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By Lucy Kratman
Sam Russo says it’s the children who inspire her every day at Creative Corner School. As co-director of the Winchester-based early childhood program, she’s spent more than a decade watching young learners grow through play, creativity, and exploration.
This year, the school marks 25 years in the community.
Located at 11 Sheridan Circle, the school offers year-round programs for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years, with a curriculum grounded in hands-on learning and the STEAM fields — science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics.
“To see these children grow and learn and develop is just wonderful,” Russo said.
Co-director Jeanne Sweazey, who joined the team in 2014, said it was the collaborative leadership model that drew her in.
“I thought it would be so interesting to work directly with somebody else and be able to both share and communicate with families and the staff,” Sweazey said. “We’re able to take our skill sets and be able to get out information to families and get them into our center to watch their children. I think it’s helped us thrive.”
Sweazey, who has worked in early childhood care since she was a teenager, now partners with Russo to lead a staff that is carrying the center into its 25th anniversary.
“If I could describe Creative Corner in one word, it would be how caring we are. The quality of care surrounding education and safety is all about nurturing and developing our children,” Russo said. “We try to meet every child’s individual needs.”
The building, a former elementary school, has 12 spacious classrooms as well as outdoor learning and play spaces that promote hands-on learning. Students have their own garden where they can plant, learn, and eat from.
The school offers enrichment programs including music, yoga, and soccer — activities that Russo says help bring variety and joy to the students’ day.
Creative Corner welcomed prospective families to an Open House on April 26, offering a glimpse into the school’s programs and approach to early learning.
“I enjoy getting to connect with families, share highlights of our day-to-day routines, and talk about each child’s individual growth,” Alyssa Lodi, group coordinator for the infant team at Creative Corner, shared. ”It’s a great opportunity to build strong partnerships with families.”
Creative Corner is currently enrolling children ages 6-weeks to 6-years. More information is available at https://creativecornerschool.com/
Lucy Kratman is a student at Endicott College studying journalism. This article was produced for the Massachusetts News Service of Endicott College in partnership with Winchester News.
