Union Cong Nursery School Announcement
Union Congregational Church will be closing its beloved Union Congregational Weekday Nursery School (UCWNS) at the end of the current school year, on June 30, 2026. The nursery school has been a meaningful and important program of the church for 58 years. In the fall of 2024, the church made the very difficult decision to close the school after exploring and considering a number of options for continuing the program. We are immensely grateful to our dedicated administrators and teachers and to have been a part of the lives of so many children and their families since 1968.

The Cooper School: Continuing the Traditions of Union Cong Nursery School

Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, The Cooper School plans to continue the legacy of Union Cong Nursery School – at the same address, 176 Cooper Ave, Montclair – with exceptional early-childhood education.

They plan to proudly offer a Reggio Emilia-inspired program for ages 2.5-6, with a commitment to excellence and trusted educators who nurture curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Visit The Cooper School HERE.
FAQ

Why is Union Congregational Church closing its nursery school program?
A combination of factors led to our decision, including the burdens of maintaining and improving an aging building, a 30% drop in enrollment, the implementation of universal Pre-K in Montclair, and our need to adjust our programs and the size of our campus to meet the needs of our current and future congregations.

I’ve heard all that is changing is the name, but this sounds like it is much more than that. Can you explain what’s happening?
Union Congregational Church will be closing its nursery school program after June 30, 2026. We anticipate that beginning July 1, 2026, we will lease the Vincent Building to a new organization, The Cooper School, and that they will open a new school based on the Reggio Emilia philosophy with many of the same teachers, staff, and programs.

If my child is currently attending Union Cong Nursery School, will they be able to continue next year?
As mentioned above, we are hopeful that beginning July 1, 2026, we will lease the Vincent Building to a new organization, The Cooper School, and that they will open a new school based on the Reggio Emilia philosophy with many of the same teachers and programs. For information regarding the 2026-2027 school year, contact the Cooper School at InfoCooperSchool@gmail.com or visit www.cooperschool.org.

If I have concerns or questions and want to talk with someone from the church, who can I speak to?
Email contact@unioncong.org, and we will have someone reach out to you.

Who can I contact to find information about the new school and the 2026-2027 school year?
If you have questions about The Cooper School, please email InfoCooperSchool@gmail.com or visit www.cooperschool.org.

Part-time Preschool for ages 2.5 through age 6. Inspired by the preschools in Reggio-Emilia, Italy, we believe that each child is a unique and complex human being with a keen desire to gain knowledge. We value their words, vision, and creative expression while nurturing and supporting each child’s natural enthusiasm for learning.

We offer a part-time program from mid September through early June for children age 2.5 – age 6. Children enroll in one class for the duration of the school year and enjoy strong relationships with their classmates.

Highlights

  • Highly qualified faculty
  • Hands-on children’s garden
  • Creative Movement/Music
  • Member of North American Reggio Emilia Alliance
  • Small class size ratio
  • 3, 4 or 5 day options
  • Large indoor play space
  • Accredited by the NAEYC
  • Competitive Tuition Rates

Classes Offered:

Young 3 8:30 am-noon
(age 2 by July 10, 2025) 		2, 3, or 5-day program
(Starts January 2026)
Young 3 8:30 am-noon
(age 2 by March 10, 2025)		2, 3, or 5-day program
3/4 8:45 am-12:45 pm
(age 3 by October 1, 2025) 		4 or 5-day program
4/5 8:45 am-12:45 pm
(age 4 by October 1, 2025)		5-day program
5/6 (Kindergarten) 8:45 am-2:15 pm 
(age 5 by October 1, 2025)		5-day program

Options for Extended Day Programs

4/5s 12:45 pm-2:15 pm 
(4 by Oct 1, 2025)		2, 3 or 5 Day
(T & Th), (M,W,F) or (M-F)
3/4s 12:45 pm-2:15 pm 
(3 by Oct 1, 2025)(4 by Oct 1, 2025)		2, 3 or 5 Day
(T & Th), (M,W,F) or (M-F)