River Park Nursery School has been providing the West Side community with quality early childhood education since 1967. With an emphasis on whole child development, including all aspects of physical, emotional, creative and intellectual development, River Park creates an atmosphere of community, nonviolent problem-solving, multicultural appreciation and gender equity. A strong focus is placed on academics, enabling children to explore math, science, social studies, reading and language arts through creative play. All holidays are celebrated as opportunities for cultural exploration. In addition, a strong emphasis is placed on school/community involvement, including an annual bazaar featuring discounted clothing and other items for the neighborhood’s low income families. School facilities include a spacious classroom setting, a fully-enclosed backyard playground and indoor climbing equipment, slides and toys for rainy day recreation. River Park is a parent cooperative, with families involved with the school by donating 35 hours to help in fund-raising, maintenance, organizing and culture-sharing activities. Because of River Park’s well-established history, a network of alumni families is available in virtually all public and private elementary schools in the neighborhood to answer questions of graduating students and their families. River Park is open to children ages 2.8 to 5 years.