Nurturing confident kids &
connected families
A play-based, cooperative preschool
Noe Valley Nursery School (NVNS) has been part of San Francisco’s community since 1969, when a group of neighborhood parents came together to create a cooperative preschool built on play, curiosity, and connection.
At NVNS, learning is joyful and child-centered. Our play-based, developmentally appropriate approach gives children the freedom to explore, imagine, and grow. Families don’t just drop off; they join in. You’ll be alongside your child, guided by our experienced teachers, with the benefit of a remarkably low 4:1 student-teacher ratio.
Being part of a co-op means you share in the operation of the school. It’s a place where children take their first steps into independence —and where parents, too, grow and learn.
Life at NVNS
Canyon Adventures
NVNS children spend ample time outdoors playing on the wide-open field at George Christopher Park and exploring nearby Glen Canyon, one of San Francisco’s hidden natural treasures. With parent-teacher guides, children climb rocks and trees, build forts, follow winding trails, and discover the changing seasons up close. We work up to spending Fridays, for the entire school day, held entirely outdoors at the southern end of the Canyon at Glen Park Recreation Center.
Swim
Each week, children enjoy exclusive access to the indoor Garfield Pool, where they can splash, play, and gain confidence in the water. Our swim program isn’t about lessons — it’s about building comfort, joy, and familiarity in a safe, supportive setting.
Music
Our weekly music program, led by accomplished musician and educator Daniel Fabricant (a prior NVNS parent), invites children to explore rhythm, melody, and movement through playful games and stories. With experience ranging from preschools to the San Francisco Symphony’s Adventures in Music program, Daniel brings a joyful, age-appropriate approach that makes music-making accessible and fun for every child.
Field Trips
NVNS is where play goes places. From local parks and museums to concerts and community spaces, our children experience the richness of San Francisco and the Bay Area firsthand. These shared adventures spark curiosity, build community, and give children the joy of discovering the world together.
Garden
Our school has a garden plot in the Little Red Hen Community Garden, which is just a short stroll from school. Children plant seeds, water, and harvest vegetables, fruits, and herbs year-round.
Camping
Twice per year, children roam along creeks, ride bikes in packs, roast marshmallows, sing campfire songs, and embrace their wild, adventurous side. Children spark their imaginations, build friendships, and experience the joy of nature in its purest form.
School Schedule
A normal school day is from 9:00am to 12:30pm, Monday through Friday, and begins with a full hour of outdoor play at the beautifully renovated George Christopher Playground. We enjoy a healthy snack provided by a parent-teacher, then children have more than an hour of play in the school’s thematic areas or outdoor patio. We come together during circle time for stories, presentations, or music led by our teachers or parent-teachers. Finally, we enjoy lunch together, which each student packs from home.
Our afternoon program on Tuesdays through Thursdays from 12:30pm to 3:30pm provides children additional opportunities for special projects, outdoor exploration and staffed by our director and teachers.
Join us on Sunday, November 9, 10am-12pm to explore our classroom and meet NVNS parents! Kids & grown-ups welcome.
Schedule a Tour
We look forward to welcoming you and your family to Noe Valley Nursery School!
