We started in 2022 when my daughter was just over 2.5, and PCNS has become a 2nd home for us. The school has a great playground (open to the public during non-school hours) and is housed in a unique and very cool old Quonset hut! There are bathrooms with tiny toilets & sinks (which my early-potty trainer loved), lots of great toys, an area for imaginative play, giant blocks for building forts, a swing in the middle of the room they pull out on rainy days, and an area for arts and crafts. They have tricycles, sand toys, a vegetable garden, swings, a giant play structure, a mud kitchen...the list goes on. The new Director has super creative ideas and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to kids this age. The Co-op structure is brilliant. It really is the answer to the 'village' we all need as parents, but no longer have. If you want a school where you get to know all the other families and their kids, and create lifelong friendships, this is the place for you. I've also learned a ton about my own kids (my 2nd just started at PCNS this fall) - how they operate in their first real social group, what their challenges are, etc. AND I have learned plenty about parenting, from watching how the teachers handle big feelings and tricky situations, to seeing my peer-parents with their own children. PCNS is a play-based school, and what the children really learn is how to interact with each other socially, and appropriately in a classroom. All of the PCNS Alumni that I know are now in Kindergarten and TK at local schools are thriving. It's a lovely school and an absolute gem in Pacifica. read more

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There's life before PCNS and life after. My 4 years old previously was in a Montessori that was great but the sense of community was not there. My little one is incredibly outgoing and needs plenty of outdoor time and play learning activities. There's no better spot if you as me than this coop. All of the teachers are amazing at what they do, they really make the little ones feel heard, held and nurtured, and there's is so much structure and involvement from all of the parents so it really makes it feel like a little village effort of raising healthy, happy kids. We also have a 1 year old and I can't wait until he gets to be at the coop too! This is a huge resource for Pacifica families! read more

Pacifica Co-op Nursery School - The playground is amazing! - Preschools Near Me - Pacifica, California

Kalani and I (Grandma) started just this past month and love everything about it. The teacher's are super patient and so sweet to the kids. No child is pressured to do or go where they are uncomfortable without their supportive parent/grandparent. Kalani is already feeling comfortable in circle time, dancing, sharing and meeting new friends. We are excited every week for what's to come. read more

This school is SO AMAZING! We recently moved to Pacifica and started at the co-op 6 weeks ago. My son immediately felt at home and is so happy every time I pick him up. The teachers are spectacular, the parent involvement is amazing and I can't get over how happy the kids (and parents) are! My son, who didn't enjoy his previous school at all, loves it here. I would have drove from SF here if I knew about it when we lived up there!! Highly recommend! read more

This is my first year as a parent at the school. My son loves to go here. There are so many free play opportunities where he can learn important things like sharing and taking turns. We're excited to go on the first field trip of the year to the pumpkin patch. Each day when we leave my son tells me "more school!" I really like being part of a community of parents and teachers who share ideas and resources. The kids get so much hands-on learning from having so many parents at the site. Each family has one work day a week, and I look forward to mine each week. The co-op uses the skills of all of its member families to improve the education of our children. This is a wonderful community, and I'm happy my family found such a wonderful place to ease into enrolling in a K-12 school. read more

My daughter started at the co-op one month before the pandemic shut everything down and the school shifted to virtual learning. I wasn't sure how valuable Zoom classes would be for a 3 year old but I'm so glad we stuck with it! The classes and homework assignments gave us some structure/routine, which my daughter really benefitted from. It also allowed her to form bonds with her teachers and classmates, which made the transition back to in-person school this fall really smooth. She wants to go to school everyday, even on the weekends! The school's schedule gives plenty of opportunities for free play, which I believe is how young children learn best. They also provide activities based on the week's curriculum, where they do arts and crafts and learn early reading/writing skills, science, and math. For kiddos entering kindergarten, they provide special Pre-K sessions twice a week to focus on kindergarten readiness. It's a great balance between play and academics. And best of all -- I bring home a tired kid! I love the little community that the co-op provides. We have parents and caregivers with all kinds of backgrounds and everyone brings different skills to the table. One thing I'm looking forward to this year is learning from the parenting education classes being offered by one of the moms, as well as the parenting seminars with the director. Being able to see your child learn and interact with others at school, while also continuing to grow as a parent/caregiver is truly unique to the co-op experience and we're so glad to be back in person! read more

