Our Philosophy
Founded in 1951 in Marin County, Ross Valley Nursery School offers preschool and pre-kindergarten classes for three-, four-, and five-year-olds. Our Junior, Senior, and Pre-K classes are designed to meet the growing needs of each specific age group as well as each child’s individual needs.
Bringing years of experience to the classroom, our devoted teachers foster creative expression and dramatic play. Children develop positive self-esteem, grow in independence and confidence, learn to give and take turns, learn to get along with others, experience success, and develop self-control.
Mission
Ross Valley Nursery School provides a play-based curriculum in a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate environment with passionate educators who specialize in early childhood development. We prioritize the uniqueness of each child, in partnership with their families, so that all children can grow at their own pace, and build a strong foundation for their future education by fostering an early love of learning.
Values
Social and emotional development
Creativity
Individuality
Inclusion
Independent and group play
Board of Trustees
The parents of children attending the school (“membership”) elect Trustees to work with the Director to oversee and execute all school operations. This governing board formulates school policies, oversees staffing and budgetary needs, and maintains the facilities. The trustees are aided on fundraising and social projects by parent volunteers in order to keep costs as low as possible and to help build meaningful community relationships.
Our Parent Volunteers
Ross Valley Nursery School thrives with both the support and active participation of parents. In addition to serving on the Board of Trustees, parents can choose from a wide variety of volunteer opportunities that suit their interests and experience, including:
Daily classroom volunteer
Fundraising activities
Gardening projects
Healthy snacks
Community service
Web site coordination
Hospitality
Summer playgroup coordinators
Parents of currently enrolled children can find more information on volunteer opportunities on the Parent Portal.
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play IS serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”