We drove over a half an hour to bring our inquisitive, gentle son to MGNS. After looking at many preschool programs, we knew that MGNS was exactly what we and he needed – A preschool with knowledgeable, kind teachers and a program that would stimulate his mind. Although not my personal goal, our son left MGNS ready for kindergarten. Thank you, MGNS, for giving our child a love for lifelong learning!Aija and Erik Kins, Lake Mills

MGNS has provided the most wonderful experience for my 3 children. The play-based learning model is so valuable in fostering confidence and creativity. Wonderful teachers, great community, and a truly child-centered approach to learning – we couldn’t ask for more! They really go the extra mile to make sure each student feels welcome and is valued for who they are and how they learn (and how they learn through play!). I’m so glad that MGNS is a part of our life and I’m grateful it will be a cherished memory of childhood for my family during that precious time when our kids were little.Kathryn Mingione

We first heard about MGNS from a neighbor who had sent their kids there years ago. After a brief tour we signed up for Toddler Time, little did we know that was the start of a long and meaningful relationship with MGNS. All 3 of our children have now gone through the school, a testament to the culture created by the teachers, parents and children who make it special. We cannot say enough good things about MGNS and will continue to support it long after our kids have left. As parents we appreciate how much the teachers care for our children and do everything to foster success and appropriate growth at such a young and important age. MGNS gave our family an unforgettable experience and we are grateful!Zach and Jess Barber

When my oldest child was very young, I was one of those parents who wasn’t convinced preschool was even necessary. Participating in the Toddler Time program — just for the sake of having a fun weekly outing — turned me into an MGNS devotee! What we experienced was so thoughtfully child-centered, and the teacher was so warm. From there, it felt very natural to continue in their preschool programs, and I’m so glad we did. I loved being part of a preschool co-op and seeing a slice of my kids’ experience firsthand as a parent helper.

Teachers at MGNS are masterful at balancing kids’ freedom to make choices with gentle support to be successful with those choices. Our whole family is better off for having been an MGNS family.Katy Kaufman

We heard about MGNS from some family friends and decided to take a tour. The school felt immediately like home – everyone was so natural, child-centered, and easy to connect with. My daughter was the happiest she ever was in the 3 year-old program, able to meet new friends, participate in circle time, play, and make so much art! It was no question that she would stay for 4K and that my son would join Toddler Time immediately. The 4K classroom is focused on play and building up the students as curious and confident lifelong learners. We have been part of the community for 5 years and loved every moment. Every child at MGNS is recognized for their own unique personality and loved wholly. We learn and grow as a community of parents, engaging in classroom helper time, weekend gatherings, and school events. We only wish we could stay forever with this beautiful team of teachers and families!
Sarah Hackett

The cooperative nature of Monona Grove Nursery School creates an openness and transparency that you just don’t see in other schools. You are welcomed, from the start, to be an integral part of your child’s education.Jessica, parent and MGNS board member

My daughter absolutely loves her class at MGNS. She has learned so much, and even more importantly, she is excited about learning. Every day, she asks if it’s a school day. MGNS has amazing resources, excellent teachers, and a strong sense of community. We love MGNS!Alyssa Luckey-Winters, Madison

MGNS 4-K class was our child’s first exposure to school, and it was a perfect one. She learned so much about cooperation, clean-up, art, nature, Spanish words, letters and numbers, music, books and the joy of being part of a group! Her teachers are a perfect balance of temperaments and gifts. I feel as if our family hit the jackpot in this class at Monona Grove!Gwen Ebert, Madison

My son was in the afternoon 4K program at Monona Grove Nursery School. He loved the teachers and the play-based learning activities. He learned so much, including a foundation in English and Spanish phonemic awareness that has prepared him well for Kindergarten at Nuestro Mundo Community School. He made many friends from inside and outside the neighborhood, many of whom are in the same school again this year. We’re so glad he was able to attend this program.Joshua Forehand, Principal of Nuestro Mundo Community School

Our daughter attended MGNS for 3 years of preschool/4K plus one session of Toddler Time. It was her favorite place. She loved going to school, seeing her friends, her wonderful teachers and getting to play and do so many fun things. Upon picking her up she would tell me EVERYTHING she did, what stories they read, what the art project was, what they had for a snack and what she did when they played outside. Every year she had at least one day of lunch bunch, which was a great learning tool for how lunch will be when she starts kindergarten. MGNS became like family to us and we are very sad to be leaving, but we will be back to visit!!Dawn, McFarland

As our family enters our last year with a child attending MGNS, I am struck by many feelings, but mostly of gratitude. We are so fortunate to have been a part of this community for the past 5 years. From the toddler time program, to preschool, 4K and lunch bunch, they have all been wonderful programs. The staff is caring, communication is great, and being a part of a co-operative nursery school has been a wonderful experience. I really enjoy my time in the classroom and seeing my children at play. In addition to my kids making wonderful friendships, I too have made very strong connections with other parents. Being on the board of directors has also been a great opportunity to get involved with the school. I am so grateful for the strong play-based foundation and the supportive community MGNS has given to my family.Margo Duffy

MGNS is a loving, nurturing and joyful playing and learning environment, and a community of caring, intelligent and involved families who enrich each other’s lives. It is so much more than just a place to “get ready for kindergarten.” It is a place where my children are thriving and blossoming, and learning to follow their interests and discover new ones.Alison Downey, Madison

As a new mom with a high energy 15 month old, I could not have found a better learning environment for the both of us! Toddler time gave us a safe, fun and nurturing environment where no question of mine was too silly to ask; as a new mother I looked forward to talking with other moms and dads to see how they dealt with all of the unknowns of raising kids! I now chase two high energy little boys around the halls and we feel blessed to be part of the Monona Grove Nursery School Community…I will always remember the day when my oldest son first sat through an entire story during circle time (Digger Man)…every mom and dad in the room noticed my proud elation and applauded his feat! They too shared in his accomplishment! Thank you Monona Grove Nursery School, your teachers are of my most prized possessions.Krista Massian, Madison

My oldest son enjoyed lunch bunch the two years he attended MGNS. It was a great opportunity for him to meet kids from the other classes and to begin to learn the independence of school lunch. This year he is in kindergarten. He brings his cold lunch every day but struggles with the short time allowed to eat his food. As we work through these little bumps of being in a “big school” for the first time, I am so thankful that he had the practice of opening his lunch box and food items with the love and guidance of the teachers at MGNS. Sometimes we forget how tough it is to zip and snap and tear for a preschooler. And a lunch room buzzing with mid-day excitement can sometimes be an intimidating place. My younger son now enjoys sharing lunch time and camaraderie with his MGNS buddies. I highly recommend MGNS’s lunch bunch as a baby step toward independence for kindergarten.Lunch Bunch Testimonial