We had high hopes enrolling this year but ended up having a freakish experience where our kid was seemingly happy during their first week but had issues with adapting that were not communicated to us. The teachers were overwhelmed by her perfectly age-appropriate behavior and incapable of following through with the suggestion we had to improve the situation. It became obvious that the co-op had its limitations in being able to adapt to children's individual needs and we didn't feel safe leaving our child there. read more

My 3.5 year old started preschool here this year after an unexpected move to Pacifica and while we were worried that we may have rushed the decision, we could not be happier. She comes home every day and tells us how much fun she had at school, she is so proud that she's learning her letters and numbers, and it's so great to see her form relationships with the other kids and parents at the school. Also, as new transplants to Pacifica it's a great way to integrate ourselves into the community! It's also so clear that it's an institution--we keep running into people around town (supermarket checkers, babysitters, etc) who went there as kids, even decades ago. I'm looking forward to being able to enroll my toddler next year once he turns 2. read more

What drew our family to "The Co-op" and what keeps us engaged is the sense of community we have felt with fellow parents, preschool-aged kids and siblings, and the teachers. Two of our kids have been students, through in-person/on-site learning, as well the virtual program. One kid "graduated"; the other is currently enrolled. Though education during the pandemic has been challenging, we are fortunate we still have friends and support through the Co-op. My kids also have grown leaps and bounds through the curriculum and play. Bug School in the summer was lots of fun for my older kid--learning about and experiencing butterflies and spiders with friends! Highly recommend and love The Co-op! read more

This is such a great school! My first time at a co-op. I have 2 older kids and I was a bit apprehensive when we first started. After the first day my daughter loved it. Both Teacher Jenn and Teacher Christina was amazing--along with the the parents that volunteer daily. I appreciate the participation in the community and highly recommend the school! read more

My son started here in the Fall of 2018. He had just turned 3 years old. We chose this school for many reasons... 1. I am a stay at home Mom and he had never had experience with a drop-off day care. 2. He was VERY shy and apprehensive about new things/people/places. It took him a long time to warm up. 3. He has severe allergies and I was a nervous wreck trusting him to the care of other people. Pacifica Co-Op Nursery School was the answer for all of these concerns. I was new to Co-Op's and was wary of the amount of work required as a parent. But it turned out that the Co-Op dynamic is one of the best things about this place. Everyone really cares and there is a ton of camaraderie around being a parent of a pre-schooler. The parent involvement means the teacher student ratio is ridiculously awesome. Yes, there are requirements (working one session a week, having a school "job", participating in fundraising, etc) but honestly that stuff wasn't a drain and was fun to participate in. He started at one day a week and as he became more comfortable we added more days. The teachers have changed a bit over the course of the last two years with a few consistencies. Across the board they are devoted and passionate towards this age group. They help the kids learn valuable skills emotionally, academically, and physically all through playing. My favorite aspect of this school was watching my son find his strengths and personality amongst all the other kids AND parents. On the days when I wasn't working I would learn about something funny that my son did from another parent that was working that day and vice versa. It helped so much to laugh about all the aspects of this crazy fun and challenging age. It is a new world since the virus and the last few months of school were a huge curve-ball but the teachers and families pulled together and did their best to provide the kids with tons of home activities and curriculum guidance. I don't know how pre-school will look next year because of Covid but I trust that this school will do their best to meet the needs of the families enrolled by providing relevant content and opportunities for growth from a safe distance. read more

