Our Story

The little white Methodist church is enchantingly stereotypical and a mere hop, skip and a jump from the Central Park Elementary School. Tucked away in the back of this church is the entrance to the Central Park Co-Op Preschool, which was started in 1973 by Beth Morrisey. Alphabets, toy dinosaurs, original artwork by tiny hands, along with a play-kitchen and reading nooks, make this a happy, busy, learning environment.

“Central Park Co-op is different than your average preschool, not just because of the relationships, but because the parents are so involved. People bring their children here because they enjoy being a part of their child’s learning experience. Kids get so excited when their parents come to help out,” comments former Central Park CoOp Preschool teacher, Heather.

Judy MacNaughton, former preschool teacher in Central Park for ten years, believes the longevity of the school is a testament to the way it operates. “It’s not uncommon for me to meet people who tell me their 30-something-year-old children attended the Co-op,” says Judy. “In addition to the age of the program, a unique characteristic of the preschool is the level of parent involvement – in the roles of board members and decision makers, as well as assistants to the teachers in the classroom and providers of snacks. Central Park Co-op’s longevity and fine reputation in the community is a testimony to the commitment and dedication of many, many families over the years.”

Former board member, Franzine Potts, had her children enrolled at the preschool for a combined seven years. She adds, “I enjoy having my children here because it makes me feel so involved. As a working mom, if I don’t have to be involved in something, it becomes much harder to make time. Because of the way the preschool is set up, it made it so that I had to be involved and I really liked that.”

The rich community of this school makes for a thriving learning environment, meaningful relationships and healthy kids.