Mary Morrisson Early Childhood Center

What programs will the Mary Morrisson Early Childhood School offer?

Groton Public School is expanding its Early Childhood program. For the 2026-2027 school year, the district’s PreK program, for students who turn 4-years-old on or before September 1, will expand to a full-day program and move to Mary Morrisson, located on TollGate Road.  

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What age must children be to participate in the program? 

Students who live within the boundaries of Groton Public Schools and are four years old on or before September 1, 2026, may register for the PreK program at Mary Morrisson by completing the New Student Registration Form at www.grotonschools.org/registration.  

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Is there a cost or tuition for this program?

Not at this time. The program is free to families who reside within the boundaries of Groton Public Schools based on a current grant through the Office of Early Childhood.

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How do I register for the program?

Students who live within the boundaries of Groton Public Schools and are four years old on or before September 1, 2026, may register for the PreK program at Mary Morrisson by completing the New Student Registration Form at www.grotonschools.org/registration.  

Students currently enrolled in Groton Public Schools' Early Childhood Program, located this year at either Mystic River or Thames River Schools, do not need to register again. 

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Can students who live outside of Groton apply?

At this time, we are not accepting applications from students who live outside the boundaries of Groton Public Schools.

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What will the school hours be?

The hours for The Mary Morrisson Early Childhood School PreK program will be the same as our full-day elementary school hours: 9:05 AM - 3:35 PM.

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Will bus transportation be available?

Yes, school bus transportation will be available for families who choose that option. 

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What additional family services or community resources will be available at the school?

The TreeHouse Before and After School Care Program will be expanding to offer services at Mary Morrisson.  Learn more about TreeHouse.

School meals, including breakfast and lunch, will be available. All families will be required to complete a USDA Free and Reduced Price School Meals Application.

A nurse and aid, as well as a  School-Based Health Center, will also be located at Mary Morrisson.

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Can students who live outside of Groton apply?

At this time, we are not accepting applications from students who live outside the boundaries of Groton Public Schools.

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Will Special Education services be provided to students at Mary Morrisson?

Yes, services will be provided in accordance with the child’s individualized educational plan.

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How is the Groton Public School funding the new school and program?

Groton Public Schools received a Smart Start Grant through Connecticut’s Office of Early Childhood (OEC) to support the development of the Mary Morrisson Early Childhood School.  The grant was officially approved by the Board of Education in March, and planning is underway to prepare the school to welcome students at the start of the 2026-2027 school year.

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Will Groton Public School still offer a separate Transition Kindergarten program?

With Connecticut's updated kindergarten entry law requiring children to be five years old on or before September 1 to enroll in kindergarten, the need for a separate TK program has changed. As a result, Groton Public Schools will transition to a full-day PreK program for four-year-old children at the new Early Childhood School.

Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, the new full-day PreK program for children who are four years old on or before September 1 will replace the previous programs, providing a comprehensive early learning experience that supports children's growth, development, and readiness for kindergarten.

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What is the curriculum?

Groton Public Schools' PreK program is a National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accredited program, which follows the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS). The program uses a research-based, play-based approach to teach developmentally appropriate skills for students.

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What does a typical day look like for my child?

A typical day will include a multitude of developmentally appropriate, play-based activities for your child. These will include whole group learning, small group activities, independent play and practice, gross motor and fine motor activities, as well as many social/emotional learning opportunities. Students will participate in breakfast, lunch, snack and recess while at school. They will also have play-based special activities in music, art, library, STEM and physical education weekly.

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Will students have specials and/or other enrichment opportunities, such as field trips?

Students will have specials which are play-based and developmentally appropriate across multiple domains, including music, art, library, STEM, and physical education, weekly. They will also have other enrichment activities where other collaborators/providers come into the classroom and provide interactive activities in the above areas.