My son loves Rainbow School. Because it's a co-operative school, I know his friends and their parents really well. It's really a community. My youngest will also go to PCNS when he's old enough in a year and a half. I also have a son with Down syndrome who is not enrolled at PCNS, but loves singing the "Goodbye Song" when we pick up his brother. He starts saying "happy day" as soon as we pull into the parking lot. He also enjoys attending the parties and field trips with his older brother. read more

I am beyond pleased with this pre-school. My 3 year old is so happy here. Teacher Kristina, Teacher Jenn, and the director, Teacher Gretchen, are fantastic, loving, patient, and dedicated educators. I had so much anxiety about dropping off my 3 year old at the start of the school. He is very attached to me, as I'm a stay at home mom and we've been together since his birth. But the transition was smooth, in large part to the wonderful teachers and the parent involvement. I was able to attend school with my son for the first week, every day, to assist in the transition. He took to it very quickly. The grounds are lovely, with a beautiful yard, play structure, and garden. The classroom is spacious, bright, and inviting. This has been a wonderful experience and not in the least bit stressful. I highly recommend PCNS. read more

I feel blessed that my son and I get to spend time here. We honestly look forward to each day we spend there. It's a wonderfully inspiring setting that invites children to play, explore, and learn. There is this amazingly cool treehouse-like play structure, a huge sand area, a sweet little garden, a lawn to play on. They eat organic snacks prepared there; they have a plethora of learning materials, art activities, dress-up clothes. They have musical instruments, pet newts, a piano. We love Teachers Christina and Bri, and Teacher/Director Rose who genuinely care about our children and us grown-ups too. It is, in my humble opinion, all that a preschool should be. A place where our kids can play, where they can learn, grow, and make friends. read more

I like the coop experience. For kids start to separate from the parents, this is a mild way that doesn't need worry about hearing kids crying for hours and having nightmares'. Helping them getting familiar with school, teacher, friends and routines before leaving them would definitely be a good start for separation. The teacher are nice and there are a lot of activities. There is no mandatory activities, the teacher would let the kids sit or walk free so they won't feel they were forced to do something. read more

The co-op is in a beautiful spot, tucked away in a quiet, treelined residential neighborhood. It's a Pacifica institution.

We are so lucky to have found the Co-Op this summer!!! It's the absolute best facility and environment. There is a vast outdoor play yard with trikes, wagons, balls and more. A play structure and tree house, large sand area with sand toys, a garden, grass area, play mats, swings, slides, chalk, and more. The indoor area is also impressive, clean, and fully equipped with 3 kid size bathrooms. :-) We started the summer "Bug School" program - which I recommend to everyone - this summer and felt right at home. It's very welcoming and there is a true sense of community. It's a 5 week program all about bugs. There were always creative activities - with quality materials - for the kids, including painting, drawing, puzzles, arts & crafts, music,songs. The most impressive thing about the school is the way staff and parents work together to create this amazing environment. One very fun activity over the summer was the ant tunnels constructed out of large cardboard boxes for the kids to explore. learn and pretend to be ants. There were various scents the kids had to try to find and identify. All the parents I meet and talk to also love it there. Many have been there for years and continue to enroll all their kids. We look forward to the next year of school for my oldest and will be enrolling our little one when he is ready. I highly recommend checking it out!!! read more

My child can't wait to go to school EVERYDAY! From the sense of community provided by involved families, to the incredibly dedicated, loving and well-trained staff, the Pacifica Co-op Nursery School provides a wonderful learning and nurturing environment for children AND their families. Based on a premise of working together and using PLAY to learn, parents have the ability to be hands-on at least once per week, engaging children other than their own and learning valuable parenting skills. Children learn to hone their gross and fine motor skills, learn about the world and community around them, get to express their artistic sides, all while thinking it's all just playing. Isn't PLAY the best form of learning? As parents, there is required reading on child development. Also, to keep tuition affordable, parents must be able to work at the school once per week (I find this works well even if you have to work for your employer on weekends), be on emergency coverage once per month, and be involved in scheduled fundraisers. Each family will be assigned a "Job" to keep the school functioning: from washing towels to holding the President position, there's something for everyone. Make's you want to come and play, doesn't it? read more

