A story built by this community.
From a 1983 task force exploring the idea of a church-affiliated nursery school to generations of Cranbury families — here’s how CPNS grew.
It began with a question.
In 1983, members and educators of the First Presbyterian Church of Cranbury met informally to explore an idea: what if the church started a nursery school? That summer, the Session authorized a Task Force to study the need and bring back a recommendation.
By November, the answer was yes. The Task Force returned with a plan: establish a Board of Directors, define the school’s goals, and open the doors in September 1984.
That fall, with two teachers and seventeen children in two rooms, Cranbury Presbyterian Nursery School was born.
Twenty-five years of growth.
The early decades of CPNS, from opening day through 2009.
CPNS opens its doors. Two teachers welcome 12 three-year-olds and 5 four-year-olds for morning classes in Rooms 17 and 18.
Full enrollment reached: 14 three-year-olds and 16 four-year-olds, mornings only.
Afternoon classes added — doubling enrollment to 60 students.
Two more teachers join the team and classes run simultaneously, growing enrollment to 120. A formal music program is introduced.
Darlene Chermak, a member of the church, becomes Director. Room 15 is converted into storage for the school.
Mrs. K. develops the Two’s Program. The Board commissions her to create a curriculum for 2½-year-olds, with renovations to Rooms 16 and 17.
The Two’s Program officially launches. CPNS now serves 144 children.
Hollywood comes to Cranbury — the church serves as headquarters for the filming of the movie I.Q.
A Developmental Consultant is added to support the program.
A sectional fence replaces orange cones around the playground. “Fun Friday” enrichment mornings are introduced. Enrollment grows to 160 to accommodate students from a closed neighboring school. The Lunch Program begins.
Janice Parker, a CPNS teacher, is promoted to Director after Mrs. Chermak moves to Texas. A small bathroom is installed in the 3’s classroom. New library cabinets are dedicated in memory of Gayle Abrahams (former Board Member) and Jack Specht (Elder). The current playground is installed.
Classes are restructured and total enrollment returns to 144 with a staff of 13. The Lunch Program expands to four days a week.
A storage shed is installed at the rear of the playground for outdoor equipment.
20 years of CPNS. “Panda Parties” are held for students and alumni from May 17–23.
CPNS participates in the Township’s Annual Cranbury Day for the first time. The “Creative Curriculum” is introduced as a new resource. A new Board position is added for a Cranbury School Teacher. The school becomes accessible through the church’s website.
Enrichment programs are offered. Director Janice Parker earns her Master of Education in Early Childhood from The College of New Jersey.
The Lunch Program expands to all five weekdays. CPNS begins its journey toward NAEYC accreditation.
CPNS mentors student teachers from The College of New Jersey. Assistant teachers Kathy Iorio and Debbie Petro earn their Child Development Associate degrees. The first Summer at CPNS program is offered.