Business Details
48 Years
experience
Play-Based Preschool in Edmonton
Strathcona Nursery School has been nurturing young minds through play-based learning since 1978. Our program is rooted in the philosophy that children learn best through active engagement and meaningful experimentation. We prioritize personal development and socialization, creating an environment where children aged 2.5 to 5 years gain independence through creativity, decision-making, and problem-solving. Our mixed-age classrooms foster peer relationships while preparing children for kindergarten transitions. With flexible scheduling options and a team of experienced educators, we emphasize the process of learning over rigid outcomes.Our teachers hold advanced certifications in early childhood education and bring decades of combined experience to our community. We maintain a strong partnership with the Strathcona Community League and adhere to Alberta Human Services standards. Families actively participate in our cooperative model, contributing to a supportive educational ecosystem. Our curriculum integrates art, language, and physical development while maintaining a safe, inclusive space for all children. Through summer enrichment programs and ongoing parent engagement, we cultivate a lifelong love of learning grounded in play and discovery.
Services
Preschool Programs
Summer Camps
Kindergarten Readiness
Flexible Scheduling
Parent Cooperative Model
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We offer mixed-age classrooms fostering peer learning and social development
- Our certified educators bring 13-25 years of early childhood education experience
- Flexible scheduling with 9 morning/afternoon sessions available weekly
- Summer enrichment programs with structured learning activities
- Parent cooperative model promoting family involvement in education
What people say
Nurturing environment
Qualified staff
Creative summer camps
Effective learning through play
Strong parent involvement
Services
Preschool Programs
Our play-based preschool programs serve children aged 2.5-5 years with flexible enrollment options. Mixed-age classrooms promote social development through cooperative learning experiences. Certified educators design activities that foster independence, creativity, and problem-solving skills while preparing children for kindergarten transitions. The curriculum emphasizes process over product in art and exploration activities.
Summer Camps
Summer enrichment camps run from 9:15 AM-11:45 AM with themed activities for ages 3-6 years. Programs include garden exploration, tool workshops, color experiments, and kitchen adventures. Each $149 camp session provides hands-on learning experiences using recycled materials, plant-based ingredients, and creative expression tools in a supervised environment.
Flexible Scheduling
Nine morning and afternoon session options accommodate diverse family needs. Children may attend starting at 1 day per week with mixed-age classroom access. Flexible scheduling extends to summer programs and special enrichment sessions while maintaining consistent educational quality across all attendance patterns.
Parent Cooperative Model
Families actively participate in school operations through board positions and volunteer opportunities. This cooperative structure keeps costs low while fostering community connections. Parents contribute administrative support, event planning, and facility maintenance while gaining direct involvement in their child's early education experience.
Kindergarten Readiness
Enriched programming for 4+ year-olds prepares children for formal schooling through structured group activities. Monday and Wednesday afternoon sessions focus on cooperative play, show-and-tell presentations, and field trip experiences. The curriculum develops social skills, classroom routines, and foundational academic concepts through play-based learning methods.
People
Mitzi
Head Teacher
Certified Child Development Supervisor with 25 years' experience, including 15 years at SNS. Holds Bachelors of Education in Elementary Education with minors in Early Education and History. Specializes in play-based learning and child-led exploration.
Kernisse
Preschool Teacher
Early childhood educator since 2011 with experience in St. Vincent and Canada. Completed Healthcare Aide Worker certification but chose to focus on preschool education. Has worked at SNS since 2018, emphasizing physical and social skill development through play.
Yosra
Preschool Teacher
Child Development Supervisor (Level 3) with 13 years' experience. Incorporates French language learning into play activities. Focuses on building family connections and community relationships while supporting children's emotional and educational growth through interactive experiences.
Questions
What age requirements exist for enrollment?
Children must be 2.5-5 years old. Summer camps require ages 3-6 with potty training, except for returning SNS students under 3.
How does the cooperative model work?
Families contribute through board positions and volunteer work, keeping costs low while maintaining community involvement in educational decision-making.
What is the school's educational philosophy?
We emphasize play-based learning that prioritizes socialization, creativity, and child-led exploration over structured academics.
Are diapers permitted?
Yes, children don't need to be fully toilet-trained. We have private washroom facilities and accommodate diaper needs.
Where is the school located?
Currently in the Strathcona Community League building's upper floor, with planned renovations for a permanent main-floor space.