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PCNS changed my family's life. I wish I had discovered the co-op sooner and didn't waste any time on other school waitlists in the area. From the day I discovered the co-op a year and a half ago, and met the board at a local open house event, I knew we found the school we had been hoping and dreaming to find. My son was welcomed into the school with open arms and has really blossomed here. The teachers are amazing, kind, loving, and so smart. The school's Director has taught my husband and I so much about child development and has helped us to become much better parents honestly. I look forward to every parent participation event. My son has made so many friends at school (as have my husband and I) and he can't wait to start back this September. read more

The Preschool Tour....ugh. Thank goodness that's over since I found a place I feel safe leaving my children at! I dreaded it and procrastinated until I actually had to -- the year before Kindergarten. As a SAHM in SF, my only options were Coops or FirstFive discounted preschools. I visited some 'regular' preschools, but did not like the idea of dropping my kids off 5 days a week (required by FirstFive) in a classroom with 20 kids and 2 teachers. I have two boys and know for a fact that even at a 2-1 ratio, I am outnumbered. Call me paranoid, but I'm pretty sure some things go unnoticed -- which would be fine if they were older and could speak coherently about what goes on around them, but...well, let's just call me paranoid. Co-ops are cheaper than the traditional preschools because parents/caregivers work there once a week. I visited two in SF. I loved the 8-1 adult -child ratio, the flexibility, social stuff, and the price couldn't be beat. It was crazy. People with infants were touring. Apparently, there is a waiting list longer than the Academy of Science line on free days. And on top of that, the $50 application fee is ....for what? To hold your place on a list that you can't see (because they don't tell you what number in line you are because kids with certain 'desired attributes' get favored -- to have the absolute best diverse preschool they can.) So really, you're just throwing $50 into a 'maybe' lottery. I'd rather buy a pair of shoes that look pretty and hurt my feet. Anyway, so I started searching South since I lived close to the freeway, it did not seem unreasonable -- most people move to Pacifica, Daly City, and Milbrae when they have kids-- so why not a preschool? I made a comparison chart and filled it out at every preschool I looked at. My notes on Pacifica Coop -- 15 min drive from home. Afternoon session available only, morning full -- priority goes to current families -- food provided --4 hr maintenance work, 2 mandatory meetings -- 3 clean bathrooms -- gigantic playground. The other coops in that South SF area had mostly the same thing also. But the deciding factor for me, was the schedule. The kids are allowed in the playground 50 min free play (other place was 60 min, but only inside play), 15 circle time, 40 min activity (inside and out), snack, then 30 min outside play, then circle time. I reiterate-- I have boys. They need to be outside. Badly. I don't care if the preschool is the size of a football field. Outside is better. You may think that Pacifica is a dreary foggy place. That's what SF people think -- and it's true -- in the mornings! In the afternoon, it is sunny and hot and -- seriously -- sunscreen is a necessity there -- I kid you not. Oh -- the kicker -- this preschool actually has a scholarship program that is not funded by the government (so no ridiculous requirements) -- but by the school's own summer program. There are two fundraisers in the year, and yes, they are alot of work. I heard some parents complain once, and I thought -- yes, it is alot of work! But the tuition is HALF the price of traditional preschool. You have FOUR times more supervision than a traditional preschool. And really -- they are not that strict -- you can always pay the "commitment fee of $80" and not go to the meeting or volunteer opportunities. No one is forcing you. You made a choice to not pay and instead work. Stop complaining. As my husband likes to smugly say when I complain about it -- "suck it up -- do it for the kids" The clincher for me (aside from the $5 waitlist application) was minute that the wild boys on the playground -- transformed into quiet attentive listeners at circle time. Disclaimer: Results may vary :) PS. Yes, my kids love it. Yes, my kid is in love with his teacher. Yes, as a parent who works there, there are a couple kids that are in love with me too and vice versa. read more

