River Park Nursery School

River Park Nursery School has been a staple in the Capitol Hill community since 1963, providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged 3 to 5. Our school is a co-operative, parent-run organization that is fully licensed in the District of Columbia, and we are committed to offering a program of developmentally appropriate activities for nursery-school aged children.

Our Mission and Philosophy

Our mission is to encourage individual growth, foster exploration, creativity, and good work habits through shared value and citizenship in a pro-social environment. We believe that children learn best through play, and our curriculum is designed to support each child's unique developmental needs and learning style. Our teacher-student ratio of 1:5 allows us to provide highly individualized attention and support to each child.

Our Program

Our program is designed to foster social and emotional development, and we place a strong emphasis on building a sense of community and cooperation among our students. We offer classes three mornings a week, from 8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., and our school year runs from September through late May. We offer a part-time schedule that allows children to embrace childhood outside the confines of a full-time school day.

Parent Involvement

Strong parent involvement is an integral part of our school community, and we believe that families play a critical role in supporting their child's education. We offer opportunities for parents to be involved in the classroom, on field trips, and on committees that support the school's mission and operations.

Admissions

We welcome applications for the 2024-2025 school year, and we encourage families to join us at one of our open houses to learn more about River Park Nursery School. Our application process is designed to be simple and straightforward, and we are committed to supporting families through every step of the admissions journey. If you have any questions about the application process or openings in our current 2023-2024 school year, please don't hesitate to contact us at RPNSAdmissions@gmail.com.

Our Director

Erin Crouse, our Program Director, has been an educator for many years and is passionate about empowering children as active participants in their own learning journey. She guides and facilitates situations that support, expand upon, and occasionally challenge existing knowledge. Erin values the close-knit family atmosphere at River Park Nursery School, and she is committed to fostering deeper connections not only with each child but also with their families.

Our Community

At River Park Nursery School, we are more than just a school; we are a community of families, teachers, and learners. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we are committed to supporting ethnic, racial, economic, and other diversity. Financial aid may be available for families who qualify.

We invite you to explore our website, learn more about our program, and join our mailing list to stay up-to-date on news and events at River Park Nursery School. We look forward to getting to know you and your family, and we are excited to welcome you to our community!