By Rania Mirza
The Ormewood School, a nonprofit early childhood education center in the Ormewood Park community, is preparing to celebrate its 20th anniversary this September. As a nonprofit school, its mission has always focused on providing a nurturing, community-based learning environment for young children and their families. For many families, students, and staff, this milestone is both a reflection of the past and a celebration of a deeply rooted community. For me, The Ormewood School has been part of my life for nearly as long as I can remember. I first attended as a student in 2006 and now return as a teacher – a full-circle experience that has given me a deeper appreciation for the community that shaped me.
My connection to the school is also family-based. My mother worked at The Ormewood School for over 15 years, and I grew up hearing stories about classrooms filled with curiosity, dedicated teachers, and a strong sense of purpose. I have also watched my siblings attend the school and continue on to Pre-K and Kindergarten, building their own foundation here as well.
A central part of the school’s history is Director Cindy Cahalen, who has been involved since its founding. She began as a classroom teacher before becoming director over 18 years ago, and her leadership has helped shape the school’s stability, growth, and community-driven mission as a nonprofit organization. Her daughter and I were classmates at TOS, and we later worked together in summer programs and in roles supporting the High School Teacher’s Assistant Program. That program, along with the school’s Summer Program, continues to connect The Ormewood School to the wider community. Since 2015, I have supported the High School Teacher’s Assistant Program, which provides local high school students with hands-on experience working with young children under the guidance of lead teachers and staff. For many, it is their first exposure to early childhood education as a potential career path.
One lasting example of community partnership is the playground, built in 2014 through community support. Nearly 12 years later, it remains an active space where children play daily and neighborhood families continue to gather.
As the school approaches its 20th anniversary, the community will come together for a weekend celebration on September 18-19 (Friday and Saturday). Families, alumni, and neighbors are invited to take part in honoring this milestone and the many people who have helped shape the school over the years.
As a nonprofit preschool, The Ormewood School continues to grow through the support of its families and surrounding community. This anniversary is as much about the future as it is about the past, and we welcome the community to be part of it.
The Ormewood School has always been more than a preschool. It is a place of connection, growth, and belonging, and I am grateful to continue being part of its story. Join us in celebrating 20 years of The Ormewood School as a nonprofit preschool dedicated to community, learning, and connection. If you would like to support the event and/or the preschool, please reach out to Cindy at ormewoodschool@gmail.com.
For more information, visit Ormewood School Friends & Families on Facebook.