My daughter has attended the coop for the past 3 years. She goes to the regular school year session and to bug school in the summer. All the kids are super nice. Bullying is not tolerated and there is none. I cannot say enough great things about this school. The playground is pretty awesome too. It is a fun school for sure. I would recommend sending your preschooler to it. read more

There aren't enough positive words to describe Pacifica Co-op. It is an awesome school! I have two sons that each went to Pacifica co-op for three years prior to starting Kindergarden. The atmosphere is uplifting, the kids learn without feeling forced, healthy snacks, parent involvment, knowledgable teachers with fun lesson plans... A truly exceptional school! read more

We are so lucky to have stumbled upon this amazing co-op!! We looked at a bunch of preschools, and this definitely seems to be the most organized of the parent-run co-ops out there. We travel from San Francisco to take our 3 year old here. They have an unbelievable play area outside - with real swings, a big sandy area, a grassy area, an organic garden, and a play structure that is built into a big eucalyptus tree. The teachers are unparalleled. My daughter is thriving in the respectful environment that they create. I'm glad we started going when she was 2.5 so that she'll have a whole 3 years there! read more

We love this school! Both of my daughters have gone here for preschool and it has been such a wonderful experience for them and me. I wasn't planning to go the co-op route, but when we toured the different preschools, my daughter didn't want to leave. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and the kids love the playground and all of the creative activities that the great staff put together. I have made friends for life and it is so nice to actually work with and get to know the children that my kids are playing with. read more

I loved the sense of community at the co-op. Both of my children attended, and I learned so much too! The parent education part of the program was wonderful as first time parents. My children loved the play based learning approach and were definitely ready for school. Check it out! read more

There is no better way to begin your child's education then to be a part of it. The commitment of the teachers and parents at "COOP" made my son's first school expereince rewarding and intimate. The philosophy of play based learning allowed him to grow and progress at his own speed. This expereince will be hard to duplicate as we are leaving the area. My son will miss his school and I will miss playing dress-up! read more

I am so grateful that my son attends the co-op and I had this perfect school available so close to me. I was hesitant to start the preschool process, didn't feel my shy son was ready, didn't think I needed it, but I filled out the application for the co-op anyway because, if he was going to start anywhere, it was going to be here. I was able to start him just one day a week, my work day, to be able to support his adjustment. The teachers were so wonderful (as I'm sure all preschool teachers are, but here, they have such a sense of how to understand different personalities, my sensitive child one of them), they helped him (and me ) adjust flawlessly. He runs off now to his favorite activities and talks to his friends and teachers so comfortably; my husband and I know this was the environment he needed. I love my work day, I love seminar with the director and other parents (honestly my favorite part), and I love the camaraderie and community we all feel when we are doing something to support our school. There are obligations to a co-op to help the program succeed, but I wouldn't want it any other way. We are now in Bug School, their summer program, and are so impressed with the activities the kids are getting to do. I've checked out other preschools (before, and since, as part of the Mother's Club fair) and I don't hesitate in saying that this school has the most enthusiastic, prepared-for-anything teachers, best free play to guided activity ratio, most thought-out safety procedures, and best community of families involved in their children's care. read more

Heaven for children and families. My son has just started Pacifica Co-op for their Summer program Bug School. It has been a truly amazing experience for him. The teachers are outstanding and the community supportive. I would highly recommend Pacifica Co-Op to any family... and it's a super fast drive from the city!!! read more

