About
Bethlehem Children’s School is located on a wooded, four-acre property in Slingerlands, New York. Our students are supported academically and nurtured creatively as they grow into thoughtful, well-rounded individuals. At the end of their time with us, children leave Bethlehem Children’s School fully prepared to take on the challenges of middle school, high school, college, and our world.
We are proud of the fact that our current student body comes to Bethlehem Children’s School from many different public school districts in the Capital Region.
Regular school hours are 8:15am-3pm. The school day continues to 5:45 p.m. with our Aftercare program.
A Brief History
In the fall of 1994, a group of parents met to explore the idea of forming a child-centered, inquiry-based elementary school in the Capital District. The goal was to create an educational environment that narrows the gap between family, community, and education.
The planning committee met regularly to develop curricula, locate a suitable building, raise funds, hire faculty, publicize and promote the school, and to fulfill all the requirements necessary to establish a non-profit educational organization.
As a result, Bethlehem Children’s School opened its doors September 1995 with 15 students in a single, multi-aged classroom of children aged five to nine.
In our fourth year, we purchased and moved to our present location, four beautiful acres in Slingerlands, New York. We now have four classrooms—Acorns (ages 2-3), Sprouts (ages 3-4), Saplings (ages 4-5) and our Kindergarten program—serving more than 75 students.
Mission & Vision
Mission
Bethlehem Children’s School offers a multi-age experiential education for the whole child, emphasizing nature, wisdom and wellness.
Vision
The vision of Bethlehem Children’s School is to inspire a lifelong love of learning while developing a deep connection to self, others and the world.
School Staff
ADMINISTRATION
Erin Pruckno, Head of School
headofschool@bethlehemchildrensschool.org
Shannan Bohl, Executive Assistant
shannan@bethlehemchildrensschool.org
Peter Koch, Director of Finance & Marketing
peter@bethlehemchildrensschool.org
Colleen Ryan, Director of Operations
colleen@bethlehemchildrensschool.org
Keith Ryan, Directors of Facilities
colleen@bethlehemchildrensschool.org
Nicole Privitera, Community Liaison
nicole@bethlehemchildrensschool.org
TEACHING STAFF
Simone Paoletti-Albrecht, Dean of Faculty
simone@bethlehemchildrensschool.org
Kenzie Casey, Dean of Students
kenzie@bethlehemchildrensschool.org
KINDERGARTEN
Laura Haynes, Lead Teacher
SAPLINGS
Allie Geist, Co-Teacher (Bluebirds)
Samantha Mattey, Co-Teacher (Bluebirds)
Erin Dwyer, Assistant Teacher (Bluebirds)
Christina Dougan, Co-Teacher (Red Hawks)
Jenna Plue, Co-Teacher (Red Hawks)
Katie Murray, Assistant Teacher (Red Hawks)
SPROUTS
Abby Mouzakes, Co-Teacher (Foxes)
Cara Whalen, Co-Teacher (Foxes)
Renee Davis, Assistant Teacher (Foxes)
Jill Crammond, Co-Teacher (Owls)
Diane Davis, Co-Teacher (Owls)
Kira Fariello, Assistant Teacher (Owls)
ACORNS
Diana Zimmer, Lead Teacher
Lauren Hamilton-Musso, Associate Teacher
Rebecca Riggins, Associate Teacher
ELECTIVES
Karina Cascione, STEM Teacher
Jill Crammond, Art Teacher
Nicole Privitera, Growing Teacher
Pammie Martin, Music Teacher
Cara Whalen, Art Teacher
Board of Directors
Bethlehem Children’s School is a non-profit organization with 501(C)(3) status. Our board of directors is responsible for establishing and safeguarding the mission of the school for the long term. The board sets policies and procedures that are consistent with the mission, and pursues both short- and long-term budgetary planning. The board is made up of dedicated volunteers from a variety of professional backgrounds; their skills, interests, and diverse backgrounds contribute in many ways to benefit the school.
President
Bridget Griffin
President-Elect
Kaity Mabey
Treasurer
Molly Ruhlman
Secretary
Brynn Roche
Past President
Allison Burton-Chase
MEMBERS
Rachel Cleary
Julie Darling
Justin Ducharme
Eugenia Gregorio
Kevin Gutman
Aimee Kraft
Kaity Mabey
Jen Nevins
Jason Raynor
Brynn Roche
Andrea Stupp
Krissy Welliver
Board Meetings
The Board of Directors meets monthly, typically on the second Monday of each month, and meetings are open to the public.