Garden Preschool Cooperative

I can't say enough great things about Garden Preschool and the amazing teachers there! Like many parents, I've had anxiety about sending my kid off to school. But I can't express enough how MAGICAL of a pre-school experience this was for our son and it was the right decision hands down. Here's my best take on a detailed and objective review of the pros and cons (aka things to be aware of) in determining if GPC is the right school for you. The pros: 1. THE TEACHERS: Literally the absolute best! 3 days into Summer break, and my son is saying he misses his teachers. They are wonderful, fun, fair, gentle yet firm. They design an inquiry-led curriculum that balances both academic and socio-emotional development. 2. CLEANLINESS: No outdoor shoes in the school is a plus, and to the best of their ability, organic, non-toxic cleaners are used by the volunteers daily. It helps keep the kids healthy! 3. ENRICHMENT: Story Builders with/ Miss Alla (dramatic play and creative skill development), music class with Mr. Kyle, and field trips to sites in the real world. Plus LOADS of outdoor time, which we know is important for immune and behavioral support. 4. PICTURES & COMMUNICATION: We get SO MANY pictures highlighting our kids' day, work, friends, trips, etc. I don't feel like I've missed my kids' most pivotal years. The parents also have a Slack that allows for real-time communication amongst them. Other pros: the mixed-aged classroom is mutually beneficial for all ages, healthy food rules are great, class room design is primed for play & learning. The Challenges: More something to be aware of than an outright con. COMMUNITY COMMITMENT: It's integral to the health of the school, so this isn't a complaint, but worth noting that the parent requirement is REAL and I'd say somewhat intensive depending on your "role." I underestimated this well is something worth considering. I often wondered if the model could support a single-parent household or non-traditional family structures, as it took us tag-teaming to do it justice with a very full-on career.

We love Garden Preschool. The teachers, the families, and the children, and the space has just been redone. It's a truly excellent environment for our little girl.

With 3 children and five years at Garden Preschool, I can tell you that this has been an incomparable place for our children's early years. The progressive curriculum, emphasis on global issues (from multiculturalism to the environment), and focus on the whole child have tremendously enriched our children's lives and sensibilities (even ten years later). In a true cooperative sense, parents are collaboratively involved in nearly every aspect, and have the opportunity to spend time with their child and their child's peers in the classroom, on the playground and on field trips, which is special for both the kids and parents.

The staff and families at this school are wonderful, we had an amazing experience with our son at this play-based school. The space is wonderful and in a beautiful building, I felt very comfortable bringing my son here everyday. Being part of this coop has made us feel very at home in Jersey City. We give this program and the warm staff our highest recommendation.

We had a great experience with both of our kids at Garden. The space, teachers and proximity to Hamilton Park are all excellent. If you are in JC and can commit to the roughly 1X month Parent of the Day responsibility I highly recommend looking into Garden Preschool Cooperative.