About Children’s Happy Day School
At Happy Day, each child is known and loved. Every element of our curriculum, enrichment activities, and even the building is designed to emphasize trust, connection and a love of learning — with children at the heart of it all.
We have been enriching the minds & nurturing the spirits of children from Boston and the neighboring communities of Newton, Brookline, Dedham, Westwood and Needham since 1987.
Philosophy & Curriculum
We believe that children thrive in a child-centered environment that promotes interaction with others, all while encouraging choice and structure for each of our Happy Day friends. Based on NAEYC guidelines, teachers create a curriculum that considers the age of the children, the individual child and the social and cultural context in which the children live. Our programs are designed to foster a child’s sense of wonder, encourage their natural curiosity and foster their social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth.
Teachers & Staff
Our school is staffed by professional, dedicated teachers with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in early childhood education. Many have been at Happy Day for years, bringing expertise, experience and a deep sense of community to every aspect of their roles.
Our school
Our purpose-built school, constructed in 2002, offers an inviting and safe environment for children. The building features thoughtfully designed classrooms for each age, an engaging outdoor area, and a convenient location near the Charles River and Millennium Park in Boston’s West Roxbury neighborhood.
A typical day at Happy Day
Playtime, reading, learning centers, opportunities to interact with nature, and routines that help children develop their independence, self-help skills and confidence are the building blocks of our days in the classroom.
Our story
Our founder, Ms. Helen Rafiy, always wanted to build a unique school for young children, one full of light and surrounded by nature. We’ve been committed to that vision since 1987 and have found joy in watching the school grow alongside our students.
"There’s an immense peace of mind and sense of joy you get as a parent when school administrators and teachers are just as invested in your child’s success as you are. That’s what you get at Children’s Happy Day School - professionals that care to go above and beyond each and every day, children that thrive academically and social-emotionally, and the creation of a broader sense of community through those shared priorities."
-Kate L. and Adam W., West Roxbury
Programs
Our four accredited preschool programs encourage literacy, introduce age-appropriate mathematical concepts and offer enrichment activities like music, yoga, dance and Spanish.
Enrollment
Interested in joining the Happy Day community? Learn more about our admissions process, tuition rates and how to schedule a tour.
Our Community
We often say that parents and caregivers are a child’s first teachers. That perspective is why we work alongside families to support a child’s growth and offer resources during the preschool years.