D-Biz: Jefferson Ave. Co-op Nursery School offers part-time, parent-run schooling for tots

The Jefferson Avenue Cooperative Nursery School was founded in 1948, making it Michigan’s oldest cooperative pre-school. It is designed for children ages 2-1/2 to 5 to attend classes from 9 to 11:30 a.m. for three or four days a week.

Teacher Michelle Potas’ son was a student at the nursery school three years ago. “One thing I like about it is the part-time part of it,” she says. “So many kids are rushed into full days of school, especially in the city — it’s hard to find part-time [pre-school] for parents that have that as an option.”

The preschool is play-oriented, yet structured with a goal of kindergarten preparation. Its location in Indian Village’s Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church features a spacious classroom along with access to an indoor gym.

The nursery school’s enrollment is typically from five to ten students, and parents are required to assist with class two to three times a month. “The school is completely run by parents,” says Potas. “As the teacher, I’m contracted independently for that position — parents make all the decisions about pretty much everything.”

Tuition is $1,500 per year for three days a week and $2,000 per year for four days a week. An after-care program is available for an additional fee. 

For more information, contact the Shields family — parents of currently enrolled students — or Potas.

Source: Michelle Potas, Jefferson Ave. Cooperative Nursery School
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh