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.
FYI
CONTACT US

PH (301) 434-2313
Silver Spring Nursery School
10309 New Hampshire Ave
Silver Spring, MD 20903
What is a Cooperative
Nursery School?
A cooperative school is like any good nursery school. It 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 school, 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.
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Supply snack on a regularly scheduled basis so children have an opportunity to experience a variety of new, nutritious foods.
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.
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.
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 school
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 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.
A letter from the Director
Thanks for inquiring about Silver Spring Nursery School. I strongly encourage all families to visit the school with your child before submitting an application. Classroom visits provide a hint of our enriching, supportive program.
Our school year begins in September and ends in early June. In the beginning of the year, our hours may be abbreviated so that children can adjust to school and teachers have time for home visits. Our calendar closely follows that of the Montgomery County Public Schools.
Please take a look at our information here and email our Membership Chair, if you have any additional questions. The membership committee also schedules the class visits.
A co-op nursery school is driven by a powerful sense of community that comes from parents, teachers, and children learning together. We hope you will seriously consider being a part of our wonderful community.
— Janise Allyn-Smith, Director
"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 her students but the whole family."
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— SSNS Parent