The Cooper Children’s Center
Make a pledge
Save 58 years of history by contributing a donation to The Cooper School (formerly Union Cong Nursery School)
Rooted in Reggio
For nearly 60 years, The Cooper School (formerly Union Cong Nursery School) has served as a cornerstone of the community; a pioneering force in high-quality early childhood education, nurturing over 500 young minds on journeys of joyful learning, discovery, and enduring friendships. Since 1968, the Vincent Building on Cooper Avenue has served as the school’s home, offering the ideal environment for hands-on, experiential learning. The grounds provide serene outdoor spaces that inspire inquiry, collaboration, and exploration.
Guided by talented, passionate educators inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, the program emphasizes joy, empowerment, and child-centered learning. Through a responsive, play-based curriculum, we nurture self-expression, creativity, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning, guiding children as they become creators, thinkers, and engaged citizens who contribute to their communities
Why now?
In Fall 2024, Union Congregational Church announced plans to close the nursery school after the 2025–2026 year.
In response, families and church leaders collaborated to allow the Nursery School to operate independently. The school will rent the Vincent Building for at least 15 years, managing its own educational programs, improvements, finances, and compliance, while establishing a strategic foundation for the future.
Friends of The Cooper School (formerly Union Cong Nursery School) must raise $500,000 in pledges by May 2026; and $1.25 million in total pledges and cash donations by November of 2026. We urgently seek your partnership to ensure this vital legacy continues to flourish within its cherished home. This major gifts campaign is a key element of a strategic fundraising effort that establishes an inaugural annual giving campaign, enhances fundraising events, and targets foundation funding. By embracing independence, our new Nursery School is poised to expand its impact for generations to come.
To bolster financial revenue and extend its reach in the community, the Nursery School will expand offerings to better meet the evolving needs of families, including:
Will you help us take the first step?
Extended aftercare hours to support working families
Full summer camp program launching for the community in Summer 2026
Kindergarten program opening for the 2026–2027 school year
How will your support make a difference?
Beginning in June 2026, the Cooper School will be responsible for all costs associated with our building.
Your support will guarantee that there is a reserve fund for capital expenses projected for the first three years of the independent school’s operation, including:
New HVAC system
New roof
Improved security system
Ceiling and flooring renovations
Emergency repairs
$60,000 for a security deposit
This will serve as a reserve to guarantee the Nursery School’s stewardship of the Vincent Building as a lessee of the Church.
November 2025
$70,000 for operating reserves
The Church has requested the Nursery School to maintain this level of operating reserve.
May 2026
$120,000 for startup costs
This will serve as a reserve to guarantee the Nursery School’s stewardship of the Vincent Building as a lessee of the Church.
May 2026
$500,000 for Year 1 building costs
May 2026 for FY 2026-27
$350,000 for Year 2 building costs
For FY 2027-28
$150,000 for Year 3 building costs
For FY 2028-29
Fundraising timeline
$250,000
(including $60,000 cash security deposit to church)
Nov 2025
$500,000
(including $70,000 cash operating reserves, $120,000 in startup costs)
May 2026
Nov 2026
$500,000
= $ 1.25M
($130,000 in church- requested reserves, $120,000 in startup costs, $1 million in 3+ years of capital expenses)
(Capital expenses)
Giving levels
Your early support as a founding donor of a newly independent Nursery School is instrumental during this pivotal transition time.
We look to recognize your essential contribution by welcoming you to a giving level in grateful recognition of you and your family.
Pledge payment schedules can be customized, for example, a $100,000 commitment can be fulfilled with $20,000 annually over five years.
$200,000+
$100,000 - $199,999
$50,000 - $99,999
$20,000 - $49,999
$10,000 - $19,999
Diamond
Platinum
Gold
Silver
Bronze
At the Cooper School we believe that each child is a unique and complex human being with a keen desire to gain knowledge.