● About Us

Why FPNS?

For 65 years, Fremont Parents’ Nursery School (FPNS) has been more than just a preschool—it’s a community. Established in 1961, we are a parent-run, non-profit cooperative where families are the heart of the educational journey. We believe that by nourishing the family unit as a whole, we create the best possible environment for children to thrive.

As a parent-participation program, you don't just drop your child off; you step into the classroom alongside our professional teachers. This collaborative model allows you to witness and support your child’s first educational milestones firsthand, fostering a sense of security and a lifelong love of learning.

Our Principles


Mission

To establish a safe space to discover the intricate dynamics of child, family, and community by empowering parents as their children’s primary teachers.


Vision

Fremont Parents’ Nursery School enhances the influence of family and community in children’s early education.


Purpose

Our purpose is for children to regard themselves as individuals who are worthy of love and belonging.  It is our intent that they carry a strong desire to pursue curiosity and regard mistakes as opportunities for growth.

● Our History

65 Years in Making

Our story began in 1961 with our founder, Mercedes Williams. One of ten children born in Puerto Rico, Mercedes moved to the Bay Area in 1943, eventually becoming a trailblazing businesswoman. After becoming a mother, she turned her entrepreneurial spirit toward a new passion: early childhood education. Driven by a desire to support local families, she established the Parents’ Co-operative Nursery School in San Lorenzo, laying the foundation for the vibrant community we continue to build today.