Grassroutes Preschool

Preschool for children North of Boston

Grassroutes Preschool is an educational program offering a learn-through-play curriculum for the children of the North Shore.

With four play areas inside and a very large play area outside, Grassroutes offers a plethora of materials, activities, and opportunities for curious learners to explore, discover, and most importantly, play. A technology free preschool, our animals, gardens, cooking, and outdoor exploration are all germane to the Grassroute’s experience.

Grassroutes preschool opened its doors in 2012 as an alternative to traditional preschools. Now open in Essex, Grassroutes embraces a learn through outdoor play, with an emphasis on inquiry based learning. There is no such thing as bad weather here at Grassroutes. We are outside everyday, as much as possible, using nature as our toys. Our small classes are immersed in nature, imagination, and creativity - and most importantly no technology.

We know how hectic your life is as a parent and we are here to help.  The preschool runs from 8:30 to 12:00, but you tell us what you need? We have had students come for one morning a week and others that have been here 8:00 to 5:00 everyday. Student ages have run from 6 months to 5 years. Grassroots is open year round, including most holidays and public school breaks. Tuition is $10 an hour and is paid at the beginning of each month.

Founder Jan Albertazzi holds a Masters in Early Education from Lesley University and is a licensed teacher for the commonwealth of Massachusetts. Jan also holds a JD from Suffolk Law and is a proud mom of three.

 

Location

Grassroutes Preschool
43 Story Street
Essex, MA
01966
Phone: 978-890-5122

Social Media

Location

Landmark Summer Program at Landmark School in Beverly Massachusetts

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Explore! North Shore: Winter Hike at Moraine Farm

The Explore! North Shore hiking series will get you outside and moving at Moraine Farm in Beverly Massachusetts
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10:00 am to 12:30 pm

Gloucester's So Salty 2026

Celebrate Gloucester Massachusetts recognizably salty character with local cultural institutions in the heart of downtown.
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10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Watching the Coastal Edge at Halibut Point

Tour the WWII era observation tower at Halibut Point State Park in Rockport Massachusetts.
Meet at the Halibut Point State Park visitors center to learn about the role Halibut Point has played in America’s military history. One day after the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, U.S.
11:00 am to 12:30 pm

Raptor Roundup: Meet Live Birds of Prey at IRWS

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Get a close look at some live local birds of prey while keeping warm in our barn! Learn each bird's unique story, discover why raptors play such a vital role in our environment, and explore their amazing adaptations, like keen eyesight and powerful talons, that help them survive in the wild....
11:00 am to 12:30 pm

Amesbury Winter Market

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12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

CraneOutdoors: Family Winter Wildlife Walk

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1:00 pm to 3:30 pm

Sunday STEAM Club at North Shore Children's Museum

Visit Peabody MA, NorthShore, North Shore Children's Museum
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2:30 pm to 4:00 pm

Saturday, January 31

Nice n' Easy Hike at Breakheart Reservation

Nice and Easy winter hike at Breakheart Reservation in Saugus Massachusetts
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9:30 am to 11:30 am

CraneOutdoors: The Castle Hill Hike

CraneOutdoors: The Castle Hill Hike at the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts
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10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Animal Tracks | Family Nature Series

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10:00 am to 11:30 am

CraneExplorer: Family Full Moon Hike in the Dunes

Walk through the Crane Wildlife Refuge in Ipswich Massachusetts with the Trustees under the full moon.
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4:30 pm to 6:30 pm

Sunday, February 1

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Watching the Coastal Edge at Halibut Point

Tour the WWII era observation tower at Halibut Point State Park in Rockport Massachusetts.
Meet at the Halibut Point State Park visitors center to learn about the role Halibut Point has played in America’s military history. One day after the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, U.S.
11:00 am to 12:30 pm

CraneOutdoors: Family Winter Wildlife Walk

Come explore the dunes on Castle Neck and Crane Beach in Ipswich Massachusetts to learn about winter wildlife.
A CraneOutdoors Family Winter Wildlife Walk will take you on a stroll through the Crane Beach dunes while learning about the plants and animals that call this special place home. You may be familiar with Crane Beach, but have you ever visited the dune trails? The dunes of Castle Neck are a much...
1:00 pm to 3:30 pm

Sunday STEAM Club at North Shore Children's Museum

Visit Peabody MA, NorthShore, North Shore Children's Museum
Join in on Sundays at 2:30 for STEAM Club for ages 5-11. Each week participants will explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math with our NSCM staff! Every STEAM club session will see your kids participating in hands-on activities while exploring a new topic. Space is limited, please...
2:30 pm to 4:00 pm

Snow Moon Winter Celebration

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CraneExplorer: Family Full Moon Hike in the Dunes

Walk through the Crane Wildlife Refuge in Ipswich Massachusetts with the Trustees under the full moon.
There is almost nothing more peaceful than a evening walk at the Crane Estate, and we would like to invite your family to join us for a unique hiking experience. With the full moon rising over the Atlantic, we’ll start with a sunset stroll along Crane Beach admiring this spectacle before heading...
4:30 pm to 6:30 pm