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

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Ariel Jones
June 27, 2026
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We have loved having our two kids here pretty much since the could go to daycare. The child led learning and the long term teachers have been amazing. The owner knows the kids by name and the staff all greet my kids in the halls. It is a wonderful school and we highly recomend for anyone searching for a close knit group and some child led learning that includes lots of sensory and fun!
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G Choate
July 17, 2025
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Can’t say enough good things! Our other child attended two other daycares here in the Boro. They were fine. But this one is exceptional. It has a nostalgic nod to what we believe childhood should be. In a world of screens in their faces, we cherish time in a magical forest (which they have), crafts with household items, and creativity without overstimulation. We saw a change in his behavior within a few months. He is 2 years ahead in verbal skills and creativity and play are amazing to watch. We are so thankful for Jody, Heather, Lindsey, Alexis, and all of the other amazing people in this wonderful place. Highly recommend.
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Steven Choate
July 17, 2025
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We transitioned our son to Stonebrook almost a year ago. What a difference! This curriculum is fantastic. His teachers and the school are wonderful. Lindsey and Alexis are absolutely exceptional. Our son adores them. They are patient, kind, but also teach him the lessons we try to instill in our home. We try to raise our children with core values and a drive to never stop learning. The curiosity this school encourages and old-school play in their forest is unmatched. We feel blessed to have our son in this school. Highly recommend.
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Grace Rogers
June 13, 2025
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This is the school I put my son in after being a stay at home mom for 18 months. My kid is almost three now and loves this school. The whole staff is friendly to him, he knows more teachers than i do!😂 Any issue that has come up has been handled with care and professionalism. I’m a very anxious mom and every time I’ve reached out to them with anything they listen and take action if needed. The outdoor space and curriculum is one that you won’t find at other daycares in the area. I have since moved out of Murfreesboro but still make the drive each day because i adore this day school. Amazing staff, caring teachers, and beautiful space. This daycare checks all boxes.
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Sarah Fann
May 16, 2025
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I can't say enough wonderful things about this Day School and the incredible women who make it so special! When we first started looking for a daycare—over seven years ago, before I even had my first child—we visited a few places. But the moment we stepped into Stonebrook, I knew it was the perfect place for our family. From their amazing playscape and peaceful forest to the loving teachers and staff, it was clear this was where my kids belonged. The teachers and directors have always been open and communicative, offering encouragement and support every step of the way. They were a huge help in potty training my kids—because let’s be honest, I’d probably still be struggling! My oldest has developed such a deep love for learning and reading, and I truly credit the wonderful teachers at Stonebrook for fostering that passion. Each morning and afternoon, we make our rounds to say hi and give hugs because my girls adore their teachers so much. They never want to leave at the end of the day—even my oldest, who no longer attends! There's always been a strong sense of peace and comfort in knowing my daughters are cared for by such nurturing and dedicated teachers. Stonebrook is more than just a daycare; it’s a community, a second home. When people ask if they compare to other daycares, my answer is simple—I don’t know, because I could never send my kids anywhere else. This has always been our place. You know you’ve found the right family when your kids are loved and cherished by every amazing teacher there. I truly couldn’t recommend them enough! ❤️
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Tiffany Jarrell - Barnes
May 12, 2025
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Stonebrook Day School has been such a gift to our family. From the moment I toured the school, I was drawn to the outdoor, real-world learning environment and the incredible emphasis on creativity, especially the dedicated art studio. The spaces are beautiful, inviting, and so intentionally designed to inspire curiosity and exploration in young children. What truly sets Stonebrook apart —and what has kept us there— is the staff. I’ve had two children attend Stonebrook (one currently enrolled), and I can say without hesitation that the educators here are among the most nurturing, loving, and dedicated people I’ve ever met. It’s not just that they love working with children—it’s that they genuinely love and know my children. That kind of personal care and connection gives me such peace of mind and means more than I can put into words. My children have learned empathy, independence, problem-solving, and a true love of learning. They come home talking about what they explored in not only the class, but also the forest, the art they made, or a new friend they played with outside in the natural playscapes. Watching my oldest leave for kindergarten was incredibly bittersweet. We were so excited for her next chapter, but it was hard to say goodbye to a place that had become such a trusted, supportive part of our lives. Stonebrook isn’t just a school, it’s a community that embraces and uplifts families. We’re so thankful to be part of it.
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Gillian Choate
March 25, 2025
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We love this school! Our child has thrived in this environment and we are so glad we made the change. Highly recommend.
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Lily Claire
March 25, 2025
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We love this school! The owner is amazing and truly values what she does. It is not just another money making daycare. Love that it is locally owned. Love the longevity of the employees. The director is amazing. Our son’s teachers are the best. Can’t say enough good things!
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Ethan F
March 20, 2025
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My 2 kids have been going here for years and have experienced basically every classroom and every teacher here at Stonebrook. That being said we have never had any issue with any teachers nor have we had any concerns about our boys safety.
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Willow Davies
March 20, 2025
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The teachers at this school go above and beyond for these kids! We've been a part of the Stonebrook family for 3 years now and I just love everyone there. The teachers are so patient and understanding with special request or schedules, and they worked with and helped me with potty training my crazy toddler. They have an art room(with a kiln?!), and a whole forest playground?? I wish I could go here, lol!
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