James Marshall Parent Participation Nursery School

To be honest, it was the price that drew us in at first. Having researched the tuition for other preschools in the West Sac area, we were easily interested in this program as it is affordable.
However, it was the school, the teachers, the community within James Marshall, the sense of involvement and more that kept us loving the school. Though it is a lot of work, it’s well worth it.
This will be our third year here, and I can’t say enough how much it has had a positive influence on my kids and my family. As a parent I am learning so much from the teachers, fellow parents, and the other children as I participate in class.
It’s great seeing what my oldest son has learned and gained from the past two years. It sets him on the right track for all future learning. Can’t wait for my youngest to experience the same.
I’d recommend JMPPNS to families that are looking for a school where they can get involved, grow and thrive in an educational and community atmosphere.
*To really get a feel for what’s it’s like, make sure to call and schedule a tour.

My daughter just completed preschool and it has been an amazing journey. We have been in West Sac for 10 years and had never heard of James Marshall — until last sept! I requested info online and was promptly contacted and offered a spot. Every parent at this school is extremely dedicated and care about the children that attend. They are committed to working every week in the classroom as well as attend two evening meetings/​month. The parent classes were very informative and helped me understand my child as well as others in her class. The parents along with the two teachers work together and provide a great learning atmosphere. There are great monthly field trips and parties (Halloween, Christmas, Valentines) organized by parents. The monthly parent duties are clearly outlined and senior parents are always willing to answer any questions. My only regret is wishing I had known about this school when my daughter turned 3, so that she would have have started sooner! This has been a priceless experience — the smile on her face during class will be with me forever! She started out so shy and to see her bloom with confidence is so rewarding. The attention to detail is excellent — we received a goodie bag with work she’s done throughout the year, art work, numbers, letters, picture yearbook… all treasured memories. If you want to be truly involved with your child’s education, James Marshall Parent Participation Nursery School is definitely the way to go!

This school and its teachers are just godsends. Mrs. Hinton has helped me and my son in innumerable ways. This school is listed as Adult education (which is one of the reasons why it’s so inexpensive) and an education is what I got. There was a parenting class every other week that was extremely informative. Honestly, as parents one of the main things we want is the know the right way to help our young children grow, and the lessons in those classes really make a difference in how I think and act with my children. Also, we get to be involved in our preschoolers day! Working in the classroom weekly gives us a chance to know what and how our kids are doing. Another wonderful side effect of this is making other friends who are parents. I really didn’t have very many when my son started, but I’ve gained friends that I believe I will know for a lifetime. My son has too. One of my absolute favorite things is the one on one attention Mrs. Hinton gave my son. We worked together to come up with plans to help him out with his sensory issues, and for that, among so much else, I am eternally grateful. Choosing James Marshall for my son was one of the best decisions I’ve made for him. I know it’s changed us both for the better.

A truly amazing school with some awesome teachers and parents! What I love about it is that we, the parents get to participate! I work there once a week which my daughter loves. The children get plenty of attention because there is one adult for every five children. Everyone is like family!

Words cannot describe the joy that comes to mind when reminiscing our years at James Marshall (JMPPNS)! Cheesy, I know, but for reals!
Our family moved to West Sac in 2003. Our son was 8 mos old, and being an educator myself, I knew I needed to start looking for preschools. My husband and I originally wanted to homeschool, but our son proved, ahem, «un-​homeschoolable». He needed and craved socialization, structure and opportunities for enrichment we could not provide. I’m not gonna lie… the idea of him being gone for a few hours a day seemed very nice!
So, my search began. I discovered there was this type of school called a «parent co-​op» and streamlined my search knowing THAT was our answer. My child gets to learn and play outside of his home with his peers, AND I get to be involved? YES!
It was the summer before he should start, and I was having a hard time finding the right match. I totally didn’t know JMPPNS was right in my backyard! Duh! Thanks to an awesome mom I met at a kiddie pool, I learned about JMPPNS. The boy was ready, and so was I!
The Participation Chair, a volunteer board member, was very prompt returning my call, accommodating and sincere. I was impressed! We set up a time for me to go check out the site and talk to the teacher before bringing my son. It didn’t take long to KNOW this was the place. I loved seeing the children playing, the parents in their aprons, working in small groups, or one-​on-​one, just having a great time!
JMPPNS offers two class times featuring two, different, but equally amazing, teachers. The afternoon class really appealed to us, so we enrolled our son and it was off to the races! We were very excited!
While some parents may shudder at the thought of «working» with preschoolers, I embraced the advantages the co-​op offered and took on even more responsibilities, volunteering as an elected board member for two of the three years my son was a student. Indeed, it was work, but the pay was great; smiles all around and a happy boy to call my own!
As a whole, the program has much to offer both child and parent. Bi-​weekly parent meetings, where the parent becomes the student, presents a traditional curriculum, alongside general parenting tips and tricks, taught by a retired, veteran teacher, the lovely, knowledgeable Mrs. Brown. As the years progress, you will not only observe growth and maturation among the children, but also among the parents, perhaps even yourself. A win-​win!
Overall, our family spent five years at JMPPNS, three with our son (November baby + boy = wait a year to start Kindergarten) and two with our daughter. It was a no-​brainer that our daughter would attend JMPPNS, but in the short time from enrolling my son to finding out I was expecting another child, the word had spread about JMPPNS. Their wait list was already growing. To be safe, I put her on the list before she was even born!
We did four years in the afternoon class and one in the morning. I found both to be equally spectacular with identical lesson plans, but not identical teachers. One might assume it’s all the same, but the teaching styles, personalities, time of day, and so on, all make for a very different experience for both child and parent.
If the whole «participation» thing freaks you out, or just isn’t YOUR thing, JMPPNS is there to help. They will find a way for you to work it out, so that your child will not miss out on over 50 years of educating children and their parents in our community.
Our hearts will always be with James Marshall Parent Participation Nursery School.

