Where Little Minds Grow and Big Friendships Begin
Since 1968, Ascension Nursery School has been providing children in Ipswich and the surrounding communities with a warm, welcoming place to learn, play, and grow.
We believe childhood should be filled with curiosity, creativity, laughter, and discovery. Our small preschool community offers a nurturing environment where every child is known, valued, and encouraged to shine. Through play-based learning, hands-on activities, creative enrichment, and meaningful friendships, children build confidence, develop important skills, and grow at their own pace.
A Little About Our Program
* Ages: 2.9–5 years old
* Flexible Enrollment: 2, 3, 4, or 5 days per week
* School Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
* Early Morning Drop-Off: Available daily beginning at 8:00 AM
* Lunch Bunch: Extended fun with friends from 12:00–1:00 PM
Whether children join us for a few mornings or every day, we strive to make each day meaningful, memorable, and full of opportunities to grow!
Small school. Big discoveries. Endless opportunities to grow.
Meet the Teachers
MAUREEN HARRINGTON, Executive Director
Miss Maureen is passionate about creating a warm, welcoming environment where children feel safe, loved, and excited to learn. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Assumption College and brings a background in business, creativity, and a love of working with children to her role as Executive Director.
Before becoming Executive Director, both of Miss Maureen’s children attended Ascension Nursery School, where she fell in love with the school’s nurturing environment and close-knit community. That personal connection inspired her to help create the same special experience for other families.
Miss Maureen is also an award-winning children’s book author of Ivy the Very Determined Dog and Ivy and Her Rose Bud. Through her books, she has visited more than 350 schools across New England, sharing messages of kindness, perseverance, empathy, and believing in yourself. These same values are at the heart of Ascension Nursery School’s philosophy, where children are encouraged to grow in confidence, show kindness, build meaningful friendships, and celebrate what makes them unique.
LAURIE CRESSEY, Lead Teacher
Miss Laurie brings more than 35 years of experience working with children as both a teacher and a private nanny. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from North Shore Community College and has continued her professional development through extended coursework at Salem State University.
Ascension Nursery School has been part of Miss Laurie’s life for decades. She attended ANS as a child, and both of her children attended the school as well. Now that her children are grown, she feels fortunate to give back to a community that has meant so much to her family.
Known for her calm, patient nature and passion for helping children grow, Miss Laurie loves supporting their curiosity and celebrating their progress.
A proud Ipswich resident, Miss Laurie enjoys crafting, spending time with friends and family, feeding the deer in her backyard, and walking her dogs. You may even spot her around town!
MARY STONE, Teacher
Miss Mary is a wonderful part of the Ascension Nursery School family! An Ipswich resident, Mary brings a warm, friendly, and energetic presence to the classroom. With over 12 years of experience in early childhood education she loves spending her day with our preschoolers.
Mary is passionate about creating a fun, nurturing environment and loves planning creative activities, arts and crafts, and hands-on experiences that encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and independence. She enjoys helping each child grow socially, emotionally, and academically while celebrating what makes every little learner unique.
When she is not at school, Miss Mary loves spending time with her grandchildren and walking her dog. She can also be found dancing and signing around the classroom!
We love keeping our little learners in a routine. This a sample of a typical day in our classroom!
We would love to hear from you!
Our School Address
31 County Street
Ipswich MA 01938
Maureen Harrington
Hello@ascensionnurseryschool.com
978-831-2416
Would you like to set up a tour of our school, simply fill out the form and we will be in touch with you to set up a date!