Hingham’s Oldest Nursery School Welcomes New Director

April 26, 2023 Submitted by Wilder Memorial Nursery School

Mallory Wuori to Join Wilder Memorial Nursery School for the 2023/2024 School Year 

Mallory Wuori, M.Ed., will join Wilder Memorial Nursery School as the school’s new Director on June 30, 2023. Wuori will take the place of Cissy McCullough who has been with the school since 2010. While the school is sad to see McCullough go, parents and teachers alike are excited to welcome Wuori for the upcoming school year.

Cissy says of Wuori, “It is with great pleasure that I hand over the helm of Wilder Memorial Nursery School to Mallory Wuori. Mallory’s educational background, connection to Wilder, community involvement and love of family makes her a perfect fit for our special little school. I wish her great success in her new position at Wilder.”

Wilder Memorial Nursery School has served generations of families since 1924. The school is considered to be the oldest cooperative preschool in the United States and the very first preschool to welcome three-year-olds. Wilder is rich in history and unique in its traditions and has very strong roots in the Hingham community . The school prides itself on creating celebratory occasions for its students, and works to nurture and enrich the lives of each child through play-based learning, including several local field trips and ample outdoor time.

Since 2016, Wilder has been led by Cissy McCullough, who has embodied the heart and traditions of Wilder. Now, after six years as Director, McCullough is handing the reigns to Wuori who has three generations of Wilder graduates in her family – Wuori’s mother-in-law, husband, and three children are Wilder graduates. Wuori is now eager to bring her love of Wilder to currently enrolled and future families.

“Wilder was the first school experience we had as a family. We always felt welcome and each one of my children received the exact introduction to school that they needed,” said Wuori. “The Wilder community is one I am proud to be a part of. When I told my youngest son I was going to be the Director of Wilder he asked if he could come back with me! Not only did Wilder touch my heart as a parent but it touched my children’s hearts, and we are all so thankful to have that. I am honored to be the Director of such a special school and I look forward to working with the teachers, children and families.”

Through her years with Wilder, Wuori has developed a true love for the school. As she takes on her new role as Director, Wuori is looking forward to continuing the wonderful traditions that she and her family so fondly remember, including the Wilder Rodeo, Wilder Graduation , Wilder Fair and the many other long standing special events.

In addition to her experience with Wilder, Wuori has roots as an educator in the community, with extensive experience in teaching ranging from preschool through fourth grade. Currently, Wuori teaches fourth grade at the Grace Farrar Cole Elementary School in Norwell, MA. Prior to this, she taught for eight years at Plymouth River Elementary School, in both kindergarten and third grade. Wuori holds a B.A. in Early Childhood Education and Psychology from Simmons College and a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Massachusetts.

As Wilder nears the end of the school year, Wuori will spend time getting up to speed and working collaboratively with Wilder staff to make this a smooth transition for the Wilder community. Wuori will also be in attendance at the schools annual Wilder Fair, open to the whole community, on June 3, 2023 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.). Please join us at the Wilder Fair to meet and welcome Wuori to her new role.

If you are interested in learning more about Wilder Memorial Nursery School visit www.wilderschool.org