The Reggio Emilia Approach · Murfreesboro, TN

Every Child Is Capable, Curious, and Full of Potential

Stonebrook is Murfreesboro's only Reggio Emilia–inspired school. It's a philosophy that starts with a simple belief: children are natural learners who deserve to be seen, heard, and trusted from their very first day.

  • Children help direct their own learning
  • Learning and play are never separated
  • The only Reggio-inspired school in Murfreesboro
What Is Reggio Emilia?

A world-renowned approach to early learning

Born in the town of Reggio Emilia, Italy, this approach is built on making connections between feelings, ideas, words, and actions. It begins with the belief that every child arrives full of curiosity and potential, and that this natural drive is what fuels real, lasting learning. At Stonebrook, we've adapted these principles to our own community, our campus, and the children we serve right here in Murfreesboro.

What this looks like at Stonebrook

The Reggio philosophy runs deep, but for parents it comes down to a few powerful ideas about how children learn best.
01

Your child is taken seriously

The Image of the Child
We see every child as capable and competent, with real preferences, interests, and opinions. We listen to their ideas and treat their thoughts as worth hearing, building the confidence that comes from feeling valued.
02

Learning follows their curiosity

Teacher as Researcher & Project Approach
We see every child as capable and competent, with real preferences, interests, and opinions. We listen to their ideas and treat their thoughts as worth hearing, building the confidence that comes from feeling valued.
03

The classroom is a teacher too

The Role of the Environment
Every space is arranged with intention and natural materials that invite exploration. Children move, choose, and create freely, learning independence and confidence with little adult intervention
04

Growth is made visible

The Power of Documentation
Teachers capture learning through photos, notes, and collected work. This helps children reflect on their ideas, and lets you see and share in your child's growth over time.
The Hundred Languages of Children

A hundred ways to learn and express

Perhaps the most beautiful idea in the Reggio approach: children have countless ways of showing what they understand. Every one of these "languages" is valued and nurtured at Stonebrook, because learning and play are never separated.
Drawing
Sculpting
Dance & Movement
Painting
Pretend Play
Music
Storytelling
Building
Families Are Part of It

You're a partner, not a bystander

In the Reggio approach, families are essential. Every family brings a unique perspective that enriches the classroom, and we actively welcome parents into the life of the school.

Through documentation, conversation, and shared experiences, you'll stay connected to what your child is discovering, and you'll be able to carry that learning home in ways that reinforce it every day.

Trusted by Murfreesboro Families

What parents are saying

Frequently Asked Questions

Reggio Emilia questions, answered

It's an early-learning philosophy that treats children as capable, curious individuals who learn best by exploring their own interests. Instead of a fixed curriculum, learning emerges from what genuinely fascinates each child, guided by observant teachers.

Authentic Reggio Emilia schools exist only in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Like the best schools worldwide, Stonebrook is Reggio-inspired: we adapt its guiding principles to our own community and campus. We're the only Reggio-inspired school in Murfreesboro.

Absolutely. Child-led, project-based learning builds strong critical thinking, communication, and social skills, along with the academic foundations children need. Learn more on our Kindergarten Readiness page.

It's a Reggio idea that children express understanding in countless ways, through art, music, movement, dramatic play, building, and more. We provide rich materials and experiences so children can learn and communicate in whatever "language" fits them best.

See the Reggio difference for yourself

The best way to understand this approach is to watch it happen. Tour our Murfreesboro campus and see curious, capable children leading their own learning.
140 West Thompson Lane
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
615-893-7372 admin@stonebrookdayschool.com
Hours
Monday – Friday
6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Find Us
Open 12 months a year
Ages 6 weeks – 5 years
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Murfreesboro, TN