The  Garden City Nursery School is a parent cooperative, administered by a member-elected Board of Trustees, which employs the professional staff of director, business manager, certified teachers and experienced assistants. It is registered and chartered (1954) by the N.Y.S. Department of Education. Begun as a playgroup sponsored by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), and housed for its first 6 years in the Church-in-the-Garden and St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, the school grew from one group of 15 children in 1951 to 4 groups and 72 children in 1957, when its present building on Cherry Valley Avenue was erected. Present membership is 94 families in 5 groups of 3 to 5 year olds, plus 20 to 30 families in groups of one session per week for 2 year olds.

The construction of its own building was a triumph of dedication and hard work by Garden City parents, determined to establish their school within the environs of our village.

As early as 1955, the long search for permanent housing had begun. Under the able leadership of Julianne Lewis and Agnes (Coppie) Short, the school's Director, a Housing Committee searched the Village in vain for a suitable location.  Turned down by the Zoning Board, resisted by potential neighbors, the parents finally turned in desperation to the Village Trustees for help, and found a sympathetic ear in the then Mayor Webster Caye. One hot July night in 1956, Julianne was electrified to hear the Mayor's voice over the telephone ask, "Would the school like an acre of land?" INDEED WE WOULD!

Then came a mad rush of action-petitions, a hearing, approval, the raising of funds from alumni and current members, seeking a mortgage and planning a building. At this crucial juncture, Hamilton Smith, architect and parent, contributed his time and workmanship to design our lovely original two-classroom building a debt we can only repay with gratitude.

To open by September 1957, after the builder had completed the initial shell in mid-August, crews of mothers and fathers worked days and nights painting, laying floor tiles, installing shelves, raking, grading, and planting the muddy site. And we opened---only one week late!

Since that proud day the school has continued to grow and flourish. In 1961 a fifth group of children was added; in 1962 the mortgage was refinanced to construct the west block and activity room; in 1966 the east block room. Through varied and successful fund raising projects (children's movies, garage sales, art auctions, craft fairs, etc.) each succeeding group of parents has made its contribution to the improvement of the facilities and equipment for their children. Furnace, floor and roof have been replaced, new doors, cabinets and closets installed. In 1986 the entrance area was landscaped and a rock garden constructed. We have been the recipient of many gifts from our members.

The Garden City Nursery School is an achievement of which our Village and we, can indeed be proud!