All Austin Cooperative Nursery School is a part-time preschool program in Central Austin created and supported by a community of parents, teachers, and children, working together to provide high-quality experiential learning for our children in a secular environment. A group of progressive parents established the All Austin Cooperative Nursery School in 1953 as one of the first interracial and intercultural schools in the state.
We are proud to continue this tradition, drawing together families from many different backgrounds and from all over the city of Austin.
We are proud to continue this tradition, drawing together families from many different backgrounds and from all over the city of Austin.
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Here's a scene not uncommon for a morning at the Co-op: children are building a system of rivers and dams with sand and water buckets. Plans are drawn up, orders are issued, experiments ensue, dams hold, troughs overflow, disagreements arise, ideas are shared, and a proposal is made that progress resume tomorrow.
In 1953, a group of progressive parents founded the All Austin Cooperative Nursery School with the purpose of providing a racially integrated, educationally sound learning environment for their children. AACNS was one of the first progressive preschools established in the state of Texas.
Over the years, AACNS expanded and developed into a family-centered school, continuing to maintain a policy of nondiscrimination with regard to race, religion, color, and national origin.It was many years, however, before the Co-op was able to realize its dream of owning a space of its own.
Over the years, AACNS expanded and developed into a family-centered school, continuing to maintain a policy of nondiscrimination with regard to race, religion, color, and national origin.It was many years, however, before the Co-op was able to realize its dream of owning a space of its own.
Children have a way of defying even the broadest generalizations. They are steadfastly their own unique selves-complete with idiosyncrasies and anxieties, interests and intolerances, passions and whims. Rather than empty vessels waiting to be filled, children come to the Co-op with inestimable depths to share.
Pat joined the Co-op in 2007. She joined us after a devoted 22-year stint as Director at University United Methodist's Early Childhood Center. She is a recipient of AAEYC's Mabel Pitts Award in recognition of her contributions to the lives of young children and families. Pat received a Bachelor of Science in Education at University of Texas Youth and Family Services.
For every purchase you make at Amazon, they will donate a portion of the sale directly to the Co-op through their Amazon Smile program. It truly take just seconds to sign in, and our school will benefit from your shopping sprees. The Co-op has a partnership with Randall's education give back programs.
Reviews (4)
Rasha Madkour
Nov 03, 2021
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The Co-op is such a magical place, we feel so grateful to have been able to send our kids here. The child-led, play-based, outdoor-heavy, respectful philosophy is everything we could have hoped for, and creates such a sweet and caring community. The teachers are incredibly patient, kind, thoughtful, understanding and knowledgeable about child development. Families take turns helping out in the classroom but, truly, I felt I was getting all the benefit out of it, being able to witness how teachers empower kids to resolve conflicts, put their feelings into words and learn how to be part of a cooperative
Louisa White
Sep 30, 2021
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We feel so lucky and grateful to have landed a spot at AACNS for our daughter. Her first year in the 2's class was magical, and then the pandemic hit--but the school kept the community together and did everything possible to ensure the safety of the students and staff. It's such a caring, creative place with teachers who understand child development in a way that has taught me a lot! I would recommend AACNS to anyone looking for a play-based experience that emphasizes outdoor exploration, sensory and creative discovery, and a tight-knit community of parents and alums.
Aimee Ash
Sep 18, 2016
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Melanie Tolen
Aug 18, 2013
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I was so excited to find this pre-school for my children eight years ago. My third child is there now, and I am continually amazed by the dedication of the staff, the professionalism of the director, and the support of the other parents. The teachers really focus on their students and where they are, and they continually provide a rich variety of materials and activities. The classes are half-day and follow the AISD schedule. The two year olds go for two days a week, the three year olds for three days, and the four and five year olds go for five days a week. Parent participation is required and
