Established in 1972, Forest Hill Nursery School (FHNS) offers a unique educational program because it is a co-op. Parents work directly in the classroom as teacher helpers, and, therefore, have the opportunity to aid in the learning process. Thus, the co-op school makes the children’s first learning experience a true partnership between the children, the parents, and the teacher. By helping in the classroom, parents can more easily reinforce the lessons learned and help their children be prepared for the challenges of full-day kindergarten and beyond. 

In a co-op you know what your child does in school on a daily basis. In a co-op you are considered an integral component in your child’s learning.

Since FHNS is administered by the parents, you will be involved in the day-to-day operation decisions for the school through committee work and attendance at membership meetings.

The classroom routine is centered around the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive needs of three- and four-year-old children. The skills acquired through participation in nursery school complement the valuable learning experiences provided to children in the home environment. 

FHNS is licensed by the Child Care Administration. We are also in the process of becoming accredited by the state of Maryland.

Forest Hill Nursery School is open to families without regard to race, color, creed, sex, nationality or ethnic origin.

Class Hours and Info:

The 2-day classes for three-year-olds meet on Tuesday and Thursday. (Families choose between a morning or afternoon class.) The morning class is held from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. and the afternoon class is held from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. Each class is composed of 15 children who are 3 years old by September 1 of the year they enter preschool. Each session has 1 teacher and 2-3 helping parents present.

The 3-day classes for four-year-olds meet on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. (Families choose between a morning or afternoon class.) The morning class is held from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. and the afternoon class is held from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. Each class is composed of 16 children who are 4 years old by September 1 of the year they enter preschool. Each session has 1 teacher and 1-2 helping parents present.

Forest Hill Nursery School opens the Monday after Labor Day. The closing date will be the Friday preceding Memorial Day weekend. The remainder of our school year follows the Harford County School Calendar.

Parents are encouraged to attend school with their child for our special occasions: First Day of School, Father’s Night, Holiday Party, Mother’s Day Luncheon, Class Picnic.

Tuition Rates:

Please contact our preschool for the current tuition rates.

(Currently, a one time, non-refundable acceptance fee of $30.00 per child is due upon acceptance. The fee is $20.00 for the second year. A non-refundable equipment and materials fee of $60.00 is due with the signed contract. The tuition for September will be due in May. No tuition or fee refund will be granted for withdrawals.)

Parent Requirements:

Each parent is required to serve as a helping parent in the classroom approximately once every 3 weeks or 12-14 days per year.

Helper parents arrive 15 minutes early to set up for the day's activities, and remain after class to tidy up in the classroom for the next class (approximately 30 minutes).

Parents must attend the membership meetings that are held on the second Tuesday of the months of September, November, January, and April. Orientation is held in early September. Monthly meetings and Orientation is mandatory. 

Each parent is also required to serve on one committee per child entered in the school.

Parents in the 2-day classes take turns providing juice and snack for the members of their child’s class.

FHNS holds several fundraisers throughout the year and all families are expected to contribute their time and/or talents to these activities.

NOTE: Siblings not enrolled in school are not permitted in the classroom during class hours. For helper parent days, some families choose to enter reciprocal baby-sitting arrangements for siblings.

Other:

Children must be toilet trained prior to entering preschool.

Your child’s first meeting with his or her classmates may take place during playgroup sessions held over the summer before school begins. (Attendance at playgroup is voluntary.) Parents and siblings are included in these meetings. The summer playgroups enable the children to meet their future classmates and helper parents and to experience group play in an informal setting.

To help the children adjust more readily to school, a Gradual Entrance Program is implemented each fall. The children, starting off in a small group, become acquainted a few at a time. As they adjust to each other, and as they get acclimated to the classroom, they will also begin to feel close to the teacher and working parents.

Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and classes are filled according to place on the waiting list.