The Madison Cooperative Nursery School, which is affectionately called The Co-Op, is a state-licensed, non-profit preschool. The Co-op is beginning its 64th year and remains the oldest running preschool in Madison, N.J. We opened our doors in 1959 and our mission has remained the same; to provide a secure and caring atmosphere for the students, promoting positive social interactions, emotional maturity, self-discipline, and the acceptance of others. But what you’ll notice most when you visit the preschool is a sense of warmth and community, and that feeling will remain with you long after you leave the school.
Our philosophy is based on social and emotional development through creative play and hands-on exploration: in other words, our students learn through purposeful play. Classes are taught in themed units in a nurturing environment conducive to the individuality of each child. Our classrooms are a place for children to learn self-reliance and emotional maturity.
The Co-op offers three morning classes for children 2 ½, 3, and 4 years old. Two experienced teachers lead each class and parent participation is an integral part of the community. In addition to the morning classes, the Co-op provides extended day enrichment opportunities including Lunch Bunch, Cooking & More, Art Explorers, STEM for 4’s, and Pop Up Friday events. We have various field trips to local highlights such as Wightman’s Farm, local libraries, and the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts.
We strive to be a community that extends beyond the child to include the whole family. Parents or caretakers have the opportunity to be involved in their child’s early education by participating in the classroom. Family events are plentiful and siblings and grandparents are often involved. The Co-op provides a true sense of community and a rare opportunity for the student’s whole family to be part of their special preschool moments.
