Preschool Classes for Ages 2-5
Half-Day Programs
Nursery School of the Nyacks welcomes all kids ages 2 - 5 years. We have three group sessions during the week. In order to create a warm and intimate environment, class sizes are kept small and the teacher-student ratio is excellent.
The 2s Class meets two mornings each week for two hours and 15 minutes, on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The 3s Class meets three mornings each week for two hours and 45 minutes, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
The 5-Day Class meets each weekday morning, for just shy of three hours. We follow the Nyack Public School System calendar.
The 2s class has a maximum of 12 students.
The 3s and 5-Day classes have a maximum of 15 students.
Each class has two teachers.
Tuition is competitive and financial aid may be available.
Facilities
Our physical spaces are geared toward developing fine and gross motor skills. On the ground floor we have a shady, private and spacious outdoor playground. The children go outside every day for at least 15-30 minutes.
When the weather is below freezing or it is raining, they have physical activity (run around) time inside our large auditorium. There are climbers, games, ride-on toys, etc. to move their bodies and develop their gross motor skills. Upstairs are our classrooms. In them we have sections for science, art, writing, books, manipulative play, snack, dress-up, and baking. We also have a cubby room (for storing coats, etc) which doubles as an extra room so the children can spread out if needed. Often this room is used for block building.
FAQ’S
General Questions
How much is tuition?
Tuition (2024-25 school year):
2s Program: $3,450 for the academic year
3s Program: $4,150 for the academic year
5-Day Program: $6,400 for the academic year
Tuition can be paid in installments.
Registration Fee:
A non-refundable registration fee is required to secure your child's enrollment.
New students: $75
Returning students: $50
Do you offer financial aid?
Yes, we offer financial aid through an application process. This aid is need-based. When you are contacted by the Enrollment Chair, please let them know of your interest in financial aid so that they can provide you with the necessary information and support your request.
Do you offer Universal Pre-K?
We currently do not offer Universal Pre-K.
How long has your school been operating?
Nursery School of the Nyacks has been in operation since 1998. We are currently celebrating our 25th anniversary!
Classroom & Curriculum
What kind of curriculum do you have?
We follow the Bank Street College Philosophy. See our philosophy page for an in depth description of our philosophy and curriculum.
How many classes do you offer?
Three classes: one for each of the 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds, and a 5-day class for 3.5-5 year olds.
How many students in a class?
Our 2s class has a maximum of 12, our 3s and 5-day max at 15.
What is the ratio of students to teacher?
A maximum of 6:1. Additionally, as we are a cooperative, there is a parent or assistant helping in the class on a rotating basis.
How is the day structured?
Each day there is time allotted for free choice, outdoor time (weather permitting), storytime, circle time, special activity (may include a science lesson, baking, art project etc), and snack time. (Read more about the daily activities.)
Logistics and Safety
Where are you located?
We are located in (but not affiliated with) Grace Church on the corner of 1st Avenue and N. Franklin Street in Nyack. The NSN entrance is on N. Franklin Street.
What are the hours and days?
The Two Day Class meets Tuesday and Thursday 9:15-11:30; Three Day Class: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00-11:45; and the Five Day Class Monday through Friday 9:00-11:55pm
Do you have a lunch program?
No, the children are given a healthy snack during class. Pick-up for each class is before lunch.
How is your academic year structured?
Our year runs from September through June. We follow the Nyack School District calendar for school closings and holidays. We also run a 7 week summer play program from July until August.
How do you secure the school while the children are there?
Nursery School of the Nyacks has its own entrance to Grace Church. Children never wander the halls or building alone. Visitors to the front entrance must ring the door bell for a teacher to answer. Part of our enrollment packet includes a Pick-up Authorization Form. Teachers do not let children leave school with anyone not on that list.
What if my child is not toilet trained?
At NSN, we understand that toilet training is a process, not an event. Our children are at different stages in this process. Your child is welcome to wear diapers or pull ups to school. The preschool has a child-equipped toilet, and the teachers are always available to remind the children and help those who need it. We also have changes of clothing when needed
The Cooperative
What are the benefits to sending my child to a cooperative?
Perhaps the most important benefit to being a member of a cooperative nursery school is that it is an opportunity to stay involved in your son or daughter’s pre-school education. For most of us, these years are the first and last chance we’ll get to truly be a part of our child’s educational experience.
In addition to being part of the rotating schedule of parent participation in the classroom, families really feel like a part of the school community.
Nursery School of the Nyacks is a wonderful network of alumnae and active students. We are also able to keep our tuition low because we all pitch in to maintain the daily operation of our school.
Only our professional teaching staff is paid. Lastly, because our school is run by a parent board, each family has a lot of input into how the school is run.
(See more about the benefits of a cooperative in our Community section.)
What is required of me as a member of the NSN cooperative?
There are 4 major components to participation in our school: 1) Parents participate in the classroom (bringing and serving snack, facilitating projects, helping button jackets and boots, etc.) on a rotating basis. Depending on the number of children in the class and which class (Two Day Class parents participate more than Five Day Class), parents can expect to have their turn in the classroom once every 4-8 weeks. 2) One or both parents are expected to attend 3 general meetings per year.
This is a chance for us to come together and discuss upcoming events, classroom news, and the general business of the school. 3) Each family is given a choice about which of our operations committees to be involved in.
These committees are led by our executive board and range from shopping to class pet maintenance to public relations or fundraising. The work is spread out between us so the load is generally minimal. 4) We keep our tuition low by holding several fundraisers during the year. We generally hold a magic show, a raffle and a tag sale. All families are expected to help coordinate and/or work these events. (See more about parents' cooperative responsibilities.)