Haight Ashbury Cooperative Nursery School
1180 Stanyan St, San Francisco 94117
Opened in 1974, HACNS is a place for children to develop an enduring love of learning through imaginary play, developmentally appropriate art and science projects, books, music, and movement. Housed at the Grattan Playground in Cole Valley, our uncommonly large, sunny, and sandy playground is an urban oasis where children have the opportunity to master new physical challenges with the freedom to explore and use their imaginations.
At a glance
What this means
Play-based means children learn through free and guided play — social skills, problem-solving, and early academics emerge through play rather than direct teaching.
This school teaches primarily in English.
Tuition shown is as of 2024 and may have changed — confirm with the school.
Good questions to ask on a tour
- 1What does a typical day look like, and how much of it is child-chosen play vs. teacher-led?
- 2What are the exact drop-off and pickup times, and is there any flexibility?
- 3Beyond the listed tuition, what other fees should I expect (application, deposit, materials, field trips)?
- 4How do you handle the transition for children starting mid-year or moving up from a younger classroom?
- 5What is your potty-training policy, and how do you support children who are still learning?
- 6How do you handle discipline, conflict between children, and big feelings?
- 7What is your application timeline, and when do families typically hear back?
- 8How large is each class, and what is the teacher-to-child ratio?
- 9What does parent communication look like — updates, conferences, opportunities to be involved?