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Before Rylie Rice and Lucia Nunes won agriculture scholarships at different high schools, they were friends at Turlock Nursery School. Since 1972, this small parent cooperative has brought Turlock families into the classroom as members and volunteers.
From preschool friends to an agricultural scