What Exactly Is School Next Door?

School Next Door is a hybrid learning community: part Montessori-inspired preschool, part homeschool cooperative, fully rooted in connection, intentionality, and respect for childhood.

Instead of fitting into a category, we intentionally blend what works best:

Like a Montessori preschool, we offer:

A consistent 4-day program (Mon–Thurs)
A thoughtfully prepared learning environment
Mixed-age grouping (3–6), promoting natural leadership and independence
Predictable rhythms, hands-on materials, and developmental guidance

Like a homeschool Tutorial we offer:

Choice in attendance (2 or 4 days per week)
Strong parent communication and involvement
A relaxed, home-based setting instead of an institutional one
Freedom for children to explore, create, and move at their own pace

This hybrid model gives families the structure they need—without compromising the flexibility, warmth, and authenticity they value.

The Heart Behind School Next Door
When we began exploring preschool options in East Nashville for our 3 and 5 year old, we kept running into the same challenge: nothing quite fit. We wanted a place that felt calm, human, child-centered, and community-driven—not overstimulating or rigid. We wanted something slower, something more intentional, something that honored early childhood instead of rushing through it.
So we built the learning environment we wished existed.
School Next Door began as a dream to give our own children a home-like space for exploration. Very quickly, it grew into a community of families craving the same thing—a place where kids feel safe, where adults genuinely see them, and where childhood feels spacious again.

Program Details

Location: East Nashville (in-home environment)
Ages: 3–6 years
Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Attendance Options:

2 days/week: Tuesday/Thursday or Monday/Wednesday
4 days/week: Monday–Thursday
Capacity: 12 students total
Staffing: 3 adults (4:1 ratio)
Start Date: January 5th
Availability: 6 spots remaining

Every day includes unstructured exploration, purposeful work time, outdoor play, nature walks, practical life activities, and opportunities for community connection. Children learn naturally—through movement, curiosity, and meaningful relationships.

Is School Next Door Right for Your Family?

This space is designed for families who value:
✓ A slower rhythm and child-led learning
✓ A warm, home-based environment
✓ Small group sizes and personal attention
✓ Montessori principles without the rigidity
✓ Collaboration between parents and educators
✓ Flexibility in attendance
✓ A genuine, heartfelt community

If traditional preschool never felt quite right, you’re likely in the perfect place.

Enrollment Open — 6 Spots Left for January 5th

We intentionally keep our program small to preserve the closeness and calm that makes School Next Door special. With only 6 openings, we expect these spots to fill quickly.

Ready to learn more or reserve your child’s space?

→ Schedule a visit
→ Request tuition information
→ Apply for January enrollment

Let’s build a learning community that feels like home.