Santa Clara Parents Nursery School

Santa Clara Parents Nursery School offers play-based, parent-participation programs with sensory activities, music, movement, themed camps, outdoor adventure, creative learning, early literacy, math, social skills, creative learning, outdoor play, rest time, and quiet play. Specific offerings include Saturday Stay & Play, Playful Beginners, Lunch Bunch, Skill Seekers, Busy Bees, June Summer camps, and Wacky Wednesday.

Programs

• Saturday Stay & Play — 18 months - 3 years · Saturdays · A relaxed weekend program where young children and their caregivers can explore, connect, and play through sensory activities, music, and movement in a supportive environment.
• School Year — 2-5 · Play-based, parent-participation preschool in Santa Clara with flexible scheduling and co-op options.
• Summer Programs — 2-6 · Themed camps, Wacky Wednesdays, sensory fun, outdoor adventure, and creative learning.
• Playful Beginners — 2-5 · Tue/Thur or Mon/Wed/Fri or 5-day · Morning program, 9:00 am–11:30 am.
• Lunch Bunch — 2-5 · Scheduled school days, 11:30 am–12:30 pm · Midday extension where children share lunch and enjoy quiet play.
• Skill Seekers — 3-5 · Tues/Thurs or Mon/Wed/Fri or 5-day, 12:30 pm–3:00 pm · Afternoon program focused on early literacy, math, social skills, and creativity.
• Busy Bees — 3-5 · 2, 3, or 5 days/week, 9:00 am–3:00 pm · Full day program combining morning and afternoon sessions with outdoor play, rest time, and extended opportunities for learning and social growth.
• June Summer camps — 2-5 · Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm · Location: Outdoor Only.
• Wacky Wednesday — 18 months – 6 years · Wednesdays in June, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm · A playful drop-in morning for young kids and their grownups.

At a glance

• Ages: 2–6 years old

About the provider

The school has been operating since 1956 and is part of the California Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools and its Silicon Valley chapter, SCVC. It became an independent, non-profit, parent-run nursery school licensed by the State of California in 2009. The leadership team includes Sara, Director and Teacher; Odillia, Lead Teacher; and Danyel, Lead Teacher. It is a parent-participation cooperative school with parent-led cooking experiences that explore culture and community and a volunteer board made up of current parents and caregivers.

Flexible scheduling and co-op options. Flex co-op involves less classroom time, slightly higher tuition, and is offered based on seniority and availability. Application requires a $400 registration fee. Orientation in August helps families feel ready for the year. School year states 2026-2027 and ages 2-5. Summer 2026 dates coming in February.

What families say

“The most important thing that we found in this school is trust. We really trust the teachers and the families that participate in the school. We share the same education philosophy and I found lots of support from other moms, fathers and grandparents that work in the school.” — Gema

“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.” — Melissa

“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.” — Sunshine

Last updated September 20, 2026.