Stevens Forest Nursery School is a non-profit cooperative nursery school. Fully licensed and approved by the State of Maryland Board of Education and administered by the parents of the attending children.

We have full use of the Stevens Forest Neighborhood Center; a comfortable, airy, two-room building with a private, fenced play yard, providing us with ample space to conduct a wide range of activities during the school day. The front room of the school has a housekeeping corner, dress-up area, painting area, bean table, numerous games and puzzles, and a variety of drawing, coloring and craft materials. The back room is equipped with blocks for large muscle development, a wide variety of toys (such as musical instruments, doll houses, vehicles, puppets, and animals) and a library. Our playground was replaced in the fall of 2006 and includes a swing set, slide, sandbox, sand toys, balls and other outdoor toys. Plus, enough big wheel tricycles for a full class.

Our Primary Aim

The key word in describing our primary aim toward the educational experience at SFNS is cooperation. We pride ourselves on an interactive program which we feel is enriching and rewarding for both parent and child alike. In working together, we strive to develop a positive first school experience for each child. Children are encouraged to share thoughts and feelings with each other and the teaching staff. Every effort is made to select activities which stimulate and encourage creative thinking, as well as involve the child in a social environment which promotes independence while increasing self-discipline and an overall positive self-image.

Our Staff

Our dedicated teaching staff consists of a lead teacher and two paid assistants. The combined efforts of Monica Lovend, Ann Lambert, and Andree Cymber, provide our students with many years of experience in a cooperative nursery school setting. Each class will have a paid teacher and assistant present to work with the co-oping parents.

Our Classes

We are excited to offer three different programs at our school for children between the ages of 2 and 5. Please note that children must be the required age (2 for the 2s class, 3 for the 3s class or 4 for the 4s/PreK class) by September 1^st of the school year.

• Ours 2s class meets on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:00am - 11:00am for the first half of the year, and 9:00am - 11:30am for the second half of the year. This class has 12 students.
  
  
• Our 3s class meets on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9:00am - 11:30am. This class has 18 students.
  
  
• Our 4s/PreK class meets on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 12:30pm - 3:00pm. This class has 18 students.

What is Co-oping?

Co-oping is a way of giving parents the unique opportunity to be part of a child's first educational experience. Parents help in the classroom, share in housekeeping functions of the school, drive on field trips, work on committees, and participate in administrative decisions.

Co-oping offers an opportunity to see your child respond to new situations, delight in new friends and grow with new maturity. It is a rare and valuable experience, available for such a short part of our children's education.