First Presbyterian Church of Matawan, New Jersey

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The first time I went to PNS was to pick up my nephew while my sister-in-law was in labor with her third child. Being an Elementary Education major in college, I was anxious to see the school as I knew when the time came I would be on a serious mission to find a nursery school for my son who, at the time, was only 6 months old. So, unbeknownst to them, an early investigation was underway. I knew all the things to look for and these people had better be on their best behavior this day. Well, for them it was just another day at school and for me it was magical. I wanted to stay; I didn’t want to bring my nephew home. It was more than I could have hoped for in a nursery school. These children were so happy and learning so much and now I understood why my sister-in-law could never stop talking about how much her son had grown, learned, and how much he looked forward to school. The other thing that really impressed me that day is what I had to do in order to pick up my nephew. My sister-in-law had to inform them beforehand that I was picking up my nephew and give them my information. She told me I would have to first report to the office where the Director, Corky Farry, would need to check my license to make sure I was the right person to pick him up. This thoroughly impressed me and I was happy to do it. My nephew’s teacher came out to the hallway to meet me and invited me into the classroom to see what my nephew had done in school. My search for the best nursery school ended that day before it even began.

When my son turned 3 in April, I started preparing him for school in September. “Mommy can’t stay with you all day…” I said. He had never been to daycare or anywhere without me and I was nervous. My husband and I were so impressed with the orientation. Then, my son and I were invited to go into the classroom, play and meet with the teacher a couple of days before school started to familiarize him before the big day. When the big day came, it was uneventful—which was perfect. He kissed me goodbye and went to play and for the first time I had no idea what was happening in his life minute by minute and I could totally trust that he was in great hands. My baby was growing up in the best way.

The other aspect of PNS besides the wonderful, caring teachers and the brilliant ways that the children learn through play is that I get to participate. It is a co-op, which means that I get to play assistant teacher and help out once or twice a month and be involved in what he is doing. It is a special day for him too when mommy or daddy is there.

I can’t say enough about this school and everyone that knows me knows about it. I recently ran into an old girlfriend who I hadn’t seen I over 20 years and she asked where my son went to pre-school. Her kids are in junior high now but also went to PNS; she said to me, “Isn’t that place great? I wish they could stay there until college.” That’s exactly how I feel. My daughter is 18 months old and I can’t wait until she gets the opportunity her big brother is finishing up in his 4’s class. He is ready for Kindergarten now and he has made so many friendships that I know will last.

What a blessing it is that we found PNS.
Debbie B., Holmdel