Chestnut Children's Center was founded by Executive Director Lauren Petrini Hentschel in 1995.
Lauren is supported by an outstanding staff of childhood education professionals whose childcare responsibilities are embellished by their love of children and commitment to learning.
We address the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of children through a curriculum-based program of age-appropriate learning and play.
Whether in group activities, quiet time, active play or on field trips, our goal is to build each child's self-esteem while laying the groundwork for their ongoing education.
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Early Childhood / Day Care
- Grades: Prekindergarten-Kindergarten
- Enrollment: 155 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-Kindergarten
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
155 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
2 teachers
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Application URL
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline for Chestnut Children's Center?
The application deadline for Chestnut Children's Center is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Nearby Private Schools
The nearest high school to Chestnut Children's Center is St. Sebastians School (1.7 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is Saint Joseph School (0.4 miles away)
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
90 Pickering Street
Needham, MA 02492
(781) 444-4459
Needham, MA 02492
(781) 444-4459
0.4 miles
Gr: NS-8 | 417 students Avg. class size: 16 students Sports: 14 | Extracurrculars: 6 Tuition listed
Needham Heights KinderCare![Needham Heights KinderCare Photo - Private Kindergarten Classroom]( "Needham Heights KinderCare Photo - Private Kindergarten Classroom")
Daycare / Preschool
1000 Highland Ave.
Needham Heights, MA 02494
(781) 449-0774
Needham Heights, MA 02494
(781) 449-0774
1 miles
Gr: NS-PK Tuition listed
1191 Greendale Avenue
Needham, MA 02492
(781) 449-5200
Needham, MA 02492
(781) 449-5200
1.7 miles
Gr: 7-12 | 380 students Avg. class size: 10 students Sports: 13 | Extracurrculars: 30 Tuition listed
Theophany School
Daycare / Preschool (Greek Orthodox)
754 Greendale Ave
Needham, MA 02492
(781) 444-3058
Needham, MA 02492
(781) 444-3058
1.7 miles
Gr: PK-K | 18 students
The Abbott School
Daycare / Preschool
126 Gould Street
Needham Heights, MA 02494
(781) 444-6541
Needham Heights, MA 02494
(781) 444-6541
2 miles
Gr: PK-K | 37 students
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