Northport Nursery School

At Northport Nursery School, our goal is simple: to encourage the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth of each student in a safe and loving environment. Children are inherently excited about the world around them, and our preschool program is designed to nurture this sense of wonder and spark a lifelong love of learning, using the outdoors as much as possible. The well-rounded educational experience we offer helps students relate better to their peers, understand and deal constructively with their feelings, develop self-discipline, and grow their unique personalities.

Our History and Mission

Northport Nursery School has been serving the community as a cooperative preschool since 1941, offering classes for children ages 2 through 5. As a non-profit, non-sectarian organization, our school is registered with and follows guidelines established by the New York State Education Department. Our mission is to provide a nurturing environment where children can grow and develop, and where parents can be an integral part of their child's nursery school experience.

Our Cooperative Program

Our cooperative program allows parents to take an active role in their child's nursery school experience. All member families participate in the classroom approximately once a month, and serve on a school committee. When participating in the classroom, parents shadow their child throughout his or her school day, allowing them to observe their child in a hands-on, group learning environment. Our uniquely nurturing community is supported by our committees and various social events for both parents and children throughout the year. Non-participating status is also available for parents who are unable to commit to volunteering in the classroom or on a committee.

Our Staff and Facilities

Our teachers and assistants are well-qualified, caring individuals passionate about early childhood education and sensitive to each of their student's needs. Classes are grouped according to age, and have a dedicated teacher, teacher assistant, and participating parent. All staff hold CPR/AED certification and re-certify annually. There is a maximum class size of 14 children for the 3-year-old classes and 18 for the 4-year-old classes. Our well-maintained facilities are set on 2.5 acres of wooded land and include our own building, an outdoor classroom, a spacious playground, and a walking trail. Our classrooms are bright, airy, and located on the ground level, with an art center, wooden blocks, texture/sand table, library center, dramatic play/dress-up/housekeeping corner, puzzles, games, and manipulatives, toy shelves with vehicles, animals, and buildings, individual cubbies for personal belongings, and its own bathroom.

Our Programs and Curriculum

We offer a range of programs for children ages 2 through 5, including morning and afternoon classes, as well as flexible scheduling options to accommodate the needs of our families. Our curriculum is designed to promote hands-on learning and experience, with a focus on social-emotional development, cognitive growth, and physical activity. Our outdoor classroom and playground provide ample opportunities for exploration and gross motor development, with oversized sandboxes, bicycle-go-round, swings, and dramatic play structures.