Old First Nursery School
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Old First Nursery School is a preschool located in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Rated 4.8 stars from 12 Google reviews.
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Reviews (12)
Becca Schallfrom Google
We cannot believe our luck finding this place for both our sons. Therese, the lead teacher, has been with the school for over 30 years and is so invested in each and every child as an individual. The school has a huge amount of play space both indoors and outdoors, which means they get so much physical activity all year round, and the gorgeous church building is just a lucky bonus. The co-op model was something I wasn’t familiar with before, but has really made me feel engaged and connected not just to my sons’ education but to my neighbors and community! We will be forever grateful to Old First Nursery!
MinJoo Shinfrom Google
OFNS is one of the most unique and charming nursery schools in NYC. Head teacher Therese has been at the school for over thirty years and guides the children in a warm and gentle way. The curriculum is well thought out and brings out everyone’s curiosity. There’s so much space for the kids to run around in, including a gorgeous garden playground that they have access to all year. The coop aspect is a lot of work but it’s collaborative and thought provoking - where else can you run a nursery school with all your favorite people?
Colleen Conigliarofrom Google
Old First Nursery School is a small, play-based cooperative nursery school in the heart of Park Slope. There is only one class of 16 3- and 4-year olds, so it's super small and a very tight knit community. This is the first year my eldest daughter has attended any school program and Old First has been such a great fit for our family. The teachers are so kind and so creative! I love seeing the calendar of all the incredible things my daughter is doing at school. From making art, building the solar system for their rocket "blast off", learning about simple machines, cooking for the Thanksgiving feast, it's been such a magical experience. The space is also incredible - my daughter loves the swing set at the playground in the school's private garden and having the "Big Room" for indoor playtime where the kids can ride bikes and play on the jungle gym when it's wet and cold is so important for the little ones. I also really appreciate how the Head Teacher, Therese, manages the classroom with consistent routines that have really helped my daughter adjust seamlessly into a school environment. The cooperative nature of the school has also been a wonderful plus for our family. Because the parents run the school and each family has a job, you get very close to everyone and it's made Park Slope feel like such a village. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a play-based, progressive school with lots of outdoor play time, natural light and teachers highly attuned to children's needs.
Szelena Grayfrom Google
OFNS is an incredibly special place, and we've been so lucky to have both of our kids start their school experiences here. It's a cooperative, which means that parents are organized on a board that runs the school, and each family has a job. This structure creates a high-level of participation, ownership, and community among families — there's no question that you can't get answered, and no shortage of hands to help when needed. We've had the opportunity to be really involved with our kids in their first years of school, and that's been such a gift. For anyone considering OFNS, here are some other important things to know: **Location** The school itself is located in one of the oldest churches in Brooklyn. There's no religious affiliation, but we're so lucky to be in its space. The kids have an enormous, light-filled "big room" to play in every day, plus a back garden with a swing set, climbing area, and so many flowers, bugs, and plants to observe. **Curriculum** The approach is truly child-led, play-based, with a ton of project-based and experiential learning. There's a real focus on social and emotional development, and the mixed-age (3-4) classroom provides so much opportunity for kids to learn from each other and grow together. **Teachers** For decades, OFNS has been shaped by the steady leadership, care, and commitment of a remarkable head teacher. Generations of children and families have benefited from the learning environment grounded in warmth, consistency, and deep expertise that she creates. That kind of continuity is rare, and it is a big part of what makes this school exceptional. **Community** OFNS is a well-known community institution. The annual Christmas Tree Sale has a loyal base of support in the neighborhood, and it feels great to be a part of something with such a positive and deeply-rooted local history. Choosing OFNS was easily the best decision we've made for our kids so far!
Jenny Podewilsfrom Google
We couldn’t be happier with this preschool co-op. One of the main reasons we chose it was the incredible head teacher, Therese, who brings a truly special approach to early education. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, she fosters independence, creativity, and curiosity, while supporting each child in a very thoughtful and personalized way. The program is a creative dream for kids — with lots of art projects, engaging field trips, and imaginative themes. Recently, the children went on a “journey to the moon,” combining learning about space, hands-on crafting, and a joyful performance that made them incredibly proud. Another standout is the space: a beautiful garden, lots of time outdoors, and a large indoor play area — something that’s quite rare. Finally, the co-op community is exceptional. It’s warm, welcoming, and truly supportive. Parents come together in monthly meetings, kids connect beyond school hours, and there’s a real sense of helping one another. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a nurturing, creative, and community-driven environment for their child. They take 3s and 4s.