West Village Nursery School was founded over forty years ago by a group of mothers seeking a cooperative nursery school program for their children. Founder Shirley Wright, together with area parents Barbara Williams, Dori Kimball, Kate Brown, and Anne Tonachel, were the original driving force behind establishing the school. The determined (and fortunate) group found a one-room rental on Horatio Street. By-laws were drafted, licensing requirements met, and in the fall of 1962, West Village Nursery School began teaching neighborhood children and their parents.

Then, in 1966, ever-determined for more space (and even more fortunate), Ms. Wright learned that the entire brownstone next door, 73 Horatio Street, was for sale. Pooling the talents, elbow grease, and generosity of that pioneering group, the building was purchased and, in short order, renovated. 20 years later, the West Village Nursery School community of 1986 happily burned the mortgage.

Today, we are fortunate to own our brownstone, not a small factor in keeping tuition costs reasonable. Our building has evolved from its once raw, leaky state to what it is today—a warm and welcoming environment for children, their parents and their teachers. But beyond the history of our real estate, an admittedly popular topic for New Yorkers, our real legacy is one of community spirit, life-long learning, and lasting friendships.