More than a nursery school,
a community
Where children and parents learn side-by-side
The Heart Of
Early Childhood Education
For 75 Years
Napa Valley Cooperative Nursery School is a parent-participation school for 2 year – 6 year old children and their families. The co-op model provides a supportive and caring environment for our children to grow.
For over 75 years NVNS has been a leader within the community, providing Napa families with essential early childhood education. Families who choose NVNS choose community, meaningful connection, and active engagement in their child’s early learning experiences. NVNS is a nonprofit school where children share their first education experience outside of the home with their family. Parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles work together with the teacher to provide an environment full of play, choice, and sensory exploration.
We are an inclusive, play-based, and research-driven preschool. Our environment supports language and literacy development, early math and science concepts, art and music appreciation, and social-emotional growth. We provide a stimulating atmosphere where children are nurtured with acceptance and kindness while developing a love of learning and excitement to participate.
Tours for the 2025-2026 year are happening now!
Meet Our Director
Teacher Adrianne brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in child development to NVNS. Her naturally magnetic presence draws in children of all ages - and their grownups - every morning as she greets each child with a warm smile as they arrive to nursery school. She always has a steady hand available for holding, an attentive question for an inspired child, and a contagious laugh with a problem-solving prompt after another big spill. Children crave attending class at "their" school with "their" special friend, and teacher. Each child knows this is their special place where they can be themselves.
Our Philosophy
We believe children learn best through play, exploration, and hands-on activities. Our philosophy is rooted in decades of child development research and focuses on encouraging children to be curious and to take the lead in their learning. Children develop a strong sense of self by exploring the world around them as it interests them and engaging naturally through STEAM topics. Kinder readiness is pursued through navigating and guiding social-emotional development, alongside thoughtful fine and gross motor skill activities.
The Program
All children are welcome at NVNS. Our program is an intentional curriculum grounded by principals surrounding age appropriate learning styles and environments. Each day begins with a warm one-on-one welcome as each child enters through the doorway. Stimulating prompts are setup throughout the school and often include art, crafting, cooking, building, creating, puzzling, multi-child games, science/discovery, sensory play, imaginative play, puppet theater - and more! Every class has music, movement, storytime, and often creative writing (dictating) to share with the class.
Fiesta Night Fundraiser!
Taco ’Bout a Great Year! It’s time to shake your maracas and celebrate our community. We are clo...
May 8 @ 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
At our co-op nursery, I've seen my child flourish in a way I hadn’t expected. With parents involved every day, there’s a real sense of security and belonging, which helps my child build confidence and develop social skills. The hands-on learning and community atmosphere encourage curiosity and independence, while also teaching empathy and teamwork. It’s more than just a place to learn—it’s a space where children feel supported and empowered to grow.
Our school is a place where you can be closely involved in your child’s education. Research shows that parental involvement is a big factor in a child’s success, and being present in the classroom helps your child feel valued and connected.
Your involvement in the classroom is part of what makes our preschool such a warm, loving, and high-quality program. In our co-op preschool, you’ll get to know your child’s friends and their families, build a sense of community, and have the chance to form lifelong friendships.
Our Board of Directors is made up of parents like you, elected by our community. They help guide the program and ensure we uphold the by-laws of our non-profit status.
A co-op preschool works because we all come together toward a common goal. Families, along with our experienced and educated director, team up to create a safe, happy, and successful school experience for everyone!
Inquire today and discover what our co-op can mean for your family
because at NVNS we believe
Together We're Better
It is the policy of Napa Valley Nursery School not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender expression, religion, creed, age, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, military status, disability, or any other classification protected by Federal or State law in any of its educational programs, activities, policies, practices, and procedures.