College Park Nursery School and Kindergarten

I have had three kids at this school -- my youngest is in the 4s program now and my others are now 10 and 12 -- and my husband and I have been extremely happy with the education it provides. We found there is an optimal mix of free play and structured activity, and the children are taught concepts in a fun and developmentally appropriate way. They are encouraged to be curious about other people and their world, and letters and numbers are a part of the curriculum, but it is not too heavy-handed. Learning how to get along with others is a priority. The teachers are loving and kind, while they also keep up with current trends through continuing education. With the same director since 1985, the school is a very stable place, but not stale, as the teachers are always working to improve their approach. My older children went on to excel at their elementary schools. Getting to know the other parents through the co-op model was also a major plus.
--Submitted by a parent

I couldn't have asked for a more nurturing and loving academic place for my three year old. He has been attending College Park Nursery School for two years now. The teachers have been very joyful and thoughtful in their lessons. The co-op nature of the school provides opportunities for very busy families to come together and celebrate learning in a way that is not overwhelming. If you want a thoughtful education for your little one, then I highly recommend this school!
--Submitted by a parent

College Park Nursery School has provided the greatest preschool experience for our family. The teachers are among the most loving, caring, patient, encouraging and engaging people I have ever met. The director has been at the school for more than 25 years. She and the other teachers take advantage of every professional development opportunity, and their collective knowledge about child development is an invaluable resources for parents of young children. The classrooms are warm, open spaces where little children have every opportunity to explore, create and grow. The cooperative preschool model is one that encourages and supports substantial parental involvement. College Park Nursery School exemplifies why a cooperative program is such a beneficial experience for children and their parents. The membership is a wonderfully diverse mix of families, including many with two full-time working parents. The flexible nature of the co-op schedule makes is possible for everyone to participate. I can't imagine a better preschool experience for any child!
--Submitted by a parent

If you are looking for someplace to drop off your kid for 8 hours look elsewhere. If you want a place where your little ones can learn through play and develop into caring, respectful kids this is the place. College Park Nursery School is unique in its very involved parents. As a parent at the school for the past 3 years I can say I have had nothing but good experiences with CPNS. Parents "co-op" on a regular basis and really get to be involved and discover the rich relationships that blossom in such a loving environment. On a personal note I had a family tragedy this year that took away my wife. The teachers and parents at CPNS have been outstanding and have helped myself and my daughter through a very difficult time.
--Submitted by a parent

College Park Nursery School has been a great experience for our family. With one child currently enrolled, and another entering the program next year, we are thrilled to have a local school that is a parent run cooperative which provides a unique experience for the children to meet a diverse group of people and also allows the parents to meet new families in the community.
--Submitted by a parent

The preschool program is anything more than an organized play date. I was not impressed. The focuses is on play, with very little education fundamentals. If socializing is "your thing", this is the school for you. If learning is yours, save your money and look elsewhere!
--Submitted by a parent

This school provides many opportunities for children to grow, with free form opportunities for play and creativity for the youngest children and semi-structured art and learning projects for the older pre-schoolers. My children love their school and the many friends they have made there. The teachers are wonderful and caring. My 5 year old was delighted to get a letter from her teacher over vacation who sent it just to stay in touch.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school for those who belive in learning through play. The children are allowed a lot of free play and outside play. as a parent-run cooperative, one teacher and one or two parent(s) assist in the classroom which gives parents an opportunity to see how their children learn and develop. We love this school.
--Submitted by Malin McNulty, a parent