About — Sausalito Nursery School

Founded in 1939, Sausalito Nursery School is one of the longest running cooperative preschools in the country.

Our History

As a parent cooperative, Sausalito Nursery School affords parents and children the opportunity to participate together in the excitement and joy of the first years of learning. The students enjoy the best of both worlds: parent participation and professional guidance by a full teaching staff.

We believe education is best served when teachers, parents, children and families work together. We pride ourselves in providing children with a secure, comfortable and responsive environment, by respecting, accepting and encouraging each child’s independence and autonomy.

Commitment to Inclusive Education

Here at Sausalito Nursery School, we are committed to inclusive education.

We commit to:

Identify and eliminate barriers for families to attend SNS.
Engage and empower each family.
Be a warm and welcoming space for all cultures and communities.

The Cooperative Experience

When a child is enrolled at Sausalito Nursery School, their parent(s)/guardian(s) become members of the cooperative. Guided by our bylaws and our Director of School, the cooperative members each serve on a governing committee selected according to preferences and individual expertise. From maintenance to finance, student enrichment to fundraising events, each family contributes something unique to our school ecosystem.

Each family also contributes the time of a "co-oping parent" who volunteers in the classroom as a teaching aide on a rotating basis, as well as participates in the maintenance and operations of the school. The concept of the "co-oping parent" connects our community in a truly special way. The students get to know and interact with their classmates' family members and the parents get to experience daily school life.

The SNS cooperative experience truly special. Our students grow into the world feeling loved and supported by a diverse community group that is broader than the nuclear family. This builds confidence and a sense of true belonging at a very early age. Plus it's super fun for everyone involved!

Kind Words from our Parents

"SNS is a magical place, with caring, fun, focused, teachers. A place where children learn to be kind, and have fun. A place where parents form tight bonds and friendships that last a lifetime. It is the village that it takes to raise a child."

Peter Schmidt
"Going to school for the first time is a huge stepping stone for any toddler. SNS’ small class size, warm family feel, and attention to each kids experience made this such a smooth transition. Our daughter LOVES school and we’ve noticed how much more outgoing and brave it’s made her."

Katja Nelson
"SNS has been the best preschool experience for our son. Everyone is so knowledgeable, warm, and nurturing. We are grateful to be a part of such a special community."

Stephen Gallo
"What I love most about this school is that it's play based and I get to see my son play and learn first hand on co-op days. It's one of the most caring and supportive communities I have been part of, from teachers to parents and we've all made friends for life."

Kerry Winn
"SNS is the reason we moved to Sausalito!"

Mary Docker
"SNS is such a tight-knit community of families who are supportive, like to get involved and have fun, and really care about their children's school experience. What really sets us apart is our co-op program, which provides a unique way for the parents to participate in their children's school and get to know other parents, kids and teachers on a deeper level, strengthening our community even further."

Stephanie Holdsworth
"Most transparent, communicative and friendly nursery school staff I have ever interacted with!"

Joe Frazier
"You truly feel as though you are in it together at SNS. We root for each other, are there for each other, and know each other and our kids so well. Parenting is a little easier when you have others watching your back and checking in on your little one. I am learning so much from the other parents at SNS, and our daughter is thriving!"

Elizabeth Hunt
"Putting our kids at SNS was probably best decision we've made while living in Sausalito."

Jordan Dodds