When Primrose School of North Shore – Danvers first opened its doors, co-owners Kristen TenBroek and Danielle Rodrigues were guided by both professional experience and personal perspective.

“As mothers who have both worked full-time since having children, we know how important it is to find a school that feels like a second home,” they explain. “It has to be a place where kids are safe, nurtured, and inspired to learn.”

That understanding shaped the foundation of the school from day one. Kristen, a Registered Nurse with 15 years of experience, spent much of her career in hospital settings before transitioning into home care and early intervention at a developmental day school. Danielle, who holds a Master’s in Physical Therapy, has spent more than two decades working closely with children and families across home, school, and clinical environments. Together, they brought a shared commitment to child development and family support when they partnered in 2022 to open the school.

Their mission is straightforward: to help children build confidence, curiosity, and a lasting love of learning.

 “We were drawn to the Primrose mission, curriculum, and values and wanted to bring that same experience to families in our community,” they say. “Early education should be caring, fun, and engaging—it sets the tone for everything that follows.”

At its core, the school offers a full range of early childhood education programs designed to support children from infancy through kindergarten readiness. These include infant and toddler care, early preschool and preschool programs, as well as Pre-K and Transitional Kindergarten options for children who may benefit from additional preparation before entering elementary school.

“We’re focused on the whole child,” Kristen says. “That means not just academics, but social and emotional development too. We want children to feel confident, capable, and excited to learn every day.”

The school’s Balanced Learning® curriculum blends purposeful play with teacher-guided instruction, helping children develop critical thinking skills while still enjoying the natural curiosity of early childhood. STEAM-based activities, hands-on projects, and thematic learning experiences are integrated throughout the day, creating an environment where learning feels engaging and approachable.

Danielle adds, “Every child is different, and our goal is to meet them where they are. We want to support their individual growth while also helping them build relationships and social skills that will carry forward into school and life.”

In addition to its academic approach, the school places strong emphasis on creating a supportive and consistent experience for families. Meals and snacks are prepared daily, and the leadership team—including Director of Operations Sofia Voci, Director of Children and Staff Gretchen Dawson, Admissions Coordinator Hayley Greco, and Director of Education Caitlin Turner—works closely with both staff and parents.

“Families want to know they can ask questions, share concerns, and feel heard,” Danielle says. “We’ve built a team that’s approachable and experienced, and that makes a real difference.”

The school has also grown steadily in response to community needs. In just a few years, it has expanded from six classrooms to thirteen and added new programs like Transitional Kindergarten.

“We’re very intentional about how we grow,” Kristen says. “We’re selective in hiring and committed to maintaining a high standard of care. Every child deserves attention, engagement, and a nurturing environment.”

Beyond the classroom, community involvement plays an important role in the school’s culture. Through partnerships with local organizations, families and students participate in service initiatives such as school supply drives, diaper collections, and food donations. These efforts are designed not only to help others but also to teach children the value of empathy and giving.

“Part of the Primrose culture is teaching our students to ‘give without expectations,’ and we believe those lessons start early,” Danielle says. “When children see how their actions can help others, it builds a sense of responsibility and kindness that stays with them.”

As the school approaches its fourth year, Kristen and Danielle are focused on continuing to grow while staying true to their original vision. Achieving accreditation and celebrating milestones like their first Transitional Kindergarten graduation are markers of progress, but their long-term goal remains centered on impact.

“We’re proud of what we’ve built, but we’re always looking ahead,” Kristen says. “We want to continue expanding our Primrose family and potentially open another location in the future.”

For families navigating early education decisions, their advice is simple and grounded in experience.

“It’s never too late to make a change or find a school that’s the right fit,” they say. “Do your research and choose a place that aligns with your values. The right environment can make all the difference in a child’s growth, confidence, and love of learning.”

Primrose School of North Shore – Danvers
 Phone: 978-972-5732
 www.primroseschools.com/schools/north-shore-danvers
 Facebook: Primrose North Shore Danvers
 Instagram: @primrosenorthshore