A nurturing place for little learners.
Founded in 1984, Cranbury Presbyterian Nursery School has spent four decades affirming each child’s gifts and helping young minds grow with confidence, curiosity, and care.
A small school with a big heart.
CPNS was founded in 1984 by the First Presbyterian Church of Cranbury as a non-profit Christian preschool. Since then, we’ve welcomed generations of families from across Mercer, Monmouth, and Middlesex counties — many of whom now send their own children to walk the same halls.
While our roots are in faith, our doors are open to all. Our community is built on the simple belief that every child deserves to be known, celebrated, and gently challenged to grow.
What we believe.
Every child comes to us with God-given gifts and unique qualities. Our job is to recognize them, nurture them, and help each child grow into the happy, secure individual they’re meant to be.
Affirming each child
We believe each child is created with love and unique qualities. We’re committed to recognizing and celebrating those gifts every day.
Growing developmentally
Children flourish in environments bounded by Christian love and caring. We help each child grow at their own pace, in their own way.
Building secure individuals
Our goal is to develop happy, adjusted, secure individuals — through freedom balanced with discipline, affection, and positive reinforcement.
Built on a foundation of trust.
CPNS is state licensed, professionally accredited, and held to the highest standards in early childhood education. Parents can feel confident knowing their child is in qualified, caring hands.
NAEYC Accredited
The gold standard for early childhood education, awarded by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
NJ State Licensed
Fully licensed by the State of New Jersey, ensuring full compliance with all early childhood safety and education standards.
NJEA Member
Active member of the New Jersey Education Association, connecting our teachers to ongoing professional development.
First Presbyterian Church
A non-profit ministry of the First Presbyterian Church of Cranbury, founded in 1984 and welcoming families of all backgrounds.
Led by people who care.
CPNS is administered by a nine-member Board comprised of Church members and individuals from the surrounding area with backgrounds in personnel, finance, education, and administration.
While we’re not a cooperative school and don’t require parents to volunteer hours, we offer many opportunities for parents to participate in their child’s nursery school experience. We believe family involvement makes for stronger classrooms and stronger communities.
Ways parents stay involved
- Classroom volunteering and special events
- Annual fundraisers (plant sale, trivia night, more)
- Parent-teacher conferences and ongoing communication
- Sharing experiences, ideas, and feedback
- Open enrollment for board membership opportunities