Altadena Nursery School
Respecting children since 1950.
About Altadena Nursery School789 N. Altadena Drive, Pasadena CA 91107 - 626/296-1231 California License #198004770 The philosophy of Altadena Nursery School is based on our belief in the capacity of human beings to grow in a positive way. We believe that children can learn to master themselves and that parents can learn to be effective. As a cooperative school ANS knows that the best education comes about when parents and children are closely involved in that education. Our professional teaching staff interacts with each child in light of the dynamics of his or her entire family. Parents and teachers work together to help each child grow and discover the world at his or her own pace. Parents at ANS make a commitment to their children and to the entire school community by working their classroom participation days, helping at maintenance workshops and meeting their fundraising responsibilities. Prospective parents may visit the school for an initial tour and to start the application process. Please call ANS at 626-296-1231. Altadena Nursery School (ANS) is a licensed, non-profit, non-sectarian, interracial, cooperative nursery school in which each family shares in the school's planning and operations. ANS was started in 1950 by a small group of CalTech parents as a babysitting co-op and has grown into a nursery school that operates daily for up to 50 children from the ages of two to five years old. Since its beginning, ANS has made a unique and profound contribution to children and families of the Pasadena/Altadena community. CurriculumEvery day, our children explore their world through a developmentally based curriculum. We believe each child deserves positive recognition and sincere praise - as well as the freedom to choose activities. Sharing, taking turns, respecting others and settling disputes are among the most important skills our preschoolers master. But painting, cooking, science, singing and gardening also help our children build competence and self esteem. Classes are held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, five days a week. Parents can enroll their children for two, three, four or five days per week. A beneficial feature of our school is the mixed-age environment we provide for our children. During inside playtime and outside time, the children can choose where they want to be and what they want to do from a variety of activities. Our boys and girls enjoy art and science projects, climbing on our play structure, running, jumping, and imaginative play with dolls, blocks, puzzles, wheel toys and a kid-sized playhouse. Then during snack and story time they divide up by age and to eat and to hear and participate in age-appropriate stories and songs. StaffThe Altadena Nursery School teaching staff of three licensed teachers and a teacher's aide, guided by our director, is specifically trained in the education of preschool-age children. In addition to our teachers, we also schedule six parent assistants per day. Parent ParticipationSince we are a cooperative school, parent participation is at the heart of our program. We believe mothers and fathers have much to share with their children and with each other. ANS recognizes that parenting is a complex and dignified vocation in a society which increasingly seems to demean that role. Our school believes that parenting is a skill to be developed actively. Parents learn that as you grow as a parent, you also grow as a person. ANS strives to keep its tuition as low as possible to make the school accessible to families of many income levels. Parents work as classroom assistants and perform all routine maintenance at the school in order to make this goal possible. Participation in the classroom, maintenance workshops and fundraisers is required for all ANS families. The proceeds from our annual orange and grapefruit sale, which is quite popular in the community, go to further reduce tuition, pay costs, and improve the educational environment. Our school is also known for its annual collection and distribution of food and gifts to local children's charities during the holidays. Families and EventsANS supports the importance of families by hosting Parent Education events with our director and staff, sessions with professionals involved in the parenting and service of children, a parenting Book Club and other enrichment opportunities. Parents are offered these forums to pose questions, share ideas and enhance their parenting resources. ANS also organizes many family get-togethers throughout the year to celebrate the seasons. Our traditional Stone Soup party, held before Thanksgiving, offers children an opportunity to see what can be done when we all contribute something and work together. Each family brings one of the items for the soup. The children help prepare the soup and hear the story of "Stone Soup". Everyone eats together, sharing in the community effort. At our International Potluck, families bring food to share that reflects their heritage. Children and adults sample foods they've perhaps never tried and find out about other cultures. ANS also loves to learn and take part in the traditions and holidays of our membership families. Two long-standing and beloved events at ANS are our Winter Party, with a visit from Santa, and our Spring Party, with an Egg Hunt and visit from the Spring Bunny (usually a volunteer parent). Some other holidays that our families have celebrated and shared with the children in the past include Kwanzaa, Lunar New Year, Chanukah, Persian New Year, Passover and many others. Our staff approaches each holiday/tradition in a way that promotes the children’s understanding and helps them to participate, enjoy and feel part of the greater world. We also take the opportunity a couple of times a year to meet as a school in the early evening at a local park for a family picnic dinner. Families get to know each other and get to know the teachers in a setting away from school. Students who have graduated come and see their old teachers and visit with old friends.
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Take a TourOur upcoming tour dates are:Janurary 24th at 9:30 a.m. January 31st at 9:30 a.m. February 8th at 9:30 a.m. February 16th at 9:30 a.m. February 23rd at 9:30 a.m. April 12th at 9:30 a.m. July 12th at 9:30 a.m. Enrollment ProcessApplication & Enrollment TimelineEnrollment ApplicationAlmost World Famous Orange Sale!Support Altadena Nursery SchoolYou can support the school by starting your shopping here!
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Altadena Nursery School789 N. Altadena Drive, Pasadena CA 91107 - 626/296-1231 |
