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 8:10am-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 six classrooms— with Sprouts (ages 3-4), Saplings (ages 4-5) and our Kindergarten program—serving more than 90 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
Mitch Griffin, Front Desk Coordinator
mitch@bethlehemchildrensschool.org
Peter Koch, Director of Finance & Marketing
peter@bethlehemchildrensschool.org
Colleen Ryan, Director of Operations
colleen@bethlehemchildrensschool.org
Keith Ryan, Directors of Facilities
keith@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
Ainsley Fiske, Lead Teacher
Jenn Donlan, Assistant Teacher
SAPLINGS
Allie Geist, Co-Teacher (Bluebirds)
Samantha Mattey, Co-Teacher (Bluebirds)
Aviva Kaplan, Assistant Teacher (Bluebirds)
Laura Haynes, Co-Teacher (Red Hawks)
Jane Morey, Co-Teacher (Red Hawks)
Danielle Stevens, Assistant Teacher (Red Hawks)
SPROUTS/SAPLINGS
Cara Whalen, Co-Teacher (Foxes)
Rebecca Riggins, Associate Teacher (Foxes)
Juliet Becker, Assistant Teacher (Foxes)
SPROUTS
Jill Crammond, Co-Teacher (Owls)
Diane Davis, Co-Teacher (Owls)
Diana Zimmer, Lead Teacher (Cubs)
Erin Dwyer, Associate Teacher (Cubs)
Katie Murray, Associate Teacher (Cubs)
ELECTIVES
Karina Cascione, STEM Teacher
Jill Crammond, Art Teacher
Nicole Privitera, Growing Teacher
Jen Fisher, 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
Jason Raynor
Vice President
Andrea Stupp
Treasurer
Tess McGrath
Secretary
Allison Kenney
Past President
Kaity Mabey
MEMBERS
Kate Crain
Julie Darling
Megan Decker
Kevin Gutman
Rachel Hathaway
Aimee Kraft
Isabelle Lesko
Brian Lind
Amanda O’Donnell
Kate Potvin
Claire Strogatz
Jacqueline Swenson
Jennifer Viola Taran
Matt Wiley
Board Meetings
The Board of Directors meets monthly, typically on the second Tuesday of each month, and meetings are open to the public.