Sharing & Caring since 1941
Silver Spring
Nursery School
FYI
CONTACT US

(301) 434-2313
info@silverspringnurseryschool.org
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Silver Spring Nursery School
10309 New Hampshire Ave
Silver Spring, MD 20903
If you have any questions, you can read our FAQ page, or if you would like to schedule a class visit, please call (301) 434-2313 or email our Membership Chair.
At Silver Spring Nursery School, teachers and parents work together to provide a secure, relaxed atmosphere where each child can progress at his or her own pace. Our professional teachers, assisted by the parents, set the educational stage, guide the group unobtrusively and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, friendliness and freedom within carefully set limits.
Our program allows children to learn through play and to create an environment that is supportive and stimulating. Our goal is to help children to develop a healthy sense of identity and self-esteem by discovering their emotional, intellectual, physical and social strengths.
We offer a developmentally appropriate environment that is rich in possibilities for exploring, enhancing their curiosity, learning flexibility, understanding differences, learning problem solving, thinking creatively, making choices, and accepting responsibilities.
About Silver Spring Nursery School
A cooperative preschool
Our Philosophy
At Silver Spring Nursery School, teachers and parents work together to provide a secure, relaxed atmosphere where each child can progress at his or her own pace. Our professional teachers, assisted by the parents, set the educational stage, guide the group unobtrusively and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, friendliness and freedom within carefully set limits.
Our program allows children to learn through play and to create an environment that is supportive and stimulating. Our goal is to help children to develop a healthy sense of identity and self-esteem by discovering their emotional, intellectual, physical and social strengths.
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We offer a developmentally appropriate preschool environment that is rich in possibilities for exploring, enhancing their curiosity, learning flexibility, understanding differences, learning problem solving, thinking creatively, making choices, and accepting responsibilities.
What is a Cooperative
Nursery School?
Like any good preschool, our cooperative nursery school has a well rounded program, planned by professional, experienced teachers. The program works to promote the social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth of each child. In a co-op preschool, parents have many opportunities to directly support the school and enhance the program.
In our school, parents:
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Participate as classroom aides on a regular basis—getting to know both your child’s friends and their parents (co-oping schedules are arranged in advance to accommodate parents' needs and preferences).
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Serve in the school administration—so school business runs smoothly.
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Contribute in clean-up days—making certain that all equipment is in good condition and safe.
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Attend parent education programs and membership meetings—further enhancing the sense of community.
In-class parent participation provides a high adult/child ratio while keeping costs relatively low. The children also benefit from the parents' varied interests and talents.
"At SSNS our child learns all those skills most important to learn at this age (patience, kindness, curiosity, turn-taking, empathy, problem solving, conflict resolution) from teachers who love and support not only their students but the whole family."
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— SSNS Parent
From our Director
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When our family was looking for a preschool, we knew that we wanted a play-based school for our children. We also wanted a place where we could be involved in the school community. We wanted to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. At SSNS we found that place. And now, years after our children moved on from SSNS, I’m thrilled to still be here.
Our school year begins in late August with teacher-student home visits as well as orientations for our incoming parents/guardians. Classes begin in early September and end in early June. Our calendar closely follows that of the Montgomery County Public Schools.
Please look at all of the information we have provided here and contact our membership chair with any questions you have or to schedule a tour of the school. Check out our admissions page to see if there are any virtual or in-person information sessions scheduled.
SSNS is a cooperative school where parents, staff and children connect to build a powerful sense of community. It is the place that helped our family build a solid foundation and one that we hope you will consider for your own family.
Scott Mitchell
Alumni Parent
Director of Education
4s teacher
Why Choose a Co-Op School?
Our cooperative school is like a family composed of many families. It provides a unique developmental experience for both child and parent. The child steps out of the home environment with the parent. The child grows in independence, the parent in understanding. The parent has the inner satisfaction in knowing exactly what the child does during the school day and in knowing the child’s friends.
The ratio of adults to children is higher in a co-op and most parents bring enriching experiences to the classroom.Parents shape the school and make it what it will become.
There is also a financial benefit—co-ops are usually less expensive than regular schools—although this means every family must actively participate in making the school run smoothly.