Member Julia Bolt
Hello!
My name is Julia Bolt, and I am the Director of the First Presbyterian Nursery School. Having grown up in Ridgewood, I am a proud graduate of Ridgewood High School and a product of the Ridgewood school system. My roots in the community run deep, and it has been incredibly meaningful to build my career in the very town that shaped me. I began my teaching career right here in Ridgewood as a first-grade teacher at Willard Elementary school. While on maternity leave from Willard school in 1991, I took a position as the gymmteacher at FPNS and later became a classroom teacher. In 2016, I was asked to step out of my longtime classroom role at FPNS and take the position of director. I’ll admit I had my reservations; teaching had always been where my heart was. But over time, I realized how much I had gained.
Instead of supporting just one class, I was now able to guide an entire school community - its children, families, and dedicated staff. Now, in 2025, I remain honored to serve as director and to continue growing alongside our Nursery School. When I was given the honor of becoming director, a parent sent me a beautiful message. She wrote, “Mrs. Bolt, a slice of home”. That line has stayed with me ever since, because it captures exactly what I hope our school has been – and continues to be: a slice of home. Over the years, those words grew into something even more meaningful. They became the spirit and the unofficial motto of our school: “a home away from home”. Our school opened its doors 57 years ago, and it has continued to grow and evolve. Today our curriculum is fresh, purposeful, and designed to meet the needs of modern learners -giving our students the very best foundation. Our children enjoy music, Spanish class, and gym as part of their regular experience. We are proud to say that our program prepares children not only for kindergarten, but for a lifelong love of learning. In 2025, we were honored to be proud recipients of the (201) Best of Bergen Winner for best preschool in Bergen County.
FPNS places a strong emphasis on building meaningful relationships with our families. Parents are invited into the classroom on their child’s birthday to share a special book and snack with the class. On Special Person Visitation Day, each student selects one adult guest to join them for the morning, participating in classroom activities- including music and gym – and experiencing a typical day alongside their child. Parents and extended family members are also welcomed to attend our Halloween Parade, holiday, and end of year programs, which are highlights of the school year. In January, we host parent-teacher conferences, providing families with developmental checklists and portfolios to support each child’s growth. And as a helpful bonus, we offer a valet line for drop-off and pick-up- a feature our parents truly love.
Call for a tour and visit us at 722 East Ridgewood Avenue. Enrollment for the 26-27 school year has begun. You can reach out to me at director@fpnsr.com or 201-445-2552 and find out more at https://www.fpnsr.com or on Facebook @First Presbyterian Nursery School
Parent Tips for a Positive Preschool Experience
Talk about their school day. Ask open-ended questions like” What made you happy
today/” instead of did you have a good day?”
Read together daily. Even 10 minutes a day helps grow vocabulary, imagination, and
attention span.
Encourage independence. Let your child dress themselves, clean up, or open their own
snack or lunch containers. Little responsibilities build confidence.
Say goodbye with confidence. A quick, loving goodbye helps your child learn that school
is a safe place and that you’ll always return. Keep goodbyes calm, confident, and quick.
Communicate with teachers. We’re partners in your child’s growth – share observations,
questions, and any changes at home that may affect your child,
Enjoy this stage! Preschool years are full of discovery – be present and enjoy the little
moments. This age goes fast!
