A neighborhood cooperative since 1966.

University Parents Nursery School is a parent-participation preschool where children learn through play and families work alongside teachers as part of the school community.

UPNS history timeline from 1966 to present
Our History

Started by UCLA families, now shared with the wider neighborhood.

UPNS began in 1966, when parents living in UCLA Family Student Housing came together to create a nursery school they could help shape and run. The school grew over the years and moved to its current Sepulveda Boulevard location in 1996.

UPNS continues to serve UCLA students, staff, and faculty, and also welcomes families without a UCLA affiliation from across Los Angeles. The school became accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children in 1998.

Our Philosophy

Play-based learning for the whole child.

We believe preschool should give children time to play, explore, create, move, build relationships, and feel secure without rushing them into academic pressure.

Social Self

learning to make friends, share ideas, and care about others

Emotional Self

recognizing feelings and growing more confident expressing them

Physical Self

building coordination and body confidence through active, hands-on play

Creative Self

using art, music, stories, and pretend play to bring ideas to life

Cognitive Self

asking questions, testing ideas, and figuring things out through play

Funded by Parent Fundraising

Weekly Enrichment Classes

Each week, children take part in music, dance, soccer, and Taekwondo classes led by visiting instructors. UPNS fundraising helps pay for these classes so they can be included for every child.

Children engaged in singing and instruments during music class at UPNS

Music & Rhythm

Children sing, play instruments, listen for different sounds, and move together to rhythm and music.

Children participating in creative movement and dance class at UPNS

Dance & Movement

Children move, balance, stretch, and act out ideas through music, movement, and stories.

Children playing soccer and active games on the UPNS playground

Soccer & Active Play

On the playground, children practice kicking, running, taking turns, and playing simple group games with a coach.

Children participating in Taekwondo class at UPNS

Taekwondo & Focus

Children practice simple movements, listening, balance, body control, and respect for one another.

Our Teachers

Meet our dedicated teaching team.

Our teachers know the children well and guide both children and co-oping parents through each school day.

Portrait of UPNS teacher Lorraine Smith-Jones in the classroom environment

Lorraine Smith-Jones

School Director

Portrait of UPNS teacher Ana Flores in the classroom environment

Ana Flores

Administration Manager

Portrait of UPNS teacher Veronica Martell in the classroom environment

Veronica Martell

Kitten Room Teacher

Portrait of UPNS teacher Nahomi Romero in the classroom environment

Nahomi Romero

Kitten Room Teacher

Portrait of UPNS teacher Lin Han in the classroom environment

Lin Han

Kitten Room Teacher

Portrait of UPNS teacher Annika Peistrup in the classroom environment

Annika Peistrup

Kitten Room Teacher

Portrait of UPNS teacher Brigitte Peistrup in the classroom environment

Brigitte Peistrup

Kangaroo Room Teacher

Portrait of UPNS teacher Maria Maldonado in the classroom environment

Maria Maldonado

Kangaroo Room Teacher

Portrait of UPNS teacher Kobe Kubes in the classroom environment

Kobe Kubes

Kangaroo Room Teacher

Portrait of UPNS teacher Kareem Smith in the classroom environment

Kareem Smith

Dolphin Room Teacher

Portrait of UPNS teacher Yadira Montes in the classroom environment

Yadira Montes

Dolphin Room Teacher

Roles of School Staff

The staff of the school consists of a Director, Assistant Director/Head Teacher, Teachers, Teaching Assistants, and the Office Administrator. The Director is the professional head of the school, responsible for all matters concerning the children and daily operation.

The Assistant Director, Teachers, and Teaching Assistants have challenging jobs: planning the daily program for children and helping parents gain new insights into early childhood. The Office Administrator is responsible for smooth operations and works closely with the Director.

Our staff furthers member education through classroom observation, participation, and guest speakers at Parent Education Meetings. The Director provides ongoing parent orientation throughout the school year.

Board of Directors

Each year the membership elects officers to serve as the Board of Directors. As the overall policy-making body, the Board administers school affairs consistent with our Articles of Incorporation and Constitution.

Board Members act not as individuals, but as representatives of the membership at large. Each member considers decisions in terms of what is good for the whole group and takes a long view of the future of UPNS.

Open Board Meetings: Board Meetings are open to all school members, and each family’s vote carries equal weight.

Explore Co-op Life →