HomeSchools & EducationUltimate Preschool GuideMeridian Hills Cooperative Nursery School & Kindergarten

Meridian Hills Cooperative Nursery School & Kindergarten

Founded in 1960, we are a cooperative preschool and part-time kindergarten with a play-based, nature-centered approach. Our grounds include an outdoor Forest Classroom and a half-acre Certified Nature Explore playground. At Meridian Hills Cooperative Nursery School & Kindergarten, teachers and parents collaborate to foster a nurturing and inclusive environment where children flourish in every area of their development.
General Info:

Address: 7171 N. Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240
Phone: 317-721-2322
Website: meridianhillscoop.org


Q&A with Meridian Hills Cooperative Nursery School & Kindergarten (MHCNS&K):

What makes MHCNS&K unique?

At our cooperative school, caregivers actively participate in their child’s education alongside our wonderful staff. You’ll never wonder about your child’s day, as you’ll be right there on your scheduled days.

We also prioritize parent education, require training through the Indiana Council of Preschool Cooperatives on topics like child development and classroom management. Caregivers attend biannual meetings focused on child growth, and mentoring children based on their specific needs and talents.

The time spent with your child and connecting with other families at MHCNS&K is truly special and something you’ll always value!

What is MHCNS&K’s educational philosophy?

At MHCNS&K, we believe learning through play is essential and that the best learning happens when teachers, caregivers, and children work together as partners. Our school fosters an environment where children grow at their own pace, learning through meaningful interactions with materials and each other. We encourage kids to explore, ask questions, and test ideas, allowing them to construct knowledge from these experiences. We also believe learning goes beyond the classroom, making outdoor play and learning part of our daily routine in almost any weather.

Our Kinderbird program aligns with Indiana state standards while following an emergent curriculum. Instead of planning topics in advance, we base projects on the children’s interests and curiosities. The projects are child-led, with teachers and caregivers serving as guides and sources of knowledge. Each project culminates in a final presentation, fully designed and created by the students.

What is your school’s age/grade range?

MHCNS&K offers programming for children beginning at age 2 through kindergarten.

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What is your enrollment policy? Are there any key dates parents should be aware of?

Early enrollment for the 2025-2026* school year runs from Friday, January 10, through Saturday, January 25, and is open to anyone with a paid application on file. Open enrollment for any remaining seats begins February 1. Our classes tend to fill very quickly, so we recommend that you submit an application and non-refundable $25 application fee as early as possible. Your application will remain on file until your child has aged out of our program, so it is never too soon to apply!

Find more information on how to apply at meridianhillscoop.org/apply-enroll/how-to-apply-enroll.

What are the standard school day hours? Does your school offer flexible day/hour options? Is before/after school care available?

We follow a traditional school schedule and are closed for the summer. Our school year begins following Labor Day and ends prior to Memorial Day.

  • Finches (age 2 by September 1) – Mondays and/or Fridays, 9 am to 11:30 am
  • Chickadees (age 3 by September 1) – Tuesdays, 9 am to 12:30 pm and Thursdays, 9 am to 11:30 am
  • Robins (age 4 by September 1) – Mondays and Fridays, 9 am to 11:30 am and Wednesdays 9 am to 1 pm
  • Kinderbirds (age 5 by September 1) – Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 9 am to 2 pm

How many children are in each class? How are children divided up?

  • Finches (2s) – 10 children
  • Chickadees (3s) – 16 children
  • Robins (4s) – 18 children
  • Kinderbirds (5s) – 14 children

What is the teacher/child ratio?

  • Finches (2s) – 10 children per day with 2 participating adults and 1 teacher
  • Chickadees (3s) – 16 children per day with 3 participating adults and 1 teacher
  • Robins (4s) – 18 children per day with 3 participating adults and 1 teacher
  • Kinderbirds (5s) – 14 children per day with 1-2 participating adults and 1 teacher

What are the teacher’s credentials?

In addition to being seasoned co-op parents themselves, our teachers bring a wealth of expertise in Early Childhood Education, with diverse backgrounds in Child Development and Special Needs.

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Is parental participation required?

A parent or the designated adult caregiver (grandparent, nanny, etc.) will assist in the classroom 1-3 times per month on average. Each family fulfills a job that contributes to school operations, and all are invited and welcome to attend monthly Board Meetings to help with the running of the school. Additionally, each ­­family is responsible for attending 3 indoor or outdoor workdays and 2 Parent Education events. While co-op duties extend beyond what you may find at other preschools, each brings benefit to our school community and to your family. We find that most families—those with a stay-at-home parent, parents who work part-time, or even families with two working parents–are able to make co-op work if they have a little bit of flexibility in their schedules.

How do teachers communicate with parents? How often do parents receive updates?

Caregivers and teachers have the opportunity to interact each school day at MHCNS&K, whether at drop off, pick up, or throughout the day as caregivers participate in the classroom alongside the teacher. Our teachers also offer conferences to allow caregivers an opportunity to discuss their child’s development and ask questions in a private setting. The strong community feel that develops between our teachers and caregivers lends itself to open communication on a regular basis.

Does your school offer support for students with special needs?

Children with special needs are welcome at Meridian Hills. Please begin with an e-mail to [email protected] so we can connect you with the appropriate classroom teacher to discuss how we can best meet your child’s needs.

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How much time do the children spend outside?

Outdoor play is a cornerstone of the co-op philosophy, and at MHCNS&K, we’re especially proud of our half-acre, shaded playground, certified as a Nature Explore Classroom. This certification means that much of what we do inside the classroom can also be done in our outdoor space, and often is! Children enjoy playground time daily unless the temperature or wind chill falls below 0 degrees.

Our Kinderbirds spend one full afternoon each week in our Forest Classroom, located next to the playground, and dedicate an entire day each month to outdoor learning at Holliday Park. The 2s, 3s, and 4s classes finish their day on the playground, making pick-up easier, while families often stay after school to play and socialize.

Are meals and/or snacks provided?

On days when children don’t stay for lunch, MHCNS&K provides a light snack. Snack time is a wonderful opportunity for students to practice social skills like taking turns, having conversations, and learning good manners. Teachers and participating adults join the children at the table, modeling these behaviors. We are also able to accommodate any allergies your child may have.

Does my child need to be potty-trained?

No. Our teachers are happy to work with you according to how you are approaching potty training at home.

What enrichment programs/activities are offered?

All of our classes enjoy music enrichment weekly or bi-monthly in addition to Spanish class starting with our Chickadees (3s). Our Kinderbirds class receives Spanish instruction each week. Kinderbirds also have Forest Kindergarten once weekly, either in our on-site Forest Classroom or, once a month, at Holliday Park.

What are your school’s safety policies? 

MHCNS&K has well-established safety protocols in place, covering emergency procedures, pick-up and drop-off routines, and various health-related policies. In line with the Indiana Council of Preschool Cooperatives, our teachers undergo training in CPR, pediatric first aid, and child abuse recognition and reporting. Additionally, both our teachers and any adults who will participate in the classroom more than three times during the school year are required to complete a background check.

Who should parents contact for more information about your school?

Please contact our Membership Chairs at [email protected] to schedule a tour!

Please contact our Treasurer at [email protected] to inquire about tuition assistance.

What are we most excited for you to experience here at MHCNS&K?

Your family will be part of a close-knit community dedicated to nurturing your child’s development in a loving, collaborative, and nature-rich environment. It’s more than just a school—it’s a foundation for lifelong learning and relationships.

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