History of the Laurel School and the Laurel School Day Camp
The Laurel School, originally The Children's Way, was founded by Constance Michnay in 1982. Miss Connie started teaching several children in the basement of her home. She used art as a means to help children who were struggling in school. In 1983 she opened The Children's Way in Harwich Port, MA which was Preschool – Kindergarten, with the Elementary students in an off-campus annex. In 1990, a parent of two of the students, William Dobson, purchased land in Brewster and built the building The Laurel School is now housed in. Once in Brewster, Miss Connie renamed the elementary portion of her school The Laurel School. Throughout the changes and growth of the school, Miss Connie's philosophy of teaching children through the arts, individualizing teaching to meet the children's needs, and helping the children reach their greatest potential, has remained the constant core of the Laurel School. Laurel is founded on the belief that "children learn best when they are treated with love and respect and when academic content is presented in varied and interesting ways." Laurel School employs a Total Human Development approach to child development. Laurel’s whole child approach to education is well known on Cape Cod and serves as the foundation for the success The Laurel School and Laurel Day Camp has enjoyed since 1982.
"As a first time parent, the Laurel School completely surpassed my expectations as to what a school could offer my toddler. The curriculum is enriching and fun - a nice balance between learning and playing. The teachers go above and beyond to not only support the child's individual development (e.g. potty training) but also ensure they are treated with care and attention. And the front office staff is nothing short of incredible - accommodating to your family's needs and willing to be flexible. It may be cliche, but the Laurel School operates very much like a family - it never ceases to amaze me how the staff knows each child's name and is able to make them feel warm and welcome." - Parent
"As a first time parent, the Laurel School completely surpassed my expectations as to what a school could offer my toddler. The curriculum is enriching and fun - a nice balance between learning and playing. The teachers go above and beyond to not only support the child's individual development (e.g. potty training) but also ensure they are treated with care and attention. And the front office staff is nothing short of incredible - accommodating to your family's needs and willing to be flexible. It may be cliche, but the Laurel School operates very much like a family - it never ceases to amaze me how the staff knows each child's name and is able to make them feel warm and welcome." - Parent
