Laurel Hill Community

Laurel Hill traces its beginnings to Presidio Hill School, part of the 1920s cooperative school movement. Its curriculum is based largely upon the writings of John Dewey and other philosophers and educators involved with progressive educations. In the mid-1940s, the parents of Presidio Hill Open Air School (Grades K-8) recognized the value of the preschool experience for children, an idea that gained in popularity following WWII.

We believe that a play-based nursery school provides a warm and safe environment for children to grow intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically. At Laurel Hill the children get to engage in deep play for extended time without the interruptions of adult agendas. Through parent education and staff training we are able to mitigate the impediments to play which include time, society, fear and misconceptions.

We all work together to support each other. This is to keep our school running and to help our children grow and learn. So, yes, it's a lot of work, but that's because it's supposed to be, it's important and that's what being in a co-op is all about. The Parent Education Committee (PEC) at Laurel Hill is tasked with providing parenting support and community building opportunities as we grow our collective parenting knowledge together.

Laurel Hill staff members are highly dedicated, experienced professionals committed to teaching through the magic of play and fostering community through strong home-school connections. Director Maria Chew has been an educator and an advocate for children and families for over 20 years.

Starting her career as an elementary school teacher, reading specialist, and public school advocate, Maria's educational philosophy came full circle when her son came to Laurel Hill in 2001.Discovering the impact that a strong, supportive community had on her own family, Maria quickly recognized that a co-op provides a strong foundation for child development and growth; not only for a child's future education but for that child's entire life.

As the parents, guardians, community and staff of the children at Laurel Hill it is our duty to preserve play and to honor the children. It is our responsibility when in the presence of children at LHNS, that we are fully present and mindful of the community's philosophy. The Laurel Hill Community Expectations pull together our philosophy, policies and developmentally appropriate practices and state them as accessible freedoms for each child.