Altadena Nursery School

About Altadena Nursery School

789 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.

Curriculum

Every 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.

Staff

The Altadena Nursery School teaching staff of three licensed teachers, guided by our director, is specifically trained in the education of preschool-age children. In addition to our teachers, we also schedule four to six parent assistants per day.

Parent Participation

Since 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 Events

ANS supports the importance of families by hosting Parent Rap Sessions with our director and staff, along with community members involved in the parenting and service of children. Parents are offered this forum for questions and the sharing of ideas.

ANS also organizes many family get-togethers throughout the year to celebrate the seasons. Our traditional Stone Soup party, held the day 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 book "Stone Soup". Everyone eats together sharing, in the community effort.

At our International Potluck, families bring food which reflects their heritage to share. Children and adults sample foods they've perhaps never tried and find out about other cultures. Twice a year we meet in the evening at a local park for a family picnic. 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.