WRNS

Winton Road Nursery School

Learning Through Play

We've been fostering young children’s independence, curiosity and love of learning in Rochester for more than 50 years! Our certified, highly trained staff has developed a unique curriculum that instills the value of life-long learning with children as young as two years old.

Safe play environment for over 50 years

Fenced playground and nature trails

Academic and social readiness for kindergarten

Supportive family involvement that creates life-long relationships

Engaging child-friendly classrooms

Semi-Cooperative

The school is founded on the concept of semi-cooperative nursery education.

Parents are members of a non-profit, non-sectarian corporation that administers the school through an appointed board of trustees. That may sound scary, but it's great! Parents have the opportunity to guide their child’s first school experience as they share in decision making and committee service.

For information on the school structure, see the abbreviated description of committees document. The school by-laws provide detailed information about parental responsibilities, financial commitments, and refund policies. The Parent's Handbook is an indispensable resource for parents whose children are currently enrolled.

The Winton Road Nursery School admits students of both sexes and of any race, creed, color and national or ethnic background. A small number of scholarships are awarded based on financial need.

Jennifer Dwyer

Jennifer Dwyer has been with WRNS since 2017. She holds a BA in Sociology from LeMoyne College. Jennifer began teaching at WRNS after her daughter had such a wonderful experience while attending WRNS. She enjoys interacting with the kids during circle time, and loves working with them on their art projects because each one comes out completely unique.

Ally Schwarz

Ally Schwarz will be assisting Jenn Dwyer in the 5-Day Classroom as well as holding the position of Co-Director of WRNS. Her last name may look familiar, she is the step-daughter of beloved retired Young Nursery teacher, Patty Schwarz. Ally fell in love with WRNS through helping out in her daughter's Young Nursery classroom and subbing in Big Nursery as head of the Substitute Team last year. Ally uses the tools and skills she learned through her higher education studies in anthropology and mental health counseling to interact with and care for children. She has also had several jobs and internships working with children. In her spare time, she loves to hike with her family and is a board member of the Crescent Trail Hiking Association. Ally is excited for this opportunity to join the wonderful WRNS community of teachers and parents working together to make the school function and thrive.

Maureen Hickey

Maureen Hickey holds a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education with a minor in music and concentration in dance from SUNY Cortland, and a Masters Degree in Sports Medicine & Athletic Training from Temple University. She has also taken post-graduate classes in early childhood education from MCC and University of Rochester. She has demonstrated a life-long commitment to health, fitness, and wellness, and has incorporated each of these into her curriculum in all of the schools in which she’s taught. Mrs. Hickey chose to teach at WRNS after both her son and daughter had such positive experiences in this preschool environment. Two of her grandchildren are also WRNS alums.

Gaoxia Lan

Gaoxia joins WRNS as a teacher assistant in 2020, after her son completed his preschool at WRNS. She is always excited about being part of the WRNS staff as she would love to share the same level of genuine care and love that her son has received to the kids at WRNS. With a background in nursing, Gaoxia has the insight of individualized needs of each child. She believes every child is different with their own specialties. In her spare time, she is a photography enthusiast. She also enjoys being outdoors, watching her sons play sports.

Sara Hensel

Sara Hensel is the proud parent of not one, not two, but three Winton Road Nursery School graduates, and joined the WRNS staff as a teacher in 2023. Sara began her career in higher education, serving at both the University of Miami, Florida, and later at RIT’s Golisano Institute for Sustainability. In the classroom, she shares her passion for the environment, sustainable food systems and believes in the power of song to enrich the learning environment for students of all backgrounds. She is grateful for the many families who choose WRNS along their child’s early education journey.

Yeny Colon

Yeny Colon has been a teacher’s aid at WRNS since 2000. Yeny studied four years of bilingual education at the University of Panama and taught elementary school in Panama. She was a nanny for 3 1/2 years in Webster and was an assistant teacher for Sunday School at the Asbury First Methodist Church. Yeny also studied at Rochester Business Institute and received a Certificate in Data Processing.

Kate Oakley

Although Kate is new to WRNS in 2003/24 school year she is no stranger to WRNS. In addition to 3 children being WRNS alumni, Kate too attended our school as a child. She falls into a category that is similar to many of the teachers who love the school, staff, and mission of WRNS, finding it hard to leave after her own children moved on. Kate holds a B.A. in Psychology from Nazareth College and brings several years of experience in education and child development which she looks forward to sharing with each group of new learners she encounters.

Jennifer Woodworth

Jennifer Woodworth is a co-teacher in the Young Nursery program. She has worked at WRNS since 2019. She holds a BA in Psychology from Nazareth College and an MEd in Higher Ed Administration from The College of William and Mary. Jennifer has also worked for the Genesee Community Charter School. Her two children are both WRNS alumni. She loves joining in children's pretend play, puppeting dolls and toys, reading aloud, and getting her hands messy with paint and glue.

Anna Carroll-Nellenback

> Anna is very excited to join the WRNS staff as a Young Nursery Assistant! All 3 of her children attended Winton Road and her family has loved being a part of this school. Anna has a background in healthcare as an RN and is looking forward to supporting and nurturing all the children at WRNS as they learn and grow. In the classroom and with her own family, Anna love's helping with art projects, reading stories, and spending time outside.

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Enroll online with Jovial.

Important enrollment dates

  • Monday January 22: Registration for returning families begins.
    (Click here to enroll.)
  • Monday January 29: Registration for alumni families (without currently enrolled students) begins.
    (Click here to enroll.)
  • Monday February 5: Registration for new families (public enrollment) begins.
    (Click here to enroll.)

Programs

Young Nursery (2-3 years old)

Program Hours Annual Tuition
Monday and Tuesday 9:00am – 11:30am $1,853.00
Wednesday and Thursday 9:00am – 11:30am $1,853.00

  • Children in Young Nursery must be two (2) years of age by September 1 of their enrollment year to attend.

Nursery School (3-5 years old)

Program Hours Annual Tuition
2 Day AM
Tuesday and Thursday
9:00am – 12:00 noon $1,608.00
3 Day AM
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
9:00am – 12:00 noon $2,412.00
5 Day AM
Monday through Friday
9:00am – 12:00 noon $4,020.00

  • Children in Nursery School must be three (3) years of age by December 1 of their enrollment year to attend.
  • Children in the 5 Day program must be four (4) years of age by December 1, and fully potty trained, to attend.

For Parents

Playdough recipe

Please double the recipe when bringing playdough in for the class.
  • 4 cups flour
  • 1 cup salt
  • 8 tablespoons cream of tartar
  • 4 cups water
  • 4 tablespoons oil
  • food coloring

Cook all ingredients together over medium heat. Cool and knead on a floured surface. Store in an airtight container.

You can make this a fun activity to do with your child. Be creative and add glitter or scents! Try an alternative recipe, like this one using kool-aid.

Contact Us

With any questions.

Location

220 Winton Road South
Rochester, NY 14610

Phone: (585) 442-8340

Mailing Address

PO Box 10281
Rochester, NY 14610

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