Ranney's expert and caring faculty guide their youngest learners to form foundational skills leveraging Reggio Emilia, a developmental theory that encourages learning through exploration and creation. Our teachers are specialists in Early Childhood Education and our classrooms intentionally support the learning process. The classroom starts in September with a blank canvas and evolves through the year as children take responsibility and demonstrate new knowledge. As a result, each classroom becomes a unique reflection of a particular class of students. Class spaces are in a constant state of growth and change; change that can be impacted by students’ own contributions.

Early Childhood classes are kept small, with low student-teacher ratios so that students can receive nurturing, individualized attention. Students have the opportunity to visit the Searle Library, the LS music studio, world language classrooms, and the community garden. Specialized classes such as science, health and art are integrated within the homeroom setting. Early childhood students have the opportunity to build relationships with multiple “specials” teachers as they progress through their Lower School experience. Athletic facilities extend beyond the gymnasium and field spaces to include an indoor heated pool and outdoor play structures designed with a variety of age-appropriate physical challenges.

Ranney’s nurturing learning environment encourages children to build confidence, discover their talents, and love learning.