Carlisle Community Nursery School is a warm, community-rooted preschool where early learning feels like childhood should: playful, nurturing, and full of meaningful connections. CCNS is a cooperative school, which means families are part of the heartbeat of the program. Parents work alongside dedicated teachers to support the curriculum, strengthen classroom community, and help children grow into confident, curious learners.
With more than 50 years of local history, CCNS has become a beloved “first school” for many Carlisle-area families, known for strong teacher-child relationships, family involvement, and the kind of supportive village that makes parenting feel a little less like a solo sport.
What Families Can Expect
Play-Based Early Education (Ages 3–5)
A developmentally appropriate, nurturing preschool experience that supports social-emotional growth, early skills, and confidence through play and gentle structure.
A Cooperative Model That Builds Community
Parents are involved in the life of the school and work in partnership with teachers, creating strong relationships between families, peers, and educators.
Traditions That Turn Into Core Memories
Families love CCNS milestone moments like potlucks, class performances, holiday celebrations, and parent-attended field trips that make the preschool years feel extra meaningful.
Signature Fundraiser
CCNS’s largest annual fundraiser is Designer Bag Bingo, featuring bingo rounds, raffle games, door prizes, and (yes) lots of designer handbags. Proceeds support school equipment, classroom materials, and ongoing program needs.
Learn More
Visit CCNS online to learn about enrollment, the cooperative model, and upcoming community moments: ccns-preschool.org
Business Review
2026 Macaroni KID Village Builder – Carlisle Region
Carlisle Community Nursery School was selected as the 2026 Macaroni KID Village Builder for the Carlisle–Shippensburg region in recognition of the quiet, steady, deeply meaningful way it supports families during some of the earliest and most formative years of parenting.
There is a moment in parenting when you realize how much easier this whole thing would be with people beside you. Not experts yelling advice from the internet. Just other adults who know your kid, your season, and your name. CCNS creates exactly that kind of village, and has been doing so for generations of Carlisle families.
As a cooperative preschool, CCNS doesn’t just teach children. It wraps families into the learning experience, builds relationships between parents and teachers, and turns ordinary preschool moments into the kinds of memories families carry for years. We are proud to help amplify their work as a 2026 Village Builder.