I cannot speak more highly of James Marshall. This is our second year in their program and Mrs. Brown has been heaven sent for my son. I love that he is learning nursery rhymes and social skills in a traditional preschool setting. I look forward to 3 more years in the program with my sons.

This school has been a true blessing for my family. I’m sure I could teach my children their letters and numbers etc but I cannot teach them social norms within their peer group. My 4 year old son has made such strides in his expressive communication since attending James Marshall Parent Participation Nursery School! The teachers here are so kind but expect respect to them and everyone else. Something most small ones really need to comprehend. Structure was a big thing for my child and he gets lots of it here. You can tell these teachers (Mrs. Brown –AM Class and Mrs. Hinton –PM Class) love what they do.
A definite plus is the new friendships you’ll inevitably make while working alongside other parents to help your children learn. You are expected to work one day per week per child attending the school. Your job varies from month to month from providing a healthy snack (in lieu of tuition), supervising art projects, monitoring the play yard outside, etc. Do not miss a work day, it will cost you $ 50. If you prearrange another parent to cover for you it will only cost $ 20 which is paid to that parent. You are to attend one parents meeting AND one business meeting every month (Wednesday evenings). Every year, service on one committee board is required (ex: Toy Maintenance Committee).
I currently pay $ 125 per month to cover tuition for both of my boys to attend JMPPNS everyday. I believe tuition is set to increase a bit next year. Yearly Registration is $ 25 per child.
I know some people are quite concerned about security and safety so here are some facts:
Parents are not required to supply a background check.
When you come to pick up your child your are required to sign them out but you are not required to show identification.
If someone else is to pick up your child YOU are required to contact the teacher.
The entire yard area outside is fenced in with one gate to get in or out.

The yard parent is not allowed to leave children in the yard alone ever.
Two single stall bathrooms with full doors are upfront and easily monitored.
All parents must have a current negative Tuberculosis test of file.
Hand washing is huge. There a 3 little sinks with soap and paper towels available at all times.
Every working parent is made aware of and has on them instructions for action in case of a fire.
Parents must attended field trips with their child.
Corporal punishment or physical force such as spanking is not allowed even for your own child while at the school.
All parents are reminded every day of any special needs of children –i.e. food allergies. JMPPNS is a tree nut and peanut free school.
There is lots to do and learn at this school and I feel really lucky to have my children attend a place where they are so respected and educated.

The opportunity to be involved in my children’s preschool experience at JMPPNS is amazing. This is my 4^th year at JMPPNS, and although it does require a lot of parent involvement, that is what I love about this place. I love being a part of their preschool education. My older daughter entered kindergarten after 2 years at JMPPNS and was ready with many skills that other children in her K class did not have. The teachers at JMPPNS have hearts of gold, and are there because they love kids and want to teach. I admire their passion, patience and experience whole-​heartedly. I would recommend JMPPNS to anyone who has the time and desire to participate in a preschool co-​op!

So after my last review, I got a couple of message from parents saying «I just dont get the parent participation concept» or «I am one of those parents who would rather be at the gym that with my kids». That was my favorite message…
Not wanting to disparage a place that might be good, I stopped across the street today to watch for a few minutes, hey, I was driving by…
I counted one dad out on the playground, and 17 kids! And the dad was helping move boxes in from someones car… so one distracted dad with 17 kids, and me across the street. I could have been anyone… I could have had a zoom lens in my left hand, and, well, you know what in my right.
What training did this dad have? None, I asked my friend who goes there, no background checks, no finger prints, just give you a half apron and somehow you are qualified to watch 17 kids by yourself.
No, thank you.