Stepping onto this historic spot, right across from Tulane University, you’re standing before a special place – Newcomb Nursery School. Newcomb Nursery School wasn’t just any ordinary school. It was founded in 1926 by a group of moms, who saw a need for a place where Tulane faculty and staff could send their kids. This dream was led by Edith Rosenwald Stern, a community activist and daughter of Julius Rosenwald, the founder of Sears Roebuck and Company. Edith was inspired by the University of Chicago Lab School, where a preschool had been established in the early 20th century. She even had a special connection with Patty Smith Hill, a leader of the early childhood education movement.
This school, now known as the Newcomb Children’s Center, helped pioneer early childhood education in the United States. It’s a place where children are encouraged to explore and learn through hands-on activities, guided by caring teachers and active parents. The school originally was just a nursery school, but it grew and broadened its curriculum over the years. It’s been a hub for community children and a beacon of educational excellence. So while you’re walking around New Orleans, remember this little spot. It not only fostered young minds but also contributed to the evolution of preschool education in the country.