History of Pied Piper

Betty Hart founded Pied Piper Nursery School in 1972, creating a warm and welcoming environment where children could thrive. The little school quickly became a staple in Scarborough for many preschoolers and their families to create lasting memories.

When Betty retired, Vickie Wahrer became the owner and continued to uphold Betty’s original mission: to let children learn through play. At Pied Piper, we believe play is the foundation of learning, helping children build confidence, creativity, and social skills in a nurturing setting.

Now under the ownership of Carolyn Freeman, a former Pied Piper student and dedicated educator, the school proudly carries on Betty Hart’s legacy—offering a safe, engaging space where children are encouraged to explore, discover, and grow.

Visit our FAQ page for information about tuition, hours, how to enroll and more great information!

Meet the Teachers

Carolyn Freeman
Owner/Co-Teacher

From a young age I always knew I wanted to be a teacher and I’m so fortunate to be at Pied Piper (where I was once a student!). I received my degree in Elementary Education from Saint Joseph’s College and went on to teach 3rd grade and Kindergarten in both the Windham and Portland School Districts. As much as I loved teaching, I stepped away for a few years to be a stay-at-home-mom before returning to the classroom. Being a mom gave me a whole new perspective on early childhood education and how important that foundation is for a child and their caregivers. I have been teaching at Pied Piper for the past two years learning the ins and outs of preschool. Being part of a child’s first experiences of learning is so rewarding. The preschool years are an important part of a child’s life where they can learn and explore through play. I look forward to providing a loving, nurturing environment where children (and their families) feel safe and supported. Pied Piper holds a special place in my heart so to be back as owner is a full circle moment that I feel so lucky to experience. 

I live in Scarborough with my husband and kids ages 12, 9 and 4.  As a family we love to play outside together, go to the beach and take walks around our neighborhood with our dog, Riley.  Basketball has always been a big part of my life so along with being a mom and teacher, I also coach high school basketball in the winter which I find to be just as rewarding as teaching!

I’m so grateful to be at Pied Piper and I am looking forward to being a part of your child’s learning journey!

Elyse Edwards
Co-Teacher

Hi, my name is Elyse Edwards and I am a graduate of the University of Maine at Farmington where I received a degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Visual and Preforming Arts. After graduation I went on to teach kindergarten in central maine for 5 years before moving to Boston and the North Shore. There I worked in the North End at a private school for a year before becoming a kindergarten teacher again in Southern Maine for 3 years. I have since moved back to Maine with my husband and have twin boys of my own! I have been a stay-at-home mom for the past 6 years. It has been the most rewarding experience to be on the other side, watching my own children learn and grow! I have always been passionate about early childhood education. Preschool is a unique time when children are just starting to dip their toes into their educational experience and making sure it’s a positive and supportive one is so important. This is the time where children are really starting to learn about themselves, learning to be a part of a community of friends and starting to explore the world around them through discovery, curiosity and play. I love to be creative and I love to help children find creativity within themselves. This quote from Fred Rogers is one of my favorites and one that I fashion my own teaching philosophy around. “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood” When I am not teaching, I enjoy being in the sunshine, exploring the world with my family and snuggling with my cats at home! I look forward to a great year at Pied Piper and meeting all the Pied Piper families!

A family of four sitting outdoors on grass during fall, smiling at the camera. The parents are kneeling, with the mother holding a young boy in a blue sweater and the father with a young boy in a red sweater.