Meridian Hills Cooperative Nursery School

Where do I even begin with Meridian Hills Cooperative? My family and I love this little school so much. This is going to sound overly dramatic, but it aint no lie: Enrolling my child into this school has probably been one of the best decisions I’ve made since moving to Indiana.
We just finished the 4s class, which was our first foray into any type of schooling. Meridian Hills Cooperative is play-​based, which means that the kids learn through exploring, building, creating, moving their bodies, and just plain being kids. The teachers do not push the kids to do anything (as in, they aren’t receiving formal lessons in the 4s class) — instead, the teacher invites each child to participate, and lets them join in whenever they feel comfortable. Each child is valued for whatever stage they’re at in life. Similarly, each type of personality — from super shy guys to boisterous kids to everything in between — is cherished and respected.
A huge plus about the school is that they value playing outdoors. They will tell you straight up when you go for a tour: We play outside in all types of weather! The only time the kids won’t play outside is if the weather is dangerous, such as during thunderstorms, or if the windchill is in the single digits. Otherwise, kids bring their snow clothes, rain boots and other outdoor gear because they know they’ll be playing outside, rain or shine!
Meridian Hills Cooperative is a co-​op, which means that parents participate in the classes on a rotating basis. I love this aspect of the school because you really get to know your child’s classmates, and in turn, the other parents really get to know YOUR child very well. It’s very much like an extended family, with everyone invested in each other’s well being.
One of the most unique aspects of Meridian Hills is the Kindergarten class. This school is one of the only in the Indianapolis area that offers a part-​time Kindergarten. (It meets Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.) On Thursdays, the class spends all day outdoors in the «forest Kindergarten» area, which is basically set up to be an outdoor classroom. So the kids get to learn while feeling the cool breeze, hearing the birds chirping and feeling the earth under their feet. It is such an amazing space, and an amazing way for kids to learn.
I feel like I could go on and on about Meridian Hills, but it’s just one of those things you have to check out yourself. I’m probably the most jaded and cynical person I know, but whenever I talk to people about this school, I get super mushy and emotional recounting all the ways I love this school and how much my child has grown and blossomed because of it. It’s truly been a blessing in our lives.

This school is one of the best preschool and Kindergarten programs in the greater Indianapolis area.
My son was part of the program from 3s-​Kindergarten and is now excelling greatly in elementary school both academically and socially.
We have enrolled our daughter in the program and are looking forward to her future success as well.
This program does more than teach children: it also teachers parents. Four times a school year parent education events are offered free-​of-​charge to the MHCNS&K families. I’ve enjoyed learning about childhood nutrition, mindfulness, positive discipline, and at home activities to give my child fuller and more enriching experiences.
The teachers are highly-​educated and care deeply for the students and their entire families. The teachers take time to listen to parent concerns and offer helpful advice about developmentally appropriateness.
Since the school is a cooperative, this means it is parent-​run. The parents run the school: everything from holding positions on the board to securing visiting animals. Everyone has a role to play to make MHCNS&K the successful school that it is.
Another great part of being in a cooperative is the chance to be in the classroom, on average, once a month, with your child.

Meridian Hills offers a unique opportunity to be a part of a community and learn along with your child. I’m part of the classroom and get to observe what my child is learning in a natural play based environment. I’ve never heard any of my friends be able to say that about their children’ schools. The parenting tips I’ve learned in three short months are going to last me a lifetime. Meridian Hills gives its families a lifetime of memories and learning!

I searched high and low (aka Noblesville to downtown Indy) looking for a nondenominational, play-​based preschool for my daughter. After looking at multiple Montessori schools and not finding many other options, I was delighted to find MHCNS. As soon as I arrived, I knew I had found something special. The spacious outdoor playground is like no other I’ve seen in the area (and there are hiking trails, too!). Once inside, I was impressed by the «block room» full of wooden toys for building, the «art room» with easels set up and a table full of homemade play dough, and a third room where the children were enjoying board games and reading in little groups. And then I met the teachers. There are three, and they are all amazing. They have history with the school, an easy rapport with the children, and they believe in the power of play. I was also impressed that this school has a half-​day kindergarten available.
As a cooperative (and member of Indiana Council of Preschool Cooperatives), this preschool is run by parents. One of your child’s caregivers will help out in the classroom once or twice a month and take on a «job» within the school. Your job could be anything from organizing the Fall Picnic to ordering the art supplies for your child’s classroom or caring for the class pet.
My daughter loves seeing me in her classroom, and it really gives me a better sense of what she is experiencing and what I can do to help her grow. MHCNS offers parent education nights and a two day training workshop. Since all of the parents are so involved with the school, you really get to know the other families and create lasting friendships. Overall, I feel that being part of this school has not only been beneficial to my daughter, it has also made me a better parent.

As a graduate of this school, I love bringing my son here now. A co-​op is, IMO, the best format for pre-​school learning for both kids AND their parents, and this is one of the best co-​ops in town.