Welcome to Children’s Happy Day School

Nurturing a spirit of wonder, kindness and resilience

Since 1987, Children’s Happy Day School has offered an enriching, caring environment for preschoolers and kindergarteners in the Boston area. Our dedicated teachers, thoughtful programming and purpose-built school in West Roxbury provide children with the loving foundation they need to learn, explore and connect with the world around them.

Our Programs Begin Enrollment

PROVIDING BOTH CHOICE AND STRUCTURE FOR EACH CHILD

A curriculum rich in literature, play and exploration

Our mission is to foster a child’s sense of wonder, encourage curiosity and create a welcoming, safe atmosphere for social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth.

Our Philosophy

A child-centered space that promotes engagement, independent choice and structure.

Our Programs

Flexible options for children between 2 and 6 years old, including half days or full days and 10 or 12 months.

Explore Programs

Our Team

Committed, professional teachers and staff who are well-versed in child development and promote the joy of learning.

Learn About Us

Founded with the hope of building a unique school for young children, a place full of light and surrounded by nature.

Field Trips

EXPLORING THE WORLD AROUND US

Our Field Trips

Through curriculum-inspired field trips, we connect learning to everyday childhood experiences. Our Happy Day friends pick pumpkins, visit the Museum of Fine Arts, ride the swan boats in the Public Garden, stand inside the most epic bubbles and more.

Enrichment

MADE TO MOVE

Enrichment activities

Early childhood education is about experience. Music, yoga, sports, languages and other classroom enrichment activities help our children stretch their minds, bodies and spirits.

Millennium Park

OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

The park in our backyard

We’re fortunate to be a short walk from Millennium Park, one of Boston’s largest recreational spaces. The Happy Day community has adopted a tree in the park, which we visit regularly to learn about nature and witness how the world around us grows and changes.

Our Garden

LEARNING ABOUT GROWTH

The Happy Day garden

Our students love the Happy Day garden in all seasons. We get our hands dirty, water the seedlings, watch the plants grow and taste the harvest.

What parents say about Happy Day

``Children's Happy Day has set the gold standard of preschool education in the Boston area. As the parents of three children, we have been in awe of the independence and life skills the school teaches at such a young age. With so many of the teachers having long-standing careers at the school, it speaks to the uniquely positive environment and deep-rooted community ties the school has built. It has been the ultimate privilege to benefit from all that Children's Happy Day has provided us to our family.``

Tony & Katie B.West Roxbury

``As a child psychiatrist and parent of two CHDS graduates with two very different temperaments, I can’t envision a preschool better able to help 3-6 year olds thrive emotionally, cognitively, and physically. Children’s Happy Day School is an extraordinary environment for young children. Each classroom offers a wide array of educational opportunities in a safe nurturing setting that enables children of all ages and temperaments to thrive. The warm caring teachers are excellent and the school is committed to ongoing professional development that benefits the children and the teachers. After more than a 25 year relationship with CHDS, I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend this wonderful school to any parent of a preschool child.``

Paula R.Brookline

``Enrolling our daughter in Happy Day was the greatest decision we could have made for our family. The teachers, who are full of love and support, work with each child to meet their individual needs and help foster confidence and independence. The developmental growth we have seen in our daughter over the last 3 years has exceeded all our expectations and our family members often comment that this was the best investment we could have made for her future. CHDS is so much more than just a school; it is a community that becomes like a second family. We are forever grateful to the teachers and staff.``

Amelia & Dave M.West Roxbury

``Happy Day has given my daughter a wonderful foundation for her education. She’s excited about school everyday, and at 5 years old, is already learning study and social skills. CHDS offers a curriculum that opens young minds, with a staff that is warm and caring. Teachers work with each child as an individual to support their emotional development and encourage their enthusiasm. It truly is a happy place!``

Beth G.Boston

``We can't say enough good things about Children's Happy Day School! From the moment we enrolled our first child, it was clear that this is a place where hard-working, talented teachers truly care about each child. The environment is warm and nurturing, and they genuinely meet children where they are, fostering both personal and academic growth. The thoughtful academic curriculum is impressive, it's clear that it is designed to engage and challenge the kids while keeping learning fun. We’ve seen our children flourish in this supportive setting, and it’s heartening to know that they are receiving such quality education at such a young age.``

Jodi & Matt R.Dedham

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the school communicate with parents?

Every afternoon, teachers write highlights from the day that you can read when you pick up your child. Teachers also send Friday emails with detailed descriptions and photos from the week.

How many students are in each class?

Each classroom has between 13 and 15 students.

How often do children go outside?

Every day! We know how important it is for young children to experience the outdoors, so we schedule time twice a day for classes to play on our Happy Day playground. We do know we’re in New England, so we make sure our children have proper gear for the weather. If cold or rain keeps us inside, we have plenty of indoor physical activities so our friends stay moving. We also have yoga, music and dance for classroom enrichment and extra movement.

Where do your students attend kindergarten?

Happy Day friends go on to various independent, parochial and public schools in greater Boston. Those schools include:

Boston Public Schools (Bates, Kilmer, Lyndon and Sumner Elementary Schools)
Brookline, Dedham, Needham, Newton and Westwood Public Schools
Brimmer & May
Chestnut Hill School
Dedham Country Day
Dexter Southfield
Holy Name Parish School
Milton Academy
Mount Alvernia Academy
Saint Theresa of Avila School
The Park School

Are you NAEYC accredited?

Yes, we are accredited with NAEYC.

What age do you begin enrollment?

Enrollment begins at 2 years old and we encourage families to attend our Fall Open House prior to children turning 2.