Explore, Discover, & Grow
A community outdoor school in Takoma Park, Maryland
Takoma Park Cooperative Nursery School is a nature-based outdoor preschool in Takoma Park, Maryland serving families across Silver Spring, Hyattsville, and the Washington, DC area. Through play in our outdoor classroom, our newly renovated indoor space, and through participation in our parent cooperative community, children and parents learn, explore, and grow together.
Outside In!
Enrollment Season for 2026-2027 has begun.
At The Cooperative School, families from Takoma Park, Silver Spring, and across the Washington, DC area join our nature-based outdoor preschool community. Learning begins outdoors in our play yard and neighborhood green spaces, where children explore, observe, and collaborate in all seasons. Our indoor spaces flow naturally from the surrounding landscape, creating a unified environment where children and adults connect, investigate, and grow together in a community rooted in nature, curiosity, and cooperation.
Step into our world of wonder—join our contact list for news on parent learning experiences, outdoor play, and Info Sessions.
Equity in nature
At Takoma Park Cooperative Nursery School, a central piece of our focus on is shaping equal access to nature and the outdoors through play- and place-based learning experiences for all.
Our community outdoor school focuses on nature-based learning for all children and their families. We hope to become an integral part of the Long Branch neighborhood by being a good neighbor while celebrating the outdoors, connecting children to sky, grass, and tree, all while fostering a shared space for growth and community enrichment.
Nature-Focused Early Childhood Education and Community: Families, Children, Neighbors Together
Stories of Our Days
Learning in nature, community, and Connection.
Meet our team
Get to know the caring professionals behind the scenes at Takoma Park Cooperative Nursery School – a team dedicated to shaping positive and joyful learning experiences.
Support Our outdoor school
Since 1942, The Cooperative School has grown into a community outdoor school where empathy, imagination, and connection take root. As the school evolves—deepening its outdoor learning identity and neighborhood partnerships—collective support ensures that this vision remains accessible to more families. Discover how these initiatives carry the mission forward.