Santa Cruz Parent Education Nursery School

Santa Cruz Parent Education Nursery School is a parent participation preschool and non-profit parent cooperative. The program includes the only parent participation toddler program in Santa Cruz County and maintains a high adult-to-child ratio.

• Ages: 1–5 years old
• Schedule: Spring 2026 Open Houses on Wednesday, February 11, 4 to 5:30 PM and Wednesday, March 18, 4 to 5:30 PM.
• Price: Enjoy lower tuition costs through parent involvement.

At Santa Cruz Parent Education Nursery School (SCPENS), children learn about themselves and the world around them through play. By participating in a stimulating learning environment with other children their own age, students develop skills and build confidence socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically. Parents actively involved in their child’s learning are better able to understand and meet their child’s needs.

The non-profit parent cooperative has been an integral part of Santa Cruz since 1975, offering education to both child and parent, and is affiliated with Watsonville-Aptos-Santa Cruz Adult Education. SCPENS is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Parents are able to observe experienced, credentialed teachers, and monthly evening meetings offer in-depth discussions of a variety of parent issues as well as the opportunity to learn from teachers and guest speakers.

A parent described SCPENS as “such a fabulous place for both preschoolers and parents to learn and grow into incredible members of the community.” Another parent shared that their family had three children in the co-op over a total of eight years and “can’t imagine a stronger, better foundation” for their children.

Last updated June 24, 2026.