Dietrich Johnson Cooperative Nursery School(DJCNS) is a non-profit cooperative nursery school for children aged 2 ½ to 5. We provide our students a place that allows them to be with other children and adults outside their own family. This environment gives our students a sense of comfort and security, independence and adventure, and a chance to learn and investigate with the guidance of caring teachers.

As a cooperative nursery school, we provide parents a chance to learn from the teacher through the way she interacts with the children and the games and projects she offers. Parents also have the opportunity to share with other parents and to learn about other children to gain perspective on how their child fits into the group.

CORE CURRICULUM

The curriculum at DJCNS is thoughtfully planned and developmentally appropriate. A typical day is comprised of the following activities:

• Free play and clean-up
• Teacher directed activities
• Themed projects
• Outdoor play
• Bathroom etiquette
• Snack time
• Story time
• Circle time

Our teachers build on what the children already know and teach them important concepts and skills through a combination of child-initiated play and teacher directed instruction.

SPECIAL CURRICULUM PROGRAMS

DJCNS offers the following special curriculum programs on a regularly scheduled basis to enhance the classroom experience:

• Music – Singing and instrument play
• Movement – Wacky Gym class and Tae Kwon Do
• Science – Age-appropriate science experiments
• Foreign Language – Introduction to conversational Spanish through songs and games
• Presentations from various members of the community including the Lizard Guys, the Owl Lady and Youth Stages.

FIELD TRIPS

Our location in the heart of Princeton provides DJCNS students many unique opportunities to explore the community around them. Some of our favorite excursions have included:

• Taking a hay ride at Windsor Farm
• Riding the Dinky Train to Princeton Junction Station
• Visiting the Princeton Art Museum
• Hearing a story at the Princeton Public Library
• Mailing Valentines from the Princeton Post Office in Palmer Square