The Boutwell Early Childhood Center provides a nurturing and stimulating preschool learning environment for children ages 3-5 with and without disabilities.  Half-day and full-day opportunities are available. The Boutwell curriculum is aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks for Pre-Kindergarten. Integrated thematic units that balance child-initiated and educator-selected activities maximize children’s learning.  Interdisciplinary thematic units promote connections across the curriculum over time. Early language and literacy skills, which provide the foundation for later learning, are embedded in all activities. Daily learning activities support children in developing essential foundational skills and knowledge. Social-emotional development is a key consideration in the Boutwell curriculum.  Social-Emotional Learning is not viewed as simply a stand-alone area of the curriculum but rather embedded across all curriculum areas throughout the day.  In alignment with the Massachusetts Social and Emotional Learning Standards, the essential competencies of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making are modeled, taught, and reinforced throughout each part of the school day.

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED FOR THE 2025/2026 SCHOOL YEAR.

Once applicants are selected for enrollment, you will be notified of your registration status.  A possible Welcome Back/Meet The teacher visit may be held in August/September for parents and children. (TBD) Notification of the placement will be made by the beginning of April via email. In the event that all spaces are filled, a waiting list will be established. Any vacancies occurring after registration will be filled from the established waiting list.

Deposits will be required within one week, once you are notified of your child's acceptance.

Rates for the 2025-2026 School Year

Half-Day Pre-K  – $3125.00 = $312.50 deposit + (9 payments of $312.50) runs 4 days, Monday-Thursday 9:00-11:30 for 10 Months

Half-Day Pre-K w/Lunch – $3500.00 = $350.00 deposit + (9 payments of $350.00) runs 4 days, Monday-Thursday 9:00-12:30 for 10 Months

Full Day Program – $6250.00 = $625.00 deposit + (9 payments of $625.00) runs  4 days, Monday-Thursday 9:00-3:00 for 10 Months

The Tuition is an annual sum and is divided into ten (10) payments. Tuition remains the same regardless of a child’s attendance, closing for holidays, inclement weather, or other closings beyond the school’s control.

Once you are contacted by Boutwell regarding your child’s placement, a deposit will be required to secure their place for enrollment. This payment represents the tenth payment or last month of tuition. The remaining nine (9) payments are due on the first of the month beginning September 1, 2025, and ending May 1, 2026. Children who are enrolled after the start of the school year will be given a prorated tuition and an individualized schedule for payment. The deposit checks and monthly tuition payments should include your child’s name, school, and program. Checks should be made out to GDRSD and can be mailed to Boutwell Early Childhood Center c/o Central Office 344 Main Street, Groton, MA 01450 or dropped off at Boutwell. Monthly tuition thereafter can be sent in with your child each month.

A 5% discount is available for individuals who choose to pay the entire year’s tuition in advance by October 1st. Additionally, a 10% discount is applied when a family enrolls more than one child. (Please note: The first child pays full tuition, and additional enrolled children receive a 10% discount in tuition.)

The school district does not send out bills for tuition. Parents are responsible for remitting the appropriate amount each month. Please retain this payment information for future reference. If you have any questions, you may contact the Central Office at 344 Main Street, #978-448-5505 x7816

Note: the District reserves the right to suspend services for the child/children enrolled in the program when tuition payments are more than two (2) months in arrears.

Tuition Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

Purpose

It is the intent of the Groton-Dunstable Regional School District to recognize the parent’s ability to afford participation in the Preschool Program.

Determination

Students may attend the preschool program on a space-available basis and subject to the established tuition rates. Tuition costs may vary upon the financial status of the parent(s). Scholarships may be available based on financial need, please contact the business office

Financial criteria for scholarship grant

1. Monthly income & family size will be used to determine eligibility.

Complete an application for a scholarship and return it with the following documents:

• A signed copy of the prior year’s Federal Income Tax return.

• Evidence of current pay.

Preschool Scholarship Application