Our Co-op

Our philosophy

At Glenridge, curriculum structure emerges from the children's interests, needs, and desires so that learning is concrete and meaningful to each child. Children learn through play and when they play in Glen Canyon they learn about themselves and the world around them. We play canyon raccoon on the rocks, count leaves on the ground, and examine bugs under magnifiers. We watch the seasons change, hunt for animal tracks in the dirt, count banana slugs on hikes, and dig up worms on rainy days. These experiences stimulate a child's social, physical, and cognitive development; encourage their innate sense of curiosity and wonder; and allow them to feel connected with the natural world.

Central to our teaching is the belief that children need to learn how to express, identify, and validate emotions and to develop social skills. Also, children need adult nurturing in developing problem-solving and intellectual abilities as well as the shared experiences of communication and language. With our diverse curriculum and unique natural setting, we focus on the children's needs, abilities, and interests in order to promote each child's growing self-esteem and self-concept.

Glenridge is a member of the California Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools (CCPPNS), a statewide community of parents and educators committed to teaching and inspiring families through parent involvement and mutual support.

Our community

Director

Mame Campbell

Mame has more than 25 years of experience teaching preschool and has been at Glenridge since 1997. She holds a BFA in environmental design from the California College of Arts and Crafts, a BA in literature from University of Santa Clara, and more than 40 units in child development from City College of San Francisco. Mame continues to pursue coursework and professional development. She is a member of both the California Association for the Education of Young Children and the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Assistant Director, AM Program

Dennis Chien

Dennis joined the Glenridge staff in 2023, but he is far from new to our magical school. His Glenridge experience dates back to 2012 when his daughter began at the school. All three of his children attended Glenridge, giving him to a total of six years of experience working in the classrooms. We’re lucky he decided to turn his love of working in the classroom into a career after studying child development at CCSF. Dennis’ dedication to passing along the magic of Glenridge is something families will benefit from for years to come.

Assistant Director, PM Program

Jessie Star Howell

Jessie joined the Glenridge staff in 2003. She holds a BA in child development from Humboldt State University and has the very special distinction of being a Glenridge alum. An expert in local canyon ecology, Jessie leads our afternoon hikes and brings a love of children and nature to her work at Glenridge.

Our commitment to diversity

Glenridge Cooperative Nursery School is committed to maintaining a vibrant membership that reflects the healthy and enriching diversity found in San Francisco as a whole. This commitment is demonstrated through our actions in seeking new membership, in planning and executing our curriculum, in budgeting scholarships and special programs, and is embodied in our ongoing strategic plan. Glenridge does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, special needs, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression in its admissions decisions, scholarship and loan programs, school policies, or other school-administered programs.

Parent Responsibilities at Glenridge

Being part of a co-op allows parents to actively participate in their child’s education and feel connected to a warm and supportive preschool community. The participation of each Glenridge family is essential to the running of the school—whether it’s working in the classroom assisting teachers, soliciting items for the annual auction, serving on the board of directors, or assuming responsibility for dozens of other vital school tasks. Because Glenridge is a cooperative nursery school, every family is a volunteering family.

Parent responsibilities range across five areas...

Classroom Shifts

Every family is required to work shifts in the classroom. Five parents work each day in the AM program, and three parents work each day in the PM program. Depending on the number of days their child attends, a parent might work up to once a week in the classroom. Parents work under the direction and supervision of the staff and are expected to work cooperatively to create a safe, consistent, and nurturing atmosphere. Most families think that this is one of the most rewarding parts of Glenridge.

School job

Every family at Glenridge has a school job. Jobs are assigned by a board member based on surveys that parents fill out prior to the start of the school year. Jobs range from school photographer to board president to event coordinator, and they are assigned based on family preferences, talents, and/or the school’s needs. In their second year, parents may be expected to take on a more significant role in the administration of the school through jobs such as treasurer or fundraising chairperson.

Community meetings

Parents are expected to attend monthly co-op meetings (and an additional monthly meeting if they choose to serve on the board). These meetings keep everyone updated on events and happenings and informed about the business of running the school. They also feature parent education talks by Glenridge’s director, Mame Campbell or guest speakers. First-year parents also attend a curriculum night, designed to help them understand the school’s teaching philosophy and how to support children during their work shifts.

Fundraising

Every year Glenridge relies on the annual fall auction to raise a large chunk of the school’s operating budget. The auction is only successful thanks to ample participation by all Glenridge families. In addition to soliciting items to sell at the auction, parents also staff the event, doing everything from cooking appetizers to helping with setup and check-out. In the spring, families also contribute and help bring in donations to the school’s annual fund.

School setup, packing, and maintenance

The Glenridge building is owned by San Francisco Recreation and Parks, which takes over the building each summer for its Silver Tree Day Camp. This means everything inside of the school—from furniture to puzzles and dress-up clothes—must move in and out with us each school year. Every family helps to pack, unpack, clean, and organize the school during these transitions and during the school’s annual maintenance day.

Fostering Community

At Glenridge, all families are welcome to share their talents and traditions in the classroom. Each family’s cultural, artistic, musical, and other unique contributions add to children’s knowledge of our diverse world and help expand the perspectives and experiences of everyone in our community. Glenridge families also organize optional weekend adventures to places like Año Nuevo and Hidden Villa, as well as overnight camping trips in the fall and the spring. Many families spend time together after school at the Glen Park Playground, where both kids and parents deepen their bonds. And Potluck Picnics twice a year create special moments for families to enjoy each other’s company while surrounded by nature.