We are currently accepting applications for Pre-K and Kindergarten for Fall 2023. Schedule a private tour.

  • Alumni
  • Parent Portal
  • Give
  • Visit Us
Skip to content
  • About
    • About WES
      • Fast Facts
      • Mission, Vision, & Portrait
      • Episcopal Identity
      • History
      • 2018-2023 Strategic Plan
      • WES Accreditation
    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
    • Leadership & Faculty
      • Welcome from the Head of School
      • Our Faculty
      • Parents Association
      • Governing Board
      • Community Partners
    • Careers
  • Admissions
    • Why WES
    • Admission Process
    • Schedule a Private Tour
    • RSVP for an Admission Event
    • Admission Calendar
    • Chat with a Current Parent
    • Tuition & Financial Assistance
    • High School & College
    • Admissions Blog
    • Our Admission Team
  • Academic Life
    • Early Childhood (Age 3- Gr. 1)
      • Early Childhood Welcome
      • Academics
      • Student Life
      • Kindness & Community
      • Arts
      • STEM & Innovation
      • School Schedule
      • Experiential Study Trips
    • Elementary (Gr. 2-5)
      • Elementary School Welcome
      • Academics
      • Student Life
      • Kindness & Community
      • Arts
      • STEM & Innovation
      • Athletics
      • School Schedule
      • Experiential Study Trips
    • Middle School (Gr. 6-8)
      • Middle School Welcome
      • Academics
      • Student Life
      • Kindness & Community
      • Arts
      • STEM & Innovation
      • Athletics
      • School Schedule
      • Experiential Study Trips
  • Campus Life
    • COVID-19 Information and Response
    • School Calendar
    • After School Programming
      • Extended Day
      • After-School Enrichment Program
    • Athletics
    • News & Events
    • Campus Highlights
    • School Uniforms
    • Photo Gallery
    • Video Gallery
    • Traditions at WES
  • Support
    • Annual Fund
    • Auction
    • Ways to Give
    • Give
    • Alumni
    • Volunteer
    • Grandparents & Special Friends Day
    • Sales
      • Campus Store
      • Used Uniforms
    • Meet the Development Office
  • Summer at WES
    • Summer at WES
      • Sleep Away Camp @ Camp Tall Timbers
      • Jr. Dragon Day Camp
      • Dragon Quest Camp
      • Choose Your Own Adventure Camp
      • Outdoor Adventures
      • DMV Excursions
      • Counselor in Training Program
    • Summer at WES Overview
    • Why Summer@WES?
    • Camps by Age Group
    • Summer@WES Policies
    • Sign Up for Camp
  • Contact
  • Dragon Login
  • Support

Early Childhood Welcome

The Most Important Years

Research shows that some of the most critical brain development takes place before children even reach Kindergarten. Our Early Childhood program will help set up your child for lasting success.

 

Meet Mary Lee Nickel

Mary Lee Nickel – Early Childhood Director at Best Private Preschool BethesdaOur youngest students derive such pleasure from their cozy classroom time and from being vital parts of the larger school. They are known by everyone as superstars in the community, which is a major confidence builder.  While the classroom sharpens the mind, the community strengthens character. With additional support from our learning specialist, counselor, and Chaplain, our talented faculty nurtures each of our learners.

I have been involved in early childhood education for over 30 years, and, for the last 17 years, at Washington Episcopal School. I have taught all grades and levels from preschool up to Grade 3 as well as serving as a teacher, mentor, head librarian, reading teacher, and administrator. It is my profound privilege to welcome you to the WES Early Childhood program and share with you all the robust curriculum, DC area field trips, thematic explorations, and wonderful community members that comprise our extraordinary program.

Mary Lee Nickel
Early Childhood Director

 

Mary Lee Nickel is a graduate of the University of Virginia where she received a Bachelor of Science in Education. Mrs. Nickel is a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, National Association for the Education of Young Children, The Director’s Exchange in Washington, DC, and the MAESA Early Childhood Conference Planning Committee.

Academics

Student Life

Kindness & Community

Arts

STEM & Innovation

School Schedule

Extended Day

After School Enrichment Program

Experiential Study Trips

18

virtues studied over two years

3

recesses a day

3

art studios

15K

titles in library

3

STEM spaces

7

athletic and playground spaces

Want to Know More?

  • Why WES?
  • Schedule a Tour
  • Apply Now
Quicklinks:
  • Contact Us
  • Careers
  • Athletics Schedule
  • School Calendar
Login Area:
  • Parent Login
  • Faculty Login
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Vimeo

5600 Little Falls Parkway Bethesda, MD 20816 | 301-652-7878