FAQ

What is a Parent Co-Operative Preschool?

In a co-op preschool, parents are actively involved with the daily class activities of children, the creation and implementation of the school philosophy and rules, and gain the rewards of watching your child grow as well as learn from the knowledge of the teacher, other staff and fellow participating parents. At BHPPNS, families work in conjunction with our teachers and director to run the school, create the emergent curriculum, and become involved in your child’s early education, such that both you and your child benefit from participation. Even the Board of Directors is comprised of parents and oversees the financial and operational functions of the school.

Why Choose Co-op?

By actively participating in your child’s early education, you gain insight into their learning and social interactions. This involvement allows you to celebrate and contribute to your child’s early learning years. Alongside your child you’ll learn from educators and peers, enhancing your understanding of child development and effective parenting strategies. The co-op model guarantees a high adult-to-child ratio for personalized attention and provides access to support resources. Engaging with your child’s social circle deepens your connection, while joining a community of like-minded parents offers a network of support and shared experiences.

We are REALLY into letting our children play. We practice an emergent, play-based curriculum, which means that the teachers and parents in the classroom pay close attention to the interests of the children in order to support learning. Students have free reign of the classroom spaces, while working family members stay at assigned locations to supervise the children. All of this is to say: children rule our school. We work hard to make Bunker Hill a comfortable, safe place for children to explore.

What are the responsibilities of a BHPPNS participating family?

Please check our new page: Co-Op Responsibilities for more details. In a nutshell, we are a volunteer run organization. The school is run by parents and staff together.

Do you offer extended care before or after school?

We do not offer extended care but many BHPPNS families have caregivers locally and have provided successful recommendations to fellow families in the community over the years.

What (program years) does Bunker Hill Parents Participation Nursery School offer? What are the ages served at BHPPNS and what days/times are classes offered?

Please check our Classes page for the most up-to-date offerings and more details on ages served.

What is the school calendar?

Our school holds classes September through June and adheres to national holidays and traditional school breaks. We do not strictly conform to the San Mateo Foster City Public School District’s schedule.

Do children have to be potty trained?

No, we welcome children before potty training. For all children, we ask that parents communicate their child’s diapering/potty stage and provide sufficient clothing changes and diapers for their child’s needs. BHPPNS does not supply diapers or wipes.

When do you start accepting applications for the following school year? How does the Registration process work?

We begin accepting applications the afternoon after our open house via Jovial. We enroll classes on a first come, first serve basis.

When is your Open House?

Please check the home page for the latest news on our Open House.

I missed the open house! Can I have a tour?

Yes! We offer private tours by request all year. Please RSVP on our Tours page. We hold tours outside of class hours as children are our priority, and in the past we have found class-time tours too disruptive to our classes. If you are interested in seeing the school in action, we have videos and photos on our website and Instagram.

Do you accept new students mid- year?

Yes, we do accept students throughout the year, provided there are spaces available. Contact membership@bunkerhillschool.org for more details.

Is there any financial aid?

BHPPNS is fortunate to be able to provide financial aid to families in an effort to partner with parents in the education of their children. Please see our Tuition page.

Are snacks provided?

Parents take turns providing healthy snacks for the children in the class. A snack parent is assigned as part of the schedule.  At your orientation, guidelines for snacks and allergy information for each class will be provided.

How do you handle food allergies?

BHPPNS must be informed of the type and severity of any allergy.  Each class will adjust snack requirements based on these allergies. We are a nut-free campus.

Do you have a summer program?

Yes, mixed-age Summer Sessions may be held with adequate enrollment and a maximum of 20 children, pending membership and staff interest. Summer Adventure Camp is open to currently enrolled students and alumni only. Please check our Classes page for the latest details.

Do you require masking indoors and/or outdoors?

No. We do not currently require masks indoors or outdoors. Our classrooms are equipped with standalone HEPA filters. If you’d like more details on our current COVID-19 policy, please contact us!