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  • About
  • Philosophy
  • Class Offerings
  • Community

About Us

The Madison Cooperative Nursery School, which is affectionately called The Co-Op, is a state-licensed, non-profit preschool. The Co-op is beginning its 64th year and remains the oldest running preschool in Madison, N.J. We opened our doors in 1959 and our mission has remained the same; to provide a secure and caring atmosphere for the students, promoting positive social interactions, emotional maturity, self-discipline, and the acceptance of others. But what you’ll notice most when you visit the preschool is a sense of warmth and community, and that feeling will remain with you long after you leave the school.

philosophy

Our philosophy is based on social and emotional development through creative play and hands-on exploration: in other words, our students learn through purposeful play. Classes are taught in themed units in a nurturing environment conducive to the individuality of each child. Our classrooms are a place for children to learn self-reliance and emotional maturity.

Class offerings

The Co-op offers three morning classes for children 2 ½, 3, and 4 years old. Two experienced teachers lead each class and parent participation is an integral part of the community. In addition to the morning classes, the Co-op provides extended day enrichment opportunities including Lunch Bunch, Cooking & More, Art Explorers, STEM for 4’s, and Pop Up Friday events. We have various field trips to local highlights such as Wightman’s Farm, local libraries, and the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts.

community

We strive to be a community that extends beyond the child to include the whole family. Parents or caretakers have the opportunity to be involved in their child’s early education by participating in the classroom. Family events are plentiful and siblings and grandparents are often involved. The Co-op provides a true sense of community and a rare opportunity for the student’s whole family to be part of their special preschool moments.

Classes and Programs

Click to learn more.

  • 2.5
    Years
  • 3
    Years
  • 4
    Years
  • Extended Day
  • Mommy & Me
  • Camp Funky
    Monkey

Thank you for your interest in applying to our Madison Co-op Programs. Please note that we have limited space in our preschool programs.

Testimonials

“Thank you all for making the Madison Co-op a great place to work and play.”

S.H.

“My favorite thing was seeing the kids so excited to go to school every day and of course getting to be in the classroom with all the kids and teachers. Thank you to all of the Co-op teachers for a very special year!”

K.R.

“My son loved going to his own school! Sometimes he would tell me about the special snack and often tell me he played with trucks. He loved all the new friends he made as well. Thank you to the wonderful teachers that make the Co-op such a warm and friendly place.”

K.C.

“A place where every child and family is celebrated, loved, and supported. We’re so grateful to watch our daughter engage and evolve as a member of the Co-op community. This school is full of passion and pride.”

K.Z.

“We love the Co-op! It is a wonderful family atmosphere that my children and I loved. The teachers were always great, loving and caring. My oldest child is now in college (third year) and my youngest is now in first grade. I would NEVER have considered another school and would recommend it to all!”

M.P.

2022-23 Fundraising

  • December

Annual Appeal

Each year the Co-op sends out a direct mail appeal asking current families and some grandparents (at the suggestions of current parents) to consider making a tax-deductible cash gift in support of the School. We have been delighted at the response, and hope to expand our solicitation this year to our parent’s extended families and Co-op alumni.

Annual Appeal Paypal Link to Donate

Contact

All requests for information or tours, are welcome to submit our Inquiry Request Form or contact:

Email: info@madisoncoop.org

Office Phone Number: (973) 377-2501