Early childhood is a time of wonder and joy. The Cooperative Nursery School provides every child's family with a window into that world.
Our admissions process is simple and welcoming. Families start by submitting an application and paying the $35 fee to complete it. In January or February, prospective students are invited to attend a playdate—this gives your child and family a chance to explore the classroom and community and see if our program is the right fit for you. After playdates, families receive either an enrollment offer or a waitlist notice.
Admission is open to children who will be three (3) or four (4) years of age by September 1 of the school year for which you are applying
All children must be potty trained by the start of school
All families must be willing and able to co-op monthly at CNS
In order to further our mission towards maintaining socio-economic diversity at CNS, limited tuition assistance is available for qualifying families
If you have any questions, please contact us at info@cooperativenurseryschool.com
Note: Our program is designed for children who are able to participate independently in group activities and manage age-appropriate self-care skills. We affirm neurodiversity, and our curriculum is welcoming to children with a wide range of strengths, interests, and needs. We often collaborate with therapists and care teams to support developmental goals.
At the same time, our school has size, space, and staffing limitations. We are not able to provide sustained one-to-one supervision for children with significant developmental, emotional, or behavioral needs, nor can we provide medical support requiring a healthcare provider onsite. In addition, the layout and structure of our program may be challenging for some children with sensory, attention, or physical needs.
If you have questions about whether our school is the right fit for your child, please reach out before registering. We are happy to talk with you in detail so that you can make the best choice for your family.
–Meryl L., Upstairs Circle parent, 2024-2025
Our information sessions are opportunities for prospective families to learn more about our school in a small-group setting. During the session, we’ll share an overview of our philosophy, daily routines, and what makes our community unique. Unlike an open house, the session follows a short presentation format and includes time for questions and conversation.