New Morning Schools believes forming strong relationships between teachers and students is essential to child development. Our commitment to consistency in programming combined with low student-to-teacher ratios enhances the development of meaningful, lasting relationships. Students look forward to spending time with their teachers and vice versa. New Morning prioritizes hiring staff members who are excited to share time with children, creating, playing, laughing, and learning together. In an industry that struggles with staff retention, New Morning is grateful to have 17 educators who have been with us for more than 10 years and an additional 17 with more than 5 years tenure. Over our five decades, we have had many “New Morning alums” return as high school or college students to work in our programs, and nothing makes us prouder!

New Morning believes that students thrive in safe, consistent environments. Parents and children expect a wide range of activities in our programs that are aimed at getting children moving, thinking, exploring, and creating. Activities vary daily but are always organized with safety in mind. Teachers are trained to continuously monitor children’s exploration and provide safe boundaries and parameters for learning. Additionally, teachers are constantly surveying equipment and program spaces for safety. 

New Morning resists the temptation to bring “technology” into our programs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that school-age children aged 8-10 spend an average of six hours per day using screens. Many younger children are exposed to screens three hours a day or more. Maintaining screen-free programming at school allows children the opportunity to develop social interactions through building, running, laughing, creating, and problem solving with their peers. Since screen-free programming is a non-negotiable aspect of the New Morning experience, teachers are encouraged to interact with parents via telephone when necessary and by in-person conversations whenever possible. New Morning teaching staff promote the benefits of screen-free time over the touted convenience of bringing technology into the classroom.

New Morning believes in transparent and open dialogue between educators and parents. Phone or in-person conversations are an essential element, allowing us to troubleshoot or address difficulties and discuss the positive developmental strides each child has achieved. Through consistent, transparent feedback and communication, trust develops between parents and teachers. When this trust is established, children respond positively, and disruptive behaviors are minimized. When a child sees and feels that their parent trusts the program educators, the child is also at ease and more trusting.

New Hampshire has variable weather, and at New Morning, we believe children should learn to embrace all types of outdoor conditions. Outdoor time is another non-negotiable aspect of our programs. Students are encouraged to bring appropriate outdoor gear and are actively taught safe, healthy ways to have fun outside in all types of weather. The consistency of spending time outside each day promotes gross motor skill development and a love of our beautiful New Hampshire natural environment!