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Nurturing Curiosity: A Look Inside Berwick’s Early Childhood Education Philosophy
The foundation of a lifelong love of learning is built in the earliest years of a child's development. At Berwick Academy, this journey is handled with intentionality, joy, and deep respect for the child's natural curiosity—beginning in our specialized Pre-K3 (Acorns) and Pre-K4 (Pinecones) classrooms.
"The early years of learning are filled with boundless potential. When children are given the freedom to wonder, create, explore, and belong, they discover not only the joy of learning but also the confidence to become their most authentic selves. That's the heart of our Early Childhood program."— Meg Kenter, Early Childhood Coordinator
Where Wonder Meets Foundational Growth
Whether stepping into the classroom as an Acorn (Pre-K3) or growing into a Pinecone (Pre-K4), Berwick's curriculum recognizes that academic readiness and playful inquiry go hand-in-hand. By bridging structured learning with exploratory play, our youngest students naturally develop critical thinking skills alongside social-emotional strength. As Kenter notes:
Whether stepping into the classroom as an Acorn (Pre-K3) or growing into a Pinecone (Pre-K4), Berwick's curriculum recognizes that academic readiness and playful inquiry go hand-in-hand. By bridging structured learning with exploratory play, our youngest students naturally develop critical thinking skills alongside social-emotional strength. As Kenter notes:
"In Berwick Academy's Early Childhood program, wonder is where learning begins. Through inquiry, meaningful outdoor experiences, joyful play, and intentional teaching, our youngest students build strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, creativity, and confidence. Every experience is designed to nurture curious minds, caring hearts, and a lifelong love of learning."
Leadership Rooted in Community & Passion
Guiding this dynamic, inquiry-based environment is Meg Kenter, Berwick Academy's Early Childhood Coordinator and Lower School teacher. As a graduate of the University of New Hampshire's Master's in Education program, Kenter has built her career around a passion for teaching young children.
Guiding this dynamic, inquiry-based environment is Meg Kenter, Berwick Academy's Early Childhood Coordinator and Lower School teacher. As a graduate of the University of New Hampshire's Master's in Education program, Kenter has built her career around a passion for teaching young children.
Coming from a family of lifelong teachers and coaches, she developed an early appreciation for the power of education, relationships, and community. Over the past 15 years, her teaching journey has included both traditional classroom settings and outdoor education centers—experiences that heavily shape her balanced approach to learning.
Now entering her eleventh year at Berwick Academy, Kenter continues to be inspired each day by the joy of the school's youngest learners and the strong partnerships built with families.
In her dual role, she has the distinct privilege of collaborating with and coaching fellow educators while helping shape a cohesive and dynamic learning experience across our Pre-K (Acorns and Pinecones), Kindergarten, and First Grade classrooms. Ultimately, Kenter remains passionate about building a program where children, teachers, and families all feel connected, inspired, and supported.
A Dedicated Team of Educators
A dynamic program requires a collaborative team. To support this cohesive learning journey, Berwick has assembled a talented group of educators across the early childhood grades for the upcoming school year:
A Dedicated Team of Educators
A dynamic program requires a collaborative team. To support this cohesive learning journey, Berwick has assembled a talented group of educators across the early childhood grades for the upcoming school year:
- Pre-K 3 (Acorns): Led by Christy Bate, an exciting new addition to the Berwick community serving as the interim lead teacher, partnered alongside assistant teacher Ellen Bishop.
- Pre-K 4 (Pinecones): Led by Meg Kenter in her role as lead teacher, partnered alongside assistant teacher Jenny Boches.
- Kindergarten: Guided by lead teacher Nicole Fernandes, continuing the trajectory of foundational growth.
- Grade 1: Led by lead teacher Desiree Lorden, bridging the early childhood foundation into the primary elementary years.
With this exceptional team in place, Berwick families can look forward to a school year filled with deep connections, intentional community, and a vibrant start to their child's educational path.
Berwick Academy
31 Academy Street
South Berwick, Maine 03908
Contact:
Admission | 207.384.6300
Main Office | 207.384.2164
South Berwick, Maine 03908
Contact:
Admission | 207.384.6300
Main Office | 207.384.2164
Berwick Academy, situated on an 80-acre campus just over one hour north of Boston, serves 520 students, Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 and Postgraduates. Berwick students are from Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and several countries. Deeply committed to its mission of promoting virtue and useful knowledge, Berwick Academy empowers students to be creative and bold. Berwick strives to graduate alumni who shape their own learning, take risks, ask thoughtful questions, and come to understand and celebrate their authentic selves.
