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Our History
Founded in 1952
Over 65 years ago, Hollis Preschool was founded by a group of local residents who believed young children needed a place to gather, play, share, sing, paint, and hear stories. The preschool began in a private home, but within a year moved to the Hollis Congregational Church—its home for nearly five decades.
During its time at the church, Hollis Preschool and a kindergarten program (which had joined in 1953) were incorporated and overseen by a parent-run Board of Directors. When the Hollis public schools introduced kindergarten in 1985, the preschool remained, continuing its mission to provide high-quality early education.
In 1999, while the church was being renovated, the preschool temporarily moved to Hollis Town Hall. Our playground at Little Nichols Field—built through family fundraising and support—remains a cherished part of our tradition and the site of our annual four-year-old graduation celebration.
As the local community grew, so did the demand for quality early childhood education. Hollis Preschool opened its doors to families from surrounding towns, with registration growing steadily—sometimes so popular that parents would line up in the early hours of January mornings, bundled in campers with coffee and cocoa in hand.
The biggest shift came in 2001, when the preschool moved to its current location, with an expansion completed in 2007. In this new space, Hollis Preschool has continued to grow and adapt, always committed to offering enriching, developmentally appropriate, and engaging opportunities for both children and staff.
Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future
With the support of dedicated families, a committed Director, and an active parent Board, Hollis Preschool continues to thrive. Many of our current students are children of alumni, a testament to the lasting impact of our program.
Though our space has changed, our mission remains the same: to offer a nurturing, play-based environment where children grow, learn, and begin to build lifelong connections. Here’s to today—and all the days ahead!
