Road in Stamford, and discover what it means to joyfully grow hearts and minds.