History

West Village Nursery School was founded in 1962, by a group of West Village mothers seeking a cooperative nursery school program for their children. Founders Shirley Wright, Barbara Williams, Dori Kimball, Kate Brown and Anne Tonachel were the original driving force behind establishing the school. The determined group found a one-room rental on Horatio Street. They hired a professional teacher, by-laws were drafted, licensing requirements met, and the school officially opened in the fall of 1962.

Then, in 1966, ever determined for more space, Ms. Wright learned that the entire brownstone next door, 73 Horatio Street, was for sale. Pooling the talents, elbow grease, and generosity of that pioneering group, the building was purchased and, in short order, renovated. 20 years later, the WVNS community of 1986 happily burned the mortgage. But beyond the history of our real estate, an admittedly popular topic for New Yorkers, our real legacy is one of early childhood education, community spirit, life-long learning, and lasting friendships.

Setting

West Village Nursery School is housed in a charming brownstone on Horatio Street in the West Village. Classrooms are located on the first two floors and have a cozy, comfortable energy. WVNS has a spacious backyard equipped with a jungle gym, slide, sandbox, basketball hoop, outdoor building blocks and a beautiful maple tree. Today, we are fortunate to own our brownstone, not a small factor in keeping tuition costs reasonable. Our building has evolved from its once bare state to what it is today—a warm and welcoming environment for children, their parents and their teachers.