Operation

The Nest offers a School Day Option:
8am-3:30pm, or a Full Day Option 8am – 5:30pm.

The school operates on a year-round basis with the exception of breaks and holidays. 

Dates for breaks and holidays are noted on the school calendar and generally follow the Atlanta Public School calendar.

The Nest offers 12-month enrollment.

Our Classes

The Nest Nursery School has four classrooms, for the following age groups:

  • NUTHATCH: A class for young infants (3 months – 12/15 months) 
  • HUMMINGBIRD: A class for rising toddlers (10/12 months – 24 months) 
  • WREN: A class for rising 3 year old’s (24 months – 36 months)
  • BLUE HERON: A multiage classroom (36 months – 60 months)

Children are assigned to classrooms based on their age at the beginning of the school year. The birthday cutoff for entry into classes is September 1. However, the school reserves the right to make class placement decisions based on the best interests of the individual child and the school.

Looping Policy

Because we believe strongly in the value of relationships, we try to move children between classrooms in a process called “looping,” in which a group of children and an educator remain together for two or more consecutive years. We aim to have each class transition to the next age group together at the beginning of each school year. Typically at least one teacher from each class will move up with children in order to maintain the strong relationships that have formed the previous school year.

Classroom Experiences

Where curiosity, creativity, and relationships lead the way

Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, classrooms at The Nest are living spaces where children’s ideas guide the learning experience. Educators observe, listen, and facilitate opportunities for children to explore and express their thinking in many ways.

Making Learning Visible

Documentation is an essential part of our curriculum. Educators capture children’s experiences through photographs, observations, conversations, artwork, and collected materials. Learning is shared through:

  • Classroom documentation: Children’s ideas and discoveries displayed throughout their environment
  • Individual portfolios: A collection of each child’s growth and experiences
  • The Nest Newspaper: A quarterly old-school style publication launching October 2026 that celebrates classroom stories and our community

Staying Connected

Families stay connected to daily classroom life through Famly, our daily communication app where educators share updates, photos, and meaningful moments from your child’s day.

At The Nest, children are active participants in their learning.

Their ideas, theories, and discoveries are honored and celebrated every day.