About Us
Cottage is a cooperative nursery school for children ages 2-5. We offer 2-, 3-, and 5- day half-day programs with low adult-to-child ratios. Our younger classes have a 1:3 adult-to-child ratio and our older classes have a 1:4 ratio.
Learning Through Play
Play is Everything! We believe that children learn best through play. At Cottage, children have the freedom to explore, get their hands dirty, follow their curiosity, and pursue ideas that matter to them.
Our teachers and working parents support this exploration rather than directing it. Children have meaningful choices about what they want to do and how they want to do it, with adults nearby to offer scaffolding, encouragement, and guidance when needed.
Our curriculum grows from the children themselves, evolving and expanding from their interests. Learning is embedded in the play. Children build strength and coordination, experiment with early math and science concepts, practice problem-solving and develop social skills through things they are already excited to explore. Through this child-directed approach, we foster creativity, self-expression, problem-solving, and a love for learning.
Community
Cottage is a community. Families are active participants in the school through pod roles, parent education, fix-it work days. By working alongside our children, parents also have the unique opportunity to see the kids growth firsthand. Parents get to see their kids learn, explore, and practice new skills.
But more than this, families are active participants in one another’s lives. Children, parents, families know one another inside and outside of the school. We witness one another’s children grow.
Every Child Belongs
We believe each child deserves to feel known, valued, and accepted for who they are. We help children learn to navigate social interactions with empathy and respect for others. We strive to celebrate each child’s unique abilities, interests, and ways of being. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, anti-bias community. At Cottage, every kid is a Cottage kid.
Growing Together
We believe that parents are learning and growing alongside their children. Cottage offers parents a safe, non-judgmental environment in which they can build confidence and grow in their parenting.
Teachers guide the children as well as support the parents by sharing their experience and offering perspective. Our teachers are trusted and valued resources for our families as we all learn and grow together.
Our History
Cottage Co-op Nursery School was founded in 1972 as a non-profit, cooperative preschool by former Pacific Oaks parents who were inspired to create a co-operative school that honored Pacific Oaks' approach to learning while extending its benefits to the whole family.