Mill Valley Nursery School

"Our family had a fantastic experience during our two years at MVNS. This co-op preschool offers children and families a truly special environment to learn, grow and foster community. Parents there are deeply committed to their child’s well-being and also have the opportunity to get to know and nurture all the children, as fully participating “parent teachers” under Teacher Cathy’s wise, loving, supportive, and humorous mentorship. A great child and family-centered place for growth!"

"Our daughters time at MVNS was magical for her, and the co-op experience and sense of community was great for our entire family. Teacher Cathy was amazing and it was great to watch how the kids developed, emotionally and socially at the school. The play areas and all the stations play or activities like art are great. It was very sad that her year was cut short by COVID-19 as she loved going to MVNS each day so much. Highly recommended if you can make it work."

"This magical space for children and their families is like nothing else I've ever encountered in any part of the world. From the organic apple tree in the front garden to the free range chickens happily roaming the school yard; from the bright creations born in the art room to the great towers built in the sand box, this timeless and truly supportive space encourages children to wonder and explore the world in the most beautiful way. Yoga, drum lessons, Spanish songs and healthy snacks help structure the weeks bursting with laughter and play. The Mill Valley Nursery School is a community built by families and friendship, a place where a child's love of learning begins and is nurtured for a lifetime."

"This school has been one of the best things about parenthood so far for me! Teacher Cathy is absolutely amazing - she knows exactly the right thing to say or do for every child to make sure their preschool experience leaves them confident, happy, at ease, and thriving. My oldest daughter was so timid and delicate before she started here and she started to blossom from day one. The parent participation aspect of the school is worth every ounce of time and effort - out of it you get an amazing community of friends (for life!), your child learns to interact and be comfortable with and trust adults outside of their direct circle, and you get to be a part of their first school experience. The tuition is significantly lower than most any other preschool in the bay area - you make up the difference with your time, love and energy poured into making a magical preschool experience for your child. I couldn't recommend this school any more strongly and I am so grateful that both of my kids are getting an amazing start here."

"I love so much about MVNS. It’s the perfect balance of the play children want and the structure they need to explore and develop in a safe, loving, warm environment. The outdoor space and the chickens are a learning experience by themselves. The children and adults learn so much from Teacher Cathy, about themselves and the world and parenting. So grateful to have found this preschool for my daughter"