The Cooperative Nursery School at USG

The Cooperative Nursery School (“CNS”) is a non-profit, parent owned and operated preschool founded in 1967. CNS is licensed by the Commonwealth of PA as a Private Academic Nursery School serving 38 children from 3 to 5 years of age.  The school is located in the Mount Airy/Germantown section of Northwest Philadelphia. We are situated in a stone cottage on the green grounds of the Unitarian Society of Germantown, with a creek running past the playground. Educationally, the school functions under the leadership of a Director/Lead Teacher, a Lead Teacher; two Assistant Teachers; an Administrative Assistant; and a team of parents who co-op daily. Circle time is conducted with a same-age group, while the majority of the day’s activities are open to the full school cohort. Lead Teachers are responsible for guiding circle times and curriculum, but are supported by and work in partnership with the full staff team throughout the school day and in planning sessions. 

According to each child’s needs, CNS nurtures social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development.  We embrace a play based, emergent curriculum that is integrated with elements of the “Reggio Emilia” approach. We spend time outside every day, in all weather, and utilize our environment to inspire and shape our learning.  Children are encouraged to utilize their curiosity, explore their interests, expand their understanding of their world, and learn to care for each other. At CNS, we strive to create an anti-biased culture where we are welcoming, inclusive and a safe environment for our families, students and teachers. We encourage awareness and celebration of our unique characteristics like race, ethnicity, body shape, LGBTQIA identity, socioeconomic, religious,family configuration, or neurodivergence.