based on 5 reviews
Neighbors say
- Is a co-op
Cupertino Co-op Nursery School
563 W. Fremont Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA
94087
(408) 739-8963
http://www.cupertinocoop.org
By: Your Neighbor
Date: October, 2008
PROS:
Excellent school if your child has food allergies; the staff and working parents are very attuned to it and strictly enforce a "no-nut" policy.
The variety of activities offered (e.g. field trips, arts & crafts, etc.) are great.
Great collection of animals (e.g. rabbits, chickens, rats, fish, etc.) for the children to interact with.
CONS:
Teaching staff is mixed. Some teachers genuinely enjoy intereacting with all the children while others play "favorites". Children in the "non-favorite" group are subject to disparate disciplinary measures, harsh tone & demeanor by the teacher (and sometimes working parents) and limited interaction with the teacher. Instead, greater emphasis should be placed on teaching children how to interact better with each other (e.g. truly caring about each other and respecting differences), rather than letting them "fend for themselves". When problems or issues are raised in parent group/team meetings, they are usually dismissed/downplayed. False sense of community.
There is little pre-K preparation in their 4s-5s classes. Also, limited emphasis on math or sciences.
This Neighbor Says
- Is a co-op
By: Your Neighbor
Date: October, 2007
Outstanding instructors, very community oriented and the children receive an excellent education through play and experience. The outdoor play area is very large with wonderful settings: garden, bike path, carpentry, animals, sand/water play. Indoors also offers a variety of play areas.
By: Your Neighbor
Date: October, 2007
The parents of this preschool have dubbed it "Eden," "home away from home," and "paradise." The school and atmosphere have a very special and magical feel.
The school and staff provide endless ways for the children to learn through play and experiences. There are separate rooms: music room for circle time, music, tumbling and dancing; the dress-up room with a loft; the game room with countless games plus pet rats and fish; the art room with an impressive selection of materials; and the block room with plenty of building and other small play toys.
Outside, the play yard offers a big space for bike riding, large grassy and sand play areas (including a large 2-story playhouse), a carpentry area, a puppet theater, a special project table (for cooking and science) and a garden. The school also has a barn that houses rabbits and chickens, which are brought out with the children (rabbits stay in a pen).
The staff at this school is composed of the most loving, conscientious and professional teachers I have ever met. They truly love the children as if they are their own. Two instructors were parents at the school with their own 3 children when they were preschoolers. The director is top notch and pours her heart in to the school. She has been there at least 7 years (and is one of the former parents). She has received awards for her work, as has the school. The city of Sunnyvale recognized the school twice for outstanding excellence in early education. The school is also accredited by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) and is a member of the California Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools (CCPPNS).
The only drawback, perhaps, is the amount of parent participation required. You must work once each week, attend 2 evening meetings a month, perform at least 10 committee hours and 2 special project hours, plus 2 janitorial weekends a year. The parent education meetings, however, are extremely helpful and help the parents be better parents.
The school consistently has returning families. Many are there with their third and fourth children.
The school did have the great misfortune in 2006 of having a very disturbed parent in the community. She was eventually asked to leave because her instability and behavior jeopardized the safety of the parents and children. She has since made it her mission to disparage the school and director any way she can. If you ever read a deeply negative review of this outstanding school, you can guarantee it came from ONE disgruntled parent. The school's awards, history and support of parents speak for itself.
By: Preschool Survey 2007
Date: April, 2007
It is too much work for the parents. The director is not the same one that was present when we heard good things about this school. The director is harsh to some of the children and new parents.
Likes: The parent involvement.
Dislikes: Too much parent participation is required.
The director (also a teacher) is very harsh to parents and to children -- she is nice to children of parents she likes and very nasty to chiidren of parents who she is not happy with. Many of the new parents at this school said it was like boot camp.
By: Preschool Survey 2007
Date: April, 2007
In this school, both the child AND the parent will learn so much. Children get a wide variety of experiences, and although the curriculum is "play based", I feel my child is very well prepared to enter kindergarten. Parents will get more insights into their child (observing them in a school setting is much different than how they are at home) as well as practical skills and advice on how to be a better parent, wife and family person.
Likes: Hours,
Facilities,
Parent involvement,
Staff,
Price. This school offers a fantastic community and resource beyond school hours. Children get a wide variety of experiences in a choice-oriented environment. They learn how to associate with children AND adults.
Dislikes: This co-op school does require a lot of parent participation. It would be too strong to say I don't like this, because I've learned so much, but it should be considered when choosing this school.
