At Laurel Hill, our philosophy centers on nurturing the whole child in an environment that builds self-esteem, creativity, and independence. We believe that when children feel confident and valued, they naturally develop inner discipline—not through external control, but through self-guided exploration, respect for themselves and others, and meaningful relationships with caregivers.

Play is at the heart of everything we do. It’s how children make sense of the world—by exploring, experimenting, and expressing themselves through open-ended materials like sand, clay, water, paint, and blocks. These simple tools provide endless opportunities for discovery, connection, and growth.

Through play, children at Laurel Hill build:

• Social confidence and communication skills

• Emotional self-regulation and resilience

• Strong fine and gross motor coordination

• Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities

• Independence and intrinsic motivation

• Early language and pre-literacy development

• The ability to collaborate, negotiate, and resolve conflicts

We honor childhood as a time of wonder, and play as the foundation for lifelong learning.

Children encounter the universe with fresh eyes—discovering language, people, objects, wind, rain, space, time, and everything in between. Each interaction holds infinite potential. What a child absorbs, and the skills they build from these early experiences, are immeasurable.

That’s why at Laurel Hill, we provide the time and space for children to move through overlapping stages of learning at their own pace—without rushing or skipping over what matters. Nursery school, in our view, is not just preparation for what’s next—it’s a meaningful and complete experience in its own right.

While it’s natural for parents and educators to hope for early intellectual gains, we believe the greatest gift we can offer is the freedom to explore, the space to grow, and the joy of discovery. By avoiding unnecessary pressure and allowing children to develop in their own time, we nurture a lifelong love of learning.

To create a rich and stimulating environment, we offer a wide range of activities every day—art, music, books, building, dance, gardening, outdoor exploration, puzzles, and imaginative play. Through these experiences, children engage in real-world problem-solving, experiment with concepts like weight, balance, form, and cause and effect, and build the confidence and curiosity that will guide them for years to come.

For many children, nursery school is their first meaningful experience outside the family—a big and important transition. At home, a child’s value is inherent and unconditional. In a group setting, children begin to understand themselves in new ways, building relationships, confidence, and a sense of belonging through developing personality, skills, and self-expression.

Unlike life at home, where age and ability levels vary, the nursery school environment places children among peers with similar capacities and curiosities. Here, they learn to navigate the social world—forming friendships, working through conflict, sharing adult attention, and discovering how to be part of a community.

Through these daily experiences, children gradually develop a deeper awareness of themselves and others—learning that every person has their own voice, perspective, and place in the world.

One of the most essential roles of a nursery school is helping children learn to express their emotions in healthy, fulfilling ways. At this age, big feelings often emerge before the ability to manage them has fully developed. That’s where trusted adults come in—to guide, interpret, and gently redirect, always in a way that preserves the child’s dignity and self-esteem.

When frustration overwhelms a child, we help them find solutions. When anger becomes too intense, we remove them from the source and provide support. Accepting a child’s emotions doesn’t mean accepting all behaviors—understanding a child’s fury doesn’t mean allowing biting, hitting, or scratching.

We work proactively to reduce unnecessary stress: offering plenty of similar materials to prevent competition, providing calming activities, and creating quiet spaces for moments of reset. When needed, we step in early—helping children regulate before emotions spiral.

Learning to wait, share, and take turns isn’t automatic—it takes time, patience, and a foundation of trust. That’s what we offer every day.

At Laurel Hill, children develop both fine and gross motor skills through purposeful play. They practice intricate tasks like cutting with scissors, drawing with crayons, threading beads, and solving puzzles—building the small muscle control essential for writing and other academic skills. At the same time, they strengthen large muscles by hauling blocks, pushing wagons, balancing on boards, riding tricycles, climbing, and sliding in our safe, supervised outdoor yard.

These physical experiences aren’t just fun—they’re foundational. As children move, build, and explore, they gain coordination, confidence, and a deeper sense of their own capabilities. Every physical challenge met lays the groundwork for future learning, while nurturing self-awareness and self-esteem along the way.

Since 1947, Laurel Hill has welcomed families from all backgrounds into a community rooted in cooperation, care, and respect. As a parent-led nursery school, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to who we are—not just in principle, but in daily practice. These values are reflected in our shared work, our commitment to play-based learning, and our dedication to keeping early childhood education accessible and affordable.

In 2014, we deepened this commitment by participating in Michigan State University’s 60/50 Project, a national initiative focused on building inclusive dialogue across communities. This work continues to inform how we support children in understanding themselves, one another, and the world around them.

At Laurel Hill, children learn through play. Teachers and parents collaborate to support children as they navigate real-life questions that naturally arise—about identity, fairness, inclusion, and justice. These moments are embraced as opportunities for deeper reflection and growth. Through storytelling, art, music, and conversation, we guide children to think critically, build empathy, and find their voice.

By centering free play and collaborative care, we help children develop the confidence, curiosity, and compassion they need to grow into thoughtful, engaged community members—starting right here.