Testimonials
We think our little school is pretty darn great, but don’t just take our word for it. Hear what the nearly 8 decades of NVNS families—current and alumni—have to say about it!
“NVNS gave me the tools to be a better parent, and gave my child the environment to thrive.”
B.C.
Alumni 2012-2014
“Our family is still in contact—and friends—with a number of families from our time at NVNS.
NVNS encourages every individual who steps foot into their school that they matter, have a voice and agency, and are unique individuals with something to offer.”
E.G.
Alumni 2017-2019, 2020-2022
“NVNS is a magical place where children can learn, grow, and explore right alongside their
parents/caregivers. It offers an engaging play based, sensory rich, safe environment for its
students, and a supportive community for their families. It was definitely the right choice for both of my children, and I treasure my memories of their time there!”
H.S.
Alumni 2012-2014, 2014-2016
“I love that everyone is so close to each other and welcomes everyone like they are family.
Teacher Adrianne is the BEST and works with the kids so well. It's clear she has a lot of learning tools
under her belt.”
J.C.
Alumni 2023-2025
"My daughter attended NVNS for two years under Teacher Adrianne's leadership at the school
and I cannot say enough about what a positive effect the school has had on our lives. My
husband and I have found some of our dearest friends while working in the classroom, and our
families have remained resources for one another. Teacher Adrianne imparted many helpful
pieces of information on early childhood development both in the classroom and through all of
the monthly parent education classes that families attend, that provided context and background
to any issue my daughter might be moving through.”
C.S.
Alumni 2021-2023
“NVNS is a magical place that allows organic free play and exploration. It is so much fun kids
do not realize how much they are learning. It is the type of evidenced-based free play that helps
kids learn hard and soft skills for a lifetime. My children walked away from nursery school with
more emotional intelligence, a love of learning, and the building blocks of a growth mindset.”
L.M.
Alumni 2019-2020, 2022-2024
"The cooperative nature of NVNS paired with an amazing director are magic. Ten years later
and we still use parenting tools we learned at NVNS. Our family had the good fortune to be at
NVNS when Teacher Adrianne was Mama Adrianne. She was one of the most intuitive and
attentive parents I have ever spent time with. She has a gift for communicating with children! …
We loved our time at NVNS; it felt like a gift to be a part of that community. We recommend it
to everyone we know with young children.”
S.M.
Alumni 2014-2016
“I love watching Teacher Adrianne interact with the children. She is so patient and kind and
always inspires me. She makes all children feel valued and important. It’s apparent in the way
they develop a strong bond with each other and the school. Teacher Adrianne creates such a
beautiful culture at nursery school. As alumni we all love to stay involved and come back to visit
whenever we can. I can’t wait to have my youngest join the school.”
J.D.
Alumni 2021-2023
“NVNS is special to our entire family because it was always the place where acceptance,
creativity, social / emotional learning and community came together in a safe and positive space.
As parents and children we all looked forward to NVNS days! … As parents we learned so much
about early childhood development through the NVNS monthly parent meetings and being
volunteers in the classroom. We continue to draw upon the personal guidance and insights of
both Mz. Lori and Adrianne as they were able to see critical aspects of our daughters
relationship to both their internal and external world that we did not recognize as parents. So
much of what we learned as parents and volunteers at NVNS continues to be a positive impact
on our relationship to our children at home and abroad.”
B.L.
Alumni 2017-2019, 2021-2022
“NVNS being the only Co-Op in Napa gave me a sense of security when enrolling my young
children. Knowing that I would be present during such a critical time in their development was a
HUGE factor for me. As a child who attended NVNS as a child myself I knew it was the only
preschool I would consider. My children developed a broader scope of play-based learning and
socializing at an appropriate rate. Teacher Adrianne is the most unruffled teacher I’ve ever met.
Her calm demeanor in the most chaotic of times is unmatched. She loves all the children and
finds magic in the ordinary.”
R.B.
Alumni 2019-2020, 2021-2023
NVNS as an institution is contributing to making the world a kinder, gentler place. Because the
co-op model fosters interdependence (thus the motto "Better Together"), lasting relationships and
support structures are created within the school's community. Raising young children can be a
socially isolating experience and the relationships that I created at NVNS continue to support me
in being the best parent I can be. As a parent at NVNS, I was able to connect with other parents,
observe other children and learn a lot about my own child through the play-based environment.
Not only did this help me feel less alone, I got to learn about social and emotional development,
and how to meet my child's needs… As a student at NVNS, Rose had a great connection with
teacher Adrianne and got to experience the care of other adults. Adrianne always listened,
showed genuine curiosity and found ways to incorporate the kids interests into daily activities. At NVNS [my child] had a ton of fun because they felt safe and valued.”
J.M.
Alumni 2019-2022
"NVNS is a family tradition. As a parent of two NVNS graduates and an alumni myself, the
unique caregiver community that is cultivated year after year is an incredible gift, not only to me
and my family, but to our larger community. The co-op nature of this community allows for
parent education followed by the opportunity to work side by side with your child’s educator. The example of Teacher Adrianne and collaboration with peer parents creates the perfect
environment for children and parents to thrive together. Our children grow beyond measure with
developmentally appropriate play under Adrianne’s warm guidance, all the while parents are
creating critical connections with one another. On a personal level this has meant that I have
grown my confidence as a parent. I have been exposed a variety of parenting methods and
ideologies. I have formed lifelong relationships with members of the NVNS parent community.
These relationships have provided emotional support, support in caring for my child and an
environment that feels like family. I am forever grateful for what NVNS has given to my children and my husband and I as new parents learning to navigate parenthood. I can only hope that this incredible school has the opportunity to continue providing the gift of early childhood education to parents and children through our local community for generations to come.”
M.H.
Alumni 1984, 2016-2018, 2021-2022
“The difference at NVNS is the amazing community that you become a part of as a parent.
Working side by side, sharing all the milestones, the surprises and the challenges, trading
childcare and helping each other out – having the support of other NVNS parents was a huge
game changer. NVNS really helped to chart the course for our family – it's where we met many
of our close family friends, and found a community of shared values and support that we are still
a part of today. Our time there truly echoes on in our lives in the most beautiful way and I will
be forever grateful for it.”
K.M.
Alumni 2018-2022
Want to share your NVNS experience?
We'd love to hear from you!
Thank you for taking a moment to share your special NVNS memories on these platforms. They are important information sources for new families during their school research phase and help demonstrate how enriching and impactful our school is within our local community.
“Together We’re Better”