On September 3, 2025, the Nutley Early Childhood Center will open its doors for the first time to preschool 3-and 4-year-olds. Located at 777 Bloomfield Avenue, the Early Childhood Center will further support the growth of the Nutley Public Schools’ Raising Raiders Preschool Program. 

 

Following the Board of Commissioners meeting on January 7, 2025, the Board approved an ordinance to purchase the now fully renovated property at 777 Bloomfield Avenue. This decision allowed the school district to expand the access to state-funded preschool programs by acquiring much-needed space for the growing needs of the district. The plan, established through the BOC’s commitment to meet the demand for Raising Raiders, will also allow the district to move sixth grade to John Walker Middle School for the 2026-27 school year and advance educational opportunities by creating a true middle school experience. This approach opens up potential solutions to meet the preschool demand and potentially reduce reliance on trailers, all without requiring a burdensome $70–80 million referendum for taxpayers.

 

This preschool expansion reflects the shared commitment between the School District and the Township, giving Nutley’s youngest learners the very best start to their educational journey. With these additional classrooms, the district will be able to welcome over 100 additional 3 and 4-year-old children into a nurturing, developmentally-appropriate learning environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning from the very beginning. 

 

The district’s dedicated early childhood educators are eager to provide enriching experiences that support both academic readiness and social-emotional growth, ensuring our preschoolers enter Kindergarten confident, capable, and excited for the years ahead. 

 

The initiative was developed with the understanding that, without decisive action from the Board of Commissioners, the School District risked stagnation. Instead, this proactive investment ensures that Nutley continues to thrive as an appealing community for families, prioritizing the future of our children.

 

Parents will visit the new building at 2pm today and students will arrive for the first day of school on Wednesday, September 3rd.

 

About

The Nutley School District serves approximately 4,100 students in Kindergarten through grade 12. The five elementary schools serve students K-6 and include Lincoln School, Radcliffe School, Spring Garden School, Washington School and Yantacaw School. John H. Walker Middle School serves students in grades 7-8 while Nutley High School addresses the needs of students in grades 9-12.