Great Brook School
Imagine, Discover & Learn
About Great Brook School
Inspiring Children's Natural Curiosity and Exploration
At Great Brook School, we view children as individuals who are naturally curious about their world and have the potential to learn from all that surrounds them. Our emergent curriculum is Reggio Emilia inspired and child-driven. Our educators follow the children's lead by observing interests and interactions and then intentionally staging activities that promote each child's innate desire to explore, discover, and learn.
We believe that our classrooms are a core component of the learning environment, serving as the third teacher. Educators carefully create classroom environments that are cozy, comforting, and inviting by incorporating homelike details such as real dishware, fabrics, and plants, using nature-based materials, and soft elements in neutral colors. These environments foster engagement, creativity, exploration, and social and emotional skill development while laying the important groundwork for academic success throughout each child's lifespan. Our classrooms are bathed in outdoor sunlight and feature patios or balconies as extended learning spaces.
Great Brook School is situated on 3.5 private acres of outdoor learning space in Acton, MA. Children have year-round access to outdoor spaces. Nestled in the beautiful woods, our open-space playground includes a mud kitchen, outdoor painting, and creative play spaces like our built-in boat feature. Our forest playground, which will be opening soon, features natural elements that feel integrated into the outdoor landscape.
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This approach supports and strengthens our philosophy of Imagine, Discover & Learn.
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We invite you to experience the Great Brook School difference for your family.
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Great Brook School
524 Main Street
Acton, MA 01720
Our Founder
Great Brook School was founded by Marianne Racioppi, an early childhood professional with more than 30 years of experience.
Marianne opened her first school in 1987, her second school in 1993, and then expanded to provide early childhood education throughout Massachusetts, as well as after-school programming that had a national reach.
In 2018, she pursued an opportunity to expand programming for a non-profit organization where she successfully launched another school. Marianne’s dedication to the families and early childhood professionals she has served is seen through her ability to build relationships with teachers and families that span more than three decades.
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Great Brook School builds on this strong foundation and strives to elevate the important work of early childhood educators.
