MCNS Philosophy

The philosophy of MCNS is based on the understanding that early education rich in stimulation is key to a child’s academic success. Our teachers encourage students to grow academically and emotionally at their own level through experiences that allow them to explore and use critical thinking and problem solving.

About MCNS

Our amazing teachers and staff are certified and experienced in early childhood education and are committed to providing the best first school experience to our students. MCNS is proud to adopt the Zoo Phonics program which concentrates on students learning their letter sounds through sight, sound, and motion. They spend their time creating a memorable learning environment which prepares our students for their next step. Our class sizes remain small with a low student-teacher ratio to give each child the attention they need to be successful. They have the unique opportunity to build a connection between student and teacher which translates into individualized instruction.  MCNS offers a safe, caring and cheerful classroom to grow and learn. Students have the opportunity to participate in many activities to enrich their learning, by using hands on materials and exposure to school routines that makes their transition to kindergarten go smoothly.

This is MCNS

Click the arrows to see more, then scroll down to read what our families say about MCNS!

MCNS CORE VALUES

MCNS CORE VALUES:

  • Excellence—we work to provide the highest quality education focused on exceptional curriculum and preparing your child for kindergarten.
  • Trust – with over 40 years of dedication toward promoting a love for learning, families trust that MCNS puts their child’s interests first.
  • Education MCNS implements a theme based, common core aligned curriculum that is research tested and taught by experienced and qualified teachers.
  • Service & Community We teach our students the importance of citizenship in and outside of the classroom with experiences to serve their community.
  • Team Work education works best when families and school work together. We encourage a close home-school connection, starting with exceptional communication to set the foundation for their school years.

Meet Our Director

Melissa Ricci

Director

Melissa Ricci added the director position at MCNS in the Fall of 2020 after being a part of the community since 2014 as both a parent and a teacher. She serves a dual role as our AM PreK teacher; a role she holds dear to her heart in order to stay connected with the MCNS families.  She aims to create an environment where children learn through hands on activities while preparing for the full day kindergarten experience they will step into. It is her belief that the school experience should be a bridge from home to school working together to give little learners a sense of confidence as they enter the next level of their education. She is incredibly excited that she has been given the opportunity to work with and support the amazing MCNS teaching staff to provide your families with the best start to their school years.

Meet Our Teachers

Amy Tschiderer

Playful Twos Teacher, Fun in Threes PM Teacher

Amy Tschiderer grew up locally and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Childhood and Special Education from St. John Fisher College. Before MCNS, she had...

Jennà Towner

Fun in Threes AM

Jennà Towner is our morning Fun in Threes lead teacher for both our 3 day MWF program and our 2 day TTH program.  She...

Melissa Ricci

Pre-K Teacher, Infinity & Beyond Teacher

Melissa Ricci is NY certified (Pre-K through 6) with a masters in elementary education from SUNY Brockport. Mrs. Ricci has been teaching PreK at...

Anita Ricci

Transitional K

This is Mrs. Ricci's third year as the lead Transitional Kindergarten teacher.  Previously, Anita taught our enrichment Yoga class which she has successfully implemented...

Kathy Carrozzi

PM Pre-K Teacher

This is Kathy's third year at MCNS after coming to us new this year with 13 years of preschool experience.  A certified teacher, Kathy...

Morgan DiMino

Art & Science Teacher

Morgan comes to us after her own 3 children graduated from MCNS.  She has a degree in Education and multiple years as a daycare provider. ...

Monica Kelty

Playful Twos MW & Fri Teacher

Monica Kelty grew up in Phoenix, Az. and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Grand Canyon University.  Prior to...

what our families say

1

We joined MCNS almost 5 years ago now and have sent both our boys through the various classes. We love all the teachers as well as the family community we get to experience every year. It seems year after year Missy, our director, strives for a bigger/better experience by providing more class offerings and times, […]

Arrigo Family -

Parent
2

MCNS is amazing. We heard of the nursery school from a friend of the family, because they send their children there. I didn’t know where to begin looking for programs for our 2-year old, but knew that he would likely benefit from some interaction with other students in a classroom setting. Our son has now […]

Jessica Booker -

Parent
3

We are so thrilled with our PM PreK experience. We had reservations with an afternoon program, but our son quickly adjusted because his teachers were amazing. They both make learning so much fun and came up with such creative learning activities. Our son loves going to school now. Everyone within the MCNS family has been […]

Kristy P. -

Parent
4
We LOVE MCNS! My son attended the 2s program in 2020/21 and really flourished. He was having trouble with speech so we wanted to get him in a program where he was socializing with other children his age (especially during the pandemic). His teachers were amazing and always kept him engaged. They did crafts, sang [...]

Cassi Vanbuskirk -

5
Our kiddos attended MCNS last school year and had an absolute blast! It was so great to allow them to socialize with other kids in a small class setting all while learning! It was awesome to see how much our children grew during the school year. The teachers are amazing and truly care for your [...]

Jen Powell -

6
My son attended MCNS this past January and our family absolutely loves it. All of the teachers are great and the lessons that they teach are so fun. My son would come home so excited to sing the songs that he learned and to show me his art work. You can tell the teachers truly [...]

Fawn Doran -

7
MCNS has been such an incredible first school  experience for my 3 year old son.   When I pulled up the first full day of school to drop off my son - i felt so relieved when he went right with Mrs. Towner - at the moment I knew this school was the place for him [...]

Chelsea Love-Griswold -

Parent
8

My son loved going to school at MCNS.  I feel that he is better prepared for kindergarten than children who didn’t attend MCNS.  I highly recommend this school because the teachers are amazing.

Michelene Hall -

Parent
9

I have nothing but positive things to say about MCNS Pre-K. Both of my children had Mrs. Ricci and were well prepared for kindergarten! She goes above and beyond to ensure that each student receives the support they need to be successful. Thanks for starting my children with a solid foundation!!

Jennifer Stiles -

Parent
10

MCNS has been a wonderful experience for our children.  The classes are well-crafted, providing opportunities for both socialization and academic enrichment, and the teachers are caring and committed, going above and beyond to connect with the students and make a difference in their lives. We couldn’t ask for a better preschool.

Steve Maxon -

Parent
11

We LOVE MCNS! The best decision we could have made for our boys was to send them here. Our middle son just graduated from the TK program and there is no doubt in my mind that he will be ahead in his Kindergarten class. The director and teachers go above and beyond to make sure […]

Gina Gage -

Parent
12

Our son is participating in transitional kindergarten this year. With a late fall birthday, this is proving to be the perfect experience to prepare him for the demands of kindergarten. He has made more progress in the last 5 months than we saw all of last year. We are so happy with the program at […]

Kelly Allgeier Mead -

Parent
13

We have been fortunate to be a part of MCNS for the past three years and can’t say enough good things about the caring environment, gifted teachers, and fantastic curriculum. Our son has thrived here and looks forward to every day he gets to attend. A hidden gem in our community!!

Doleen Hood -

Parent
14

My family has been involved in MCNS for 4 years. We have experienced the 2’s program, the 3’s and the 4’s and every teacher, every experience, has been amazing. My children have thrived there and the environment is not only one of learning but one of nurturing. The teacher’s love for children and for what […]

Jenna Fava Roote -

Parent
15

My twins have a late birthday so we have had the privilege of being able to send them here for three years. MCNS has made the learning environment fun and rewarding for them. They love going to school and look forward to it everyday. We are going to miss it next year when they are […]

Deanna Leone -

Parent