Enrollment at The Wilder School!

Wilder Memorial Nursery School · Founded in 1924 · Hingham, MA

Enrollment Guidelines
Please also see our Key Questions & Criteria

Applications to Wilder are accepted from October through February. Due to the large number of applications for admission, a lottery to determine enrollment, and managed by the Wilder Board, is held in early March. The results of the lottery are mailed out immediately.

Under the provisions of the Wilder Memorial Educational Trust endowed by Martin Wilder, it is stipulated that there is a preference for admission to the nursery school for members of the "South Parish" (South Hingham) of Hingham, and for immediate family members of previous Wilder attendees. Family members of Wilder School staff also have preference.

The Wilder Trust is administered by a Board of Trustees separate and independent of the nursery school. South Hingham residents must apply by January 1st, in order to have a preference.

Enrollment of Children with Disabilities

Children with disabilities are welcome at Wilder in accordance with the following guidelines:

If a child has special needs, parents must provide additional information from a physician, early intervention program director or another health provider who has worked with the child. The Director will meet with the parent to determine what accommodations need to be met to ensure the safety of the child. These may include special materials or equipment, a personal aide for the child, or modifications required in a classroom.

The Director will consider all factors and determine if needed accommodations affect the school's resources and/or impact the program in any way. Factors in making this determination would also include the nature of the disability, the cost of any necessary classroom modifications, and the number of persons required to supervise and assist the child. If accommodations cause undue burden, written notification to parents will be made within thirty days of receipt of information. Toileting accommodations are not considered an undue burden.

If the necessary adaptations can be made, and are reasonable, the child then will be accepted into the Wilder School program. The Director and an assigned staff member will both work with other service providers involved with the child to form an individualized plan. The school Director and one other staff member trained in special needs will be the designated liaisons for any child with a special need.