TOUR KNS
The best way to experience Kensington Nursery School is to visit us in person! We host multiple open houses throughout the year. Please contact our membership team by emailing info@knscoop.org or calling (301) 887-3367. You should also explore our website to learn about our programs, history, philosophy, and co-oping responsibilities.
Kensington Nursery School is located on a quiet residential street in Kensington, Maryland. Built on a 3/4 acre lot, our building was opened in 1957 and has always been exclusively a two-classroom nursery school. The building contains two classrooms designed for young children, full of activities, art, and books. Each room has its own bathroom and cubby room, and there is a shared “sand room” and a kitchen/office. Outside, there is ample room for children to run around, explore, and play together. There is a large sandbox, mud kitchens, several swings, and a neighborhood of small play houses. Our large playground climber was built in 2017 by Playworld, Inc., the same company that manufactures public playground equipment throughout our area. Tricycles and Cozy Coupe cars are driven on our level concrete area, and wagons, balls, foam airplanes and lots more ensure that every day at school is special and unique.
Classrooms
This is the classroom for our younger students in the 2s and 3s. Play the video below, or click and drag the image to see the space from every angle! This room contains age-appropriate toys, building blocks, trains, dramatic play costumes, dolls, stuffed animals, a book loft, and much, much more. The classroom has its own bathroom (though children do not need to be toilet-trained) and cubby room to store backpacks. A large rug is used for circle time, while two tables are used for art projects and snack time.
This is the classroom for the 4s. Click the image to move around the room. This room is the larger of the two and contains materials appropriate for older children. There is an abundance of toys, building blocks, a train table, small manipulatives including LEGO, art supplies, a book loft, a dramatic play area, and more. Like the smaller classroom, this one also has its own cubby room and bathroom. And it has a fish tank!
Outside
Here are two views of our incredible outdoor play area. We have a large climber with three slides and a tunnel, a large grassy area, a level concrete area for tricycles and cars, roller coaster cars for our hill, five swings, a big sandbox, a neighborhood of play houses, a nature path with tree stump stepping stones, and so many more special details.
Common QUestions…
How large are your classes? Is there space available?
We currently have openings in all of our classes for this school year. Our classes typically fill up quickly.
2s maximum class size: 10
3s class size: 14
4s class size: 15
Can I visit the school or meet with the teachers? Yes! We actually prefer to give tours when your prospective student's class is in session so you can see what it's like and meet the teacher. Contact info@knscoop.org to set one up.
What is co-oping? You can read this page to get a broad overview of how we co-op, but essentially, KNS is able to provide high-quality, low cost schooling by involving parents in all functions of the school. We assist the teachers with their instruction, keep the school clean, and play with all of the children. All families rotate so that everyone can participate. Additionally, families provide the business operations of the school, the school maintenance, fundraising, and more.
How often do families co-op in the classroom? Approximately twice per month. This varies slightly based on how often the class meets and how many children are in the class. A schedule is made twice per school year to accommodate everyone’s schedules and other families usually trade days when circumstances change, such as for sickness.
Can someone other than me co-op? Yes! Grandparents, nannies, and close family friends may fulfill your family's co-op duties as long as each co-oper has completed the mandatory training meeting, paperwork and background check. We also have a list of paid co-opers. Additionally, KNS offers Half Co-op and No Co-op options where half or all of your co-oping responsibilities are given to a paid classroom aide. These options cost a bit more per month.
How else do families participate in the school? Each family will be given a family job. In addition, each family must fulfill 12 volunteer hours throughout the year as well as attend a few meetings. Families receive a handbook before the school year begins with details on the school’s policies, procedures, and programs.
Volunteer Hours (Fundraising/Maintenance)
Many opportunities throughout the year to complete. For example, a scheduled maintenance day to pull weeds and spread much, soliciting donations for our gala or
4 hours must be completed by December 1.
Family Jobs
Each family will be assigned a job based on the needs of the school, taking into account the family’s interests and abilities (families complete a new member survey). Some jobs include website coordinator, yard sale coordinator, social committee member, and board member.
Jobs vary in time commitment throughout the year. Some jobs are concentrated at specific times of year and others are more evenly spread throughout the year.
Meetings
Families are required to attend 3 meetings throughout the year—a general membership meeting at the beginning and the end of the year as well as a co-oper training meeting in the fall.
What is Extended Day? KNS has an optional program for all classes where some children remain at school for an additional 1.5 hours after their regular class ends. A teacher and classroom aide oversee up to 10 children, and no co-oping is required. Extended Day is offered every day your child attends KNS.
My child’s birthday is close to your cutoff, will you consider letting him/her into the next class up? We adhere to the September 1st deadline that we share with Montgomery County Public Schools.
Does my child need to be potty trained? No
How has the school responded to the COVID-19 pandemic? KNS has taken a proactive approach to the pandemic with the safety of our students, staff, and families at the forefront of every decision. We require self-testing when a student or adult is symptomatic and encourage our families to keep their students home when they're not feeling well.
Apply
Submit your application via our online portal, Jovial (see www.knscoop.org/enrollment ) with the nonrefundable application fee. Applications are considered on a first-come-first-served basis.
Applicants will receive an email about a week after the deadline with information on the status (offer of spot or notification of wait list. (Full details included in email)
Applicant will have one week to respond
If a spot is offered, acceptance requires an initial payment of one month’s tuition. $200 in Family Fees will also be due in June.
A detailed registration packet is sent out in the spring with all necessary forms, including health and safety forms, teacher information forms, new member survey, co-oping participation forms, etc.
Any questions?
Fill out the form below, or call (301) 887-3367 and leave a message!