St. Mark’s Co-op finds a new home

St. Mark’s Cooperative Nursery School has finally found a new home.

The school, which needed to find a new space after its agreement with St. Mark’s United Methodist Church was terminated in late January. The school is moving to Temple B’nai Sholom-Beth David, at 100 Hempstead Ave.

“We are thrilled to partner with Temple B’nai Sholom-Beth David,” said Alison Spahn, Co-President of St. Mark’s Nursery School. “Our new home is one block south of our outgoing location and the classrooms are on the second floor of the building where it is bright with capacity to accommodate all of our students. St. Mark’s Cooperative has carved a 47-year history in Rockville Centre and we are beyond excited to continue its mission at our new home.”

St. Mark’s Nursery School will close its academic year, ending June 30, at its current location at 200 Hempstead Ave. Registration is currently open for the two’s, three’s, four’s, and Rockville Centre’s only KinderPrep program. The school will continue to operate as the only cooperative nursery school program in Rockville Centre. 

Spahn said that the school will begin moving non-essential equipment into the new space as early as the end of May, and fully expects to be moved in completely by June 30.

“On behalf of the Temple B’nai Sholom-Beth David board of directors and congregation, we are thrilled to have St. Mark’s Nursery School as part of the Temple B’nai Sholom-Beth David family,” said Keith Friedman, president of Temple B’nai Sholom-Beth David.  “We look forward to a long-term relationship with St. Mark’s Nursery School and to continue servicing the community for many years to come.”

The new facility is slightly smaller than the one at St. Mark’s Church, but it is large enough for the school to accommodate its 100-plus students and run all of its programs and classes.

“The excellent facilities at B’nai Sholom-Beth David will allow us to retain our licensing through the Office of Children and Family Services and the New York State Board of Education registration,” said Shirley Perri, program director for St. Mark’s Nursery School. “In my 23 years as program director, a fully-licensed and registered preschool serves as a distinguishing factor among many parents, and we are happy to continue to provide the highest standard of safety and care for our students at our new location.”

St. Mark’s Nursery School is offering a tour of its new facilities to the families of those enrolled for 2015-16 school year on Tuesday, May 26 at 9:15 a.m. The school will also be throwing a “We’re Moving!” carnival on June 6 at the Village Green to help fundraise for its relocation.