History

In March of 2004, the newly formed Chilmark School Task Force explored how the school could better meet the needs of its community and increase enrollment. From this Task Force, a Preschool Committee was assembled to investigate the possibility of housing a private, non-profit preschool within the school. As a result of that committee’s hard work and dedication, Chilmark Preschool opened at the beginning of the 2005-2006 school year. The committee was fortunate to hire veteran Early Childhood Educator, the late Chris Abrams, as its founding Director. It was her vision, wisdom and philosophy that built the foundation for the high quality preschool program that evolved.   

During Chris's tenure, she touched the lives of countless children and families, educated teachers and was a champion for early childhood education on the island. Her knowledge, advocacy and passion for education inspired a new generation of teachers. Chris brought her love of music and commitment to environmental causes into the classroom, growing a love for the arts and a respect for our natural world amongst her students. Chris retired in 2010, passing the torch to fellow Wheelock alumna, Heather Quinn, who led the program until 2017. Under Heather’s strong leadership, Chilmark Preschool expanded its reach, offering families a full-time program. Next, Anja May, who taught alongside Chris and Heather at the Preschool, assumed the Directorship, guiding the program through the Covid-19 pandemic and playing a pivotal role in getting the new building project off the ground.

After years of planning and community-wide support, Chilmark Preschool officially broke ground on its new permanent home on the Beetlebung Campus on June 27, 2025, two years after Chilmark voters approved construction on town-owned land. The milestone launched an ambitious building project designed to secure the Preschool’s future while doubling its capacity and, for the first time, creating dedicated space for toddlers. The project was made possible by an extraordinary coalition of families, community members, local organizations, foundations, and donors: Friends of Chilmark Preschool ultimately raised $4.2 million, including a $600,000 grant from MVYouth, a $200,000 grant from the Martha’s Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation, private donations, and more than $500,000 raised through three summers of benefit performances by Seth Meyers. Designed by Music Street Architects and built by South Mountain Company, the new, energy-efficient two-classroom school was completed on time and under budget, culminating in a community ribbon-cutting celebration on August 27, 2026. The building opened to students on September 8, giving Chilmark Preschool its first dedicated home in its more than 20-year history and providing space for up to 38 preschoolers and toddlers—an important expansion of early childhood education and care for Island families and the year-round workforce.

Now, alumni parent and former Chilmark School teacher Casey Esposito leads the preschool as our beloved Program Director. She, along with our fabulous teachers Michelle Belisle, Skye MacDuff Kerns, Abbey Hitchings, Caroline Davey Hannah, Jasmine Devine, and Sarah Chickering are shepherding the Chilmark Preschool through an exciting first year in our new, permanent space. Throughout it all, Chris' vision continues to guide the curriculum and Reggio-inspired approach at the Chilmark Preschool.