The Story
At Ross Cottage Nursery School, we are committed to a thoughtfully balanced approach to early childhood education. Our philosophy combines structure and routine with guided and emergent play that nurtures imagination, curiosity and independence. Our Zoila-Shaffer philosophy draws from Reggio Emilia, Waldorf and Montessori; we value aspects of each, while no single philosophy entirely reflects the balance we seek.
Michelle Zoila-Shaffer, our founder, has been a mother for over 20 years. Michelle founded this program with the belief that young children thrive when structure and imaginative play are thoughtfully balanced.
Named for Michelle Zoila-Shaffer, our philosophy reflects her commitment to honoring childhood, fostering connection, and guiding learners with warmth, insight, and intentionality.
We intentionally cultivate a small, cooperative community within the group of children. Through mixed-age learning and shared responsibilities, children are taught to work together, support one another, and develop empathy and social awareness. Age-appropriate helping roles evolve as children grow, fostering a strong sense of contribution and belonging. Kindness, cooperation, and mutual respect are intentionally taught, modeled, and celebrated.
