History

Begun in 1955 as a non-denominational outreach service to the community by the Women's Association of the Glen Ridge Congregational Church, Pilgrim Preschool (formerly Pilgrim Nursery School) has been providing quality education for over 50 years. We are proud to see another generation of some of those original students pass through our doors!

 

Admission is and always has been open to children of all racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds. The school falls under the auspices of the Glen Ridge Congregational Church (GRCC) www.glenridgecong.org. Pilgrim is governed by an Executive Board comprised of church and non-church members and parents.

 

Philosophy

Pilgrim is dedicated to providing a developmentally appropriate learning environment coupled with a warm and nurturing staff. Children's play is their work! The curriculum addresses the needs of the "whole child": social/ emotional, physical, lingual, and cognitive. We respect that each child progresses at his or her own pace. Nothing is more important than helping your child have a successful early learning experience by gaining self-confidence, self-discipline and a sense of self-worth.

 

Accreditation

Pilgrim Preschool is licensed by the State of New Jersey.  The local health, police and fire departments inspect our facility annually. Teachers are certified in First Aid and CPR.  The Director and Pre-K teacher are certified by the State of New Jersey. All applicable certificates are posted. A copy of the Manual of Requirements for New Jersey Child Care Centers is available to all parents for review.  Pilgrim maintains an "open-door" policy with parents of enrolled children and encourages them to visit any time they choose.

 

Environment

Pilgrim Preschool offers  clean, safe and cheery classrooms and play spaces. We are conveniently located at the Glen Ridge Congregational Church, 195 Ridgewood Avenue, on the corner of Ridgewood Avenue and Clark Street.  Our classrooms are bright and roomy, and the Jean Williams Memorial Playground is our jewel!  The large play space allows children to climb, slide, bike and run.  Additionally, we have a large indoor play space in Robinson Hall for use during inclement weather.