What an awesome school for our entire family! It only takes us 20-25 minutes from door to door (and that's dealing with 2 young preschoolers in and out of the car as well) from SF to Pacifica, we get to see the ocean every time we go, and we leave the noise and rush of the city behind! It's play based with tons of options for the children to choose (or not) each day. Inside is a well-maintained, well-stocked, clean, bright area with 3 preschool-sized bathrooms, and a kitchen for snack prep (yes, the children do have to be potty trained upon start-date). Coverage seems great with 2 teachers on at a time along with 5-6 adults (parents, family members, etc). It's a very nice community, the price is kept low as there is family involvement in fund-raising etc., and the 'feel' is upbeat and positive. I've learned a lot about positive discipline with my children already in our first year, I've felt supported, and my children are treated with love and respect without any condescension whatsoever. The outside area is HUGE! Big sand area, huge 'tree house', swings, a tire swing, tricycles, a grassy area, a garden...all the right stuff for a great preschool experience! read more

This school absolutely deserves the 5 stars! The staff is great, the kids are shown exceptional care and attention.. from the field trip planning to the lesson plans, to the holiday parties, and the healthy snacks... there is a lot to be said for such a wonderful preschool. I sent my husband out on the daunting task of touring preschools all over the bay area; co-ops specifically, and this was the winner by far. A great (and clean) learning space, a playground and sand box, and most importantly friendly and welcoming faces. We are on year #2 with our kiddo, but I am already dreading his graduation when he realizes he will be moving on to kindergarten and won't be returning to the co-op. He absolutely loves school, his teachers, and anything else that remotely reminds him of his, "office." I definitely recommend this school for parents who are researching and deciding on where to take their toddlers! Yes, the school does require parent involvement, but we found it to be both beneficial and fun to be part of the co-op community. read more

Our daughter has always been very shy and sensitive, so when it came time to find a preschool, we took the task very seriously. We knew that she would need just the right environment to feel comfortable and blossom socially. We looked at ten preschools. Once we visited PCNS it became the standard to which we compared all other schools. After visit all of the other schools, it was completely obvious the PCNS was the place. It was the only school that all three of us felt completely comfortable with. The teachers are incredible- attentive, creative, and astonishingly connected to every child there. The environment is magical and provides tons of options for every kid. It is a place where every detail seems to be intentional, effective, and, in many cases, magical. I think that much of this is due to the incredible wisdom and vision of the director, Teacher Catherine, who has been the unexpected bonus of attending PCNS. We have learned so much from her, and have been surprised to find that the parent education component of the co-op has been one of our favorite pieces. The sense of community that we have gotten has been such a gift, too. Each of the parents gets to know each of the children and you always know that if your child has a tough day, that there will be a parent or teacher available to give your child the attention and time that they need. The community and teachers at PCNS have indeed helped our daughter blossom as we had hoped... And she is seen for who she is. She is honored for who she is. Everyone understands that she is the kid that will play for an hour and then needs fifteen minutes to play by herself uninterrupted. Teachers and parents always makes sure that she gets that space that she needs. I really feel like she has been seen there. That feels so good! She is social, happy, and even outgoing at times after a year and a half there. She looks forward to school and is sad when she doesn't get to go. I think a lot of this is due to the fact that she has been able to grow at her own pace. That is priceless. I cannot recommend this preschool highly enough! Oh- and did I mention... It's BEAUTIFUL! I'm always so happy to spend time there and let my kids play... The ocean air, the gorgeous playground, the organic garden. We never want to leave! Definitely five stars from our family! read more

Our son just started at the "Co-op" this past January and he absolutely loves it! My husband and I are both teachers in the city and we feel extremely fortunate to have such an amazing school in our backyard that is such a welcoming and awesome community of kids and parents that all seem to love school and love learning and playing together. It was definitely the outdoor play-structure and space that initially drew us to the co-op but I had also heard amazing feedback both from fellow PMC members and peers that attended when they were little and still continue their strong friendships today. My husband really enjoyed working the 1 day a week this past year as his schedule was more flexible, and this year, I am excited to get to share in this experience as I re-worked my work schedule in order to be at the co-op once a week with our son. We are excited for our daughter to start there next year! read more