Confidence
Curiosity
Creativity
Community
The Putnam Indian Field School is an independent co-educational preschool dedicated to nurturing young children from toddlerhood through pre-kindergarten. Founded in 1978 through the merger of two respected Greenwich nursery schools, PIFS carries forward over 70 years of excellence in early childhood education.
Children explore and interact with live animals while discovering life cycles, seasons, and scientific concepts through hands-on learning.
Outdoor exploration fosters curiosity and environmental awareness through gardening, seasonal changes, and sensory experiences.
Children develop coordination and creativity through music, dance, and rhythmic play, enhancing self-expression and cognitive growth.
Creative expression thrives with painting, sculpting, and sensory play, building fine motor skills, confidence, and a lifelong love for the arts and self-expression.
Our Mission
PIFS provides an early childhood educational experience that will ignite a love of learning, inspire children to be creative and critical thinkers, and foster a culture of respect for our communities and natural world.
We believe that children are powerful learners and that they learn best in thoughtfully prepared and engaging environments guided by teachers who are joyful and careful listeners. Sound social and emotional development is our primary goal. Meaningful connections sparked through play, exploration, and discovery provide the foundation for lifelong curiosity and growth.
As a non-profit institution, PIFS is guided by a Board of Trustees composed of school parents. It is licensed by the State of Connecticut and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). In 2016, the school became a Connecticut Green LEAF School, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.