Established in 1972, Forest Hill Nursery School (FHNS) offers a unique educational program for 2, 3 and 4 year olds. As a co-op, FHNS parents work directly in the classroom as teacher helpers, and therefore, have the opportunity to aid in the learning process. The classroom routine is centered on the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive needs of young children. In a co-op, you know what your child does in school on a daily basis. By helping in the classroom, parents can more easily reinforce the lessons learned and help their children be prepared for the challenges of full-day kindergarten and beyond. 

We have experienced, degreed teachers and are licensed by the CCA and the Maryland State Department of Education. FHNS is open to families without regard to race, color, creed, sex, nationality or ethnic origin. 

Member Family Requirements

• Attend orientation and 3 membership meetings.

• Assist in either school opening or school closing.

• Sign up for 1 monthly school cleaning.

• Support 1 class fundraiser and 1 seasonal event.

• Help in your student’s classroom on a rotating schedule (if enrolled as Full Co-op Member).

Additional Information

Your child’s first meeting with his or her classmates may take place during playgroup sessions held over the summer before school begins. (Attendance at playgroup is voluntary, but encouraged.) Parents and siblings are included in these meetings. The summer playgroups enable the children to meet their future classmates and helper parents and to experience group play in an informal setting. 

To help the children adjust more readily to school, a Gradual Entrance Program is implemented each fall. The children, starting off in a small group, become acquainted a few at a time for shorter class sessions. As they adjust to each other, and as they get acclimated to the classroom, they will also begin to feel close to the teacher and working parents. 

Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and classes are filled according to place on the waiting list. Children must be toilet trained prior to entering preschool.

If you are interested in joining the FHNS family, but are unable to volunteer in the classroom, we offer a Partial Co-Op option for several of our classes. Families will pay a slightly higher tuition rate, but volunteering as a classroom helper will not be required.