New Medford Child Care Center Celebrates Grand Opening

A historic Medford church just got a significant addition.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Aug 27, 2026 9:39 AM EDT

MEDFORD, MA — A local child care and preschool program recently celebrated the opening of a new location in West Medford.

Bonsai Learning Academy opened its new space at Shiloh Baptist Church at 1 Holton St. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn. The renovated space received Community Preservation Act funding for ADA improvements and building restoration.

"This project is a wonderful example of how Community Preservation Act funding can help preserve our community's historic spaces," Lungo-Koehn said. "The renovated space is a fantastic investment in the church, the school, and the families they serve."

Bonsai Learning Academy was founded by Yuliya Borowski and provides play-based child care and early education. The program focuses on creating connections between children, educators, and families while allowing children to learn through play and hands-on experiences. Borowski said she created Bonsai in part because she wanted children to develop relationships with educators who know them individually and provide a sense of belonging outside of their families.

"Too many programs rush kids toward benchmarks and worksheets. I wanted to build a space where a puddle is a science lab, a stick is a magic wand, and a cardboard box is an entire universe," Borowski said on the academy's website. The name Bonsai comes from Borowski's belief that children, like bonsai trees, do not need to be forced into shape and instead need the proper care and environment to develop individually.

The Shiloh Baptist Church location marks Bonsai's expansion into West Medford. Borowski said the program plans to maintain its focus on small-scale, play-based education as it grows into the new space. Lungo-Koehn also thanked the church's Board of Trustees for helping make the project possible and continuing to invest in the community.