Preschool in the Village
Amherst, NH

Preschool in the Village is an independent, non-profit early learning center in historic Amherst village that has supported young children and families since 1996. PIV has a large playground, nature trails, and three floors of classroom space for children to learn together in a play-based environment. PIV offers half-day morning classes (September-June), an extended day option and speech-language therapy. Come and join the fun!

Preschool Programs

  • 3 Year Old Programs

    ​Bumblebees:

    2-days (T/TH) or 3-days (M/W/F)

    8:30 - 11:30 am

    Class size : 10 with 2 teachers

    ​​Our youngest students learn positive social behaviors by being a part of the classroom community and participating in group activities. Outdoor play, art or sensory exploration, stories and music add to the fun!

  • 4 Year Old Programs

    Caterpillars:

    (4 to 4 yrs/5 mos. old )

    4 or 5-days

    8:15 - 11:15 am

    Class size: 12 with 2 teachers

    ************************************

    Dragonflies:

    (4 yrs/6 mos. to 4 yrs/11 mos. )

    4 or 5-days

    8:00 - 11:00 am

    Class size: 12 with 2 teachers

    Children attending 5-days will spend Fridays together in the Dragonfly classroom for a mixed group experience!

    ​​Our theme-based curriculum balances school readiness skills with a social/emotional foundation. Literacy, math, and science concepts are embedded in the learning activities, with opportunities for creativity and collaborative play!

  • Butterfly Toddler Playgroup

    9:00 - 10:30am

    Tuesdays: under 2-years-old

    Thursdays: 2 to 4-years-old

    Fridays: 6 mos to 3-years-old

    Class size: 8 children + adults

    This playgroup for children and caregivers is offered in 6-week sessions. Open play in a dedicated classroom includes stories, songs, and engaging activities with Miss Gretchen. Each day ends outdoors with exclusive use of our playground. Informal discussions and special speakers on child development topics are planned too. Please note: this is not drop-off childcare; a responsible adult must participate.

    Session 3 Includes a Friday Option!

    Tuesdays: 1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11

    Thursdays: 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13

    Fridays: 1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14

    Session 4

    Tuesdays: 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8

    Thursdays: 3/6, 3/13, 3/20. 3/27, 4/3, 4/10

    Session 5

    Tuesdays: 4/22, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27, 6/3

    Thursdays: 4/24, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/5

  • We believe children learn best through exploration and problem solving.

  • We respect each child as a unique individual.​

  • We develop a partnership with families to guide their children’s growth.

  • We think being outdoors every day is important.

  • We teach three rules: Be kind to others. Solve problems by talking. Put away everything you use.

Our Philosophy

Testimonials from our PIV Families

  • "We love all of the amazing projects she brings home, and how you prioritize the arts, nature, socialization and character building/social emotional learning. Thank you for providing [our daughter] with such incredible experiences during such an unprecedented time... We are so happy she is at PIV."

  • "We have been blessed with your incredible teachers and staff for 5 years now. You have all contributed to the success and growth of our children. You have guided us through the changes and newness of being parents of school age children. We can’t thank you enough for the love, patience, experience and kindness handed out to us and our children. You are all at the top of our most influential personal leaders list..."

  • "Thank you all for everything!! [Our daughter] had the best time at PIV. She would have gone every day if she could! We are all excited for next year!"

Contact Us

Send us a message to learn more or to schedule your tour!