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Celebrating 80 Years of TARTTs Day Care Centers

TARTTs Day Care Centers, a cornerstone of early childhood education in Boston, is excited to mark its 80th anniversary this year. Founded in May 1946 by the visionary Bessie Tartt Wilson, the institution's legacy continues to thrive, especially after joining the Cadence Education family just over a year ago. This merger has allowed TARTTs to uphold its dedication to family-centric education while benefiting from the resources of a national educational network.

“We are privileged to honor the mission that Bessie Tartt Wilson initiated eight decades ago, and we are committed to ensuring TARTTs remains at the forefront of early education in Boston, a city widely known for its commitment to education,” stated Leigh-Ellen Louie, CEO of Cadence Education.

The current Executive Director and Bessie's great-granddaughter, Nida Wright Adjetey, expressed pride in overseeing the three locations that her family built. “Our rich history is marked by resilience and unwavering dedication to quality education,” said Wright Adjetey. She highlighted TARTTs' mission to foster both social and academic growth for what they term the 'total child.'

Bessie Tartt Wilson, a young nursing school graduate from Alabama, found herself changing career paths due to health challenges that prevented her from pursuing nursing. Instead, she began caring for children in her home on Holborn Terrace, which is now recognized as Kavanaugh Way. What started as personal care blossomed into a long-lasting influence on families across Boston, shaping the futures of countless children.

After Bessie's passing in 1999, her daughter Mary L. Reed and her grandchildren continued to expand the legacy by moving the home-based service into a commercial property. By the end of 2019, TARTTs Day Care Center II had occupied spaces within a municipal building owned by the City of Boston, a site previously housing a YMCA daycare. For nearly two decades, TARTTs thrived in that location, becoming a hub for municipal services while evolving alongside the community.

As the organization expanded, TARTTs transitioned to its current locations in Boston's bustling South End and SoWa districts. The centers are strategically situated within walking distance of one another, enabling families to easily navigate age-specific services across all locations.

Wright Adjetey mentioned, “Our ties to the South End are deep, representing not just a business decision but a homecoming for us.” Today, TARTTs operates three facilities:

• - TARTTs South End (Harrison Ave.)
• - TARTTs SOWA (Harrison Ave.)
• - TARTTs at The Factory (Wareham St.)

“Celebrating 80 years is not just about longevity; it’s about our enduring commitment to the vision of my great-grandmother and the trust that generations of families have placed in us,” she added. At TARTTs, the focus is also on supporting the dedicated teachers who are fundamental to the institution's mission. Ensuring a continuity of care remains paramount for Boston families, reinforcing the school’s dedication to nurturing each child's full potential.

About TARTTs Day Care Centers

Founded by Bessie Tartt Wilson in 1946, TARTTs Day Care Centers is dedicated to providing comprehensive early childhood education that emphasizes social, physical, and academic growth. With three locations in Boston's South End and SoWa areas, TARTTs has been part of the Cadence Education family since December 2024.

About Cadence Education

Cadence Education is a leading force in early childhood education in the United States, managing over 320 private preschools and elementary schools nationwide. With a commitment to delivering personalized excellence in childcare and early education, Cadence Education has over 30 years of experience. To learn more, visit Cadence Education.