Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Preschool Program in Capitol Hill, Washington DC
At Capitol Hill Cooperative Nursery School, we believe every child is dynamic and curious, approaching the world with unique learning strategies. Our program fosters a nurturing, safe, and playful environment that prioritizes social and emotional growth. With over 40 years of experience, Program Director Frances Slaughter leads a team dedicated to preparing children for kindergarten through exploration and discovery. Our curriculum emphasizes social development, communication skills, physical coordination, and community engagement. We offer small classes in an intimate setting, blending daily play with structured learning using puzzles, STEM toys, and artistic tools.Parents actively participate in administrative duties, creating a cooperative model that strengthens family involvement. Located in Washington, DC, we serve toddlers aged 2.5+ with flexible schedules and competitive rates. Our school partners with qualified instructors for music, movement, and art, ensuring a well-rounded foundation for early education. For over six decades, we have remained committed to nurturing young minds in a supportive, child-led environment.
Services
Preschool Program
Summer Camp
Drop-In Days
Social Development
Communication Skills
Physical Coordination
Community Exploration
Artistic Activities
Music & Movement
STEM Play
Details
- Year established: 1965
Highlights and features
- We offer a play-based curriculum fostering social-emotional development
- Our director has 40+ years of early childhood education experience
- Parents actively participate in our cooperative administrative model
- We emphasize community exploration through daily outdoor activities
- Flexible schedules available 3-5 days weekly for family needs
Services
Preschool Program
Our preschool program serves toddlers aged 2.5+ with a play-based curriculum emphasizing social-emotional growth, communication skills, and physical development. Certified teachers facilitate learning through structured activities and free exploration. Students engage with STEM toys, artistic tools, and community outings to build kindergarten readiness.
Summer Camp
Summer Camp extends our educational approach with extended hours until 3:00pm. Children participate in outdoor play, creative projects, and movement activities while maintaining social development focus. The program offers continuity for families during school breaks with familiar staff and routines.
Drop-In Days
Drop-In Days provide occasional childcare options for enrolled families. This service maintains our educational standards while offering scheduling flexibility. Activities align with our regular curriculum, ensuring consistent learning experiences during intermittent attendance.
Social Development
Structured social development activities teach conflict resolution, cooperation, and communication skills. Teachers facilitate peer interactions through group projects and guided play. Our approach builds confidence in expressing needs while fostering empathy and classroom community.
Community Exploration
Daily walks to nearby parks and local landmarks integrate community awareness into our curriculum. Children observe urban environments, practice safety skills, and connect classroom concepts to real-world experiences. These outings reinforce geographical awareness and civic engagement.
People
Frances Slaughter
Program Director & Teacher
Frances Slaughter has guided early childhood education at CHCNS for over 40 years. Her expertise focuses on kindergarten readiness through play-based learning. She develops curricula emphasizing social-emotional growth and community engagement in Washington, DC's Capitol Hill neighborhood.
Questions
What age requirements exist for enrollment?
We accept toddlers aged 2.5 years and older, with potty-training not required for admission.
How does the cooperative parent model work?
Parents participate in administrative duties like admissions and maintenance, contributing 1-2 days monthly to support school operations.
What curriculum frameworks do you follow?
Our play-based curriculum aligns with DC's early learning standards, emphasizing social-emotional development, language skills, and physical coordination.
Are extended care options available?
Summer Camp offers extended hours until 3:00pm, with Drop-In Days providing flexible occasional childcare solutions.
How do you prepare children for kindergarten?
We focus on social skills, independent learning strategies, and communication techniques through structured activities and peer interactions.
