About Santa Clara Parents Nursery School
Play based preschool in Santa Clara
Helping families grow — together.
You want more than just a preschool.
You want your child to feel safe, curious, and joyful.
You want to feel confident, connected, and part of something real.
But so many early childhood options feel impersonal, rushed, or rigid.
You shouldn’t have to choose between a great learning environment for your child and a supportive space for yourself.
That’s where we come in!
Santa Clara Parents Nursery School (SCPNS) is a play-based, parent-participation preschool in Santa Clara where families grow side by side. For over 60 years, we’ve helped children build confidence through play — and helped parents find connection, purpose, and support through community.
We’re proud to be a part of the California Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools and its Silicon Valley chapter, SCVC, which have supported cooperative schools like ours for generations.
We’re not just a school — we’re a village.
At SCPNS:
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Children explore, create, and thrive through hands-on, open-ended play
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Parents are active partners, learning and growing alongside their kids
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Every voice matters, every family contributes, and no one does it alone
We guide you through every step — from classroom roles to community involvement — so you feel prepared, supported, and empowered.
Because when children feel free to play and parents feel seen and supported, everyone grows.
Ready to be part of something meaningful?
Let’s play and grow together!
Play based preschool in Santa Clara, A parent participation cooperative pre school. Santa Clara Parents Nursery School
Meet our teachers!
Meet our 2025-2026 board members!
Alongside our amazing teachers, SCPNS is supported by a volunteer board made up of current parents and caregivers. We each bring different talents and experiences to help the school thrive.
Come see for yourself and meet the folks helping guide our community!
Where it all began
Santa Clara Parents Nursery School has been a part of the community since 1956, when a group of dedicated families came together to create a cooperative learning space for the children in our community.
Once upon a school
1956
Founded by a group of parents at Napredak Hall in Santa Clara.
1957
Moved to Bethany Lutheran Church to accommodate more families.
1958
Moved into the building we still use today (originally at 385 N. Monroe St.).
1960
The building was relocated to its current site at 471 N. Monroe St.
1973 & 1985
SCUSD granted additional land, expanding our outdoor play space by 45 feet.
2009
Became an independent, non-profit, parent-run nursery school, licensed by the State of California.
Melissa
“This school is amazing!! It was the best decision for my two girls. The friends that I have made, have been such a support system for me as I navigated those toddler years."
Sunshine
"Fantastic school that is a caring community of teachers and families.Since it's parent participation a lot of the experience depends on the other families, and the other families are great! My whole family loves this school."
Joy
"If you are looking for an affordable but quality community for your child where parents are challenged into being good role models, you should consider this school."