Menlo-Atherton Cooperative Nursery School

Menlo-Atherton Cooperative Nursery School is a play-based preschool where parent participation allows children and families to learn and grow together. It is a parent-education-sponsored cooperative nursery school in which parents work in the classroom, attend parent education classes, and serve on the board and committees. The program uses play-based learning to help children develop social and cognitive skills, mature emotionally, and build self-confidence. Current parents can sign in online to view class pages, calendars, announcements, and more.

• Ages: 3–5 years old

The Menlo-Atherton Cooperative Nursery School was founded in 1951 as the Menlo Play Center. In May 1961 it moved to a new building in its current location in Nealon Park. On February 16, 1992, the school suffered an arson fire that destroyed the building, and classes were held on the playground while the school was being rebuilt. The new building, an award-winning facility designed by local architect and former co-op parent Sam Sinnott, was dedicated in October 1994. After the 1992 fire, the school adopted the motto, “You can’t keep a good school down,” and parents staged numerous fundraising events to replace toys, books, and furniture. The school was founded in co-sponsorship with the Sequoia District Adult School and is in partnership with Sequoia Adult School.

One parent described the school as “a play-based preschool where parent participation allows children and families to learn and grow together.” Another parent shared that the program’s firm belief in the power of play and the experience of being there with their child were priceless, and that participating at the co-op made them feel like a much better parent.

Last updated March 20, 2026.