During the SFUSD school year, we offer half-day sessions, five days a week. Extended care (8-9am/ 4-5pm) and lunch (12-1pm) are available on a limited basis. A 2-, 4-, or 6-week summer school program is also available.
TEACHERS
Sunset offers separate morning and afternoon sessions, with at least three permanent staff members and six parents per session to assist classes of up to 30 kids.
Director Laura Ossa has worked at the school since 1982 as a parent, teacher, and director. Lead teacher Linda Gossage is also a former Sunset parent and has been with the school since 1984. Our assistant teachers are Jackie Thurman, another former Sunset parent, and Andy Olive, a Sunset alumnus.
PARENTS
Parent participation is the backbone of Sunset’s philosophy and strength. Our community comprises 50 to 60 families, which govern the school through its board of directors. Each family commits to a half-day of work per week, plus monthly business and parent education meetings. Each family also has a fundraising responsibility and a school job, and must provide a nutritious, organic snack about once every six weeks.
The weekly workday allows us to maintain a significant presence in our children’s world while allowing for the growth of independence and social skills. We learn about other families, share the joys of child rearing, and benefit from a supportive adult community. Our children see us interacting with other families in a cooperative atmosphere.
Once a month, at least one parent must attend a business meeting and at least one of two parent education meetings. The business meeting provides the opportunity to speak to the community and to learn updates from the board. The parent education meetings entail learning from experts about our children’s education, well-being, behavior, and development.
All admissions inquiries can be made through the Sunset Cooperative Nursery School website.
Sunset Cooperative Nursery School is dedicated to providing a trusting and caring environment for children to play, learn, and grow.
Our play-based curriculum gives children access to a variety of activities that help them develop large and small motor skills. Our play spaces and program are designed to promote healthy brain development.
Sunset offers many choices each day, including art, music, dance, storytelling, science and math projects, nature studies, and outdoor play. A wide range of hands-on experiences helps each child develop curiosity, creativity, communication and problem-solving skills, a strong sense of self-worth, and the ability to handle emotions and consider the feelings of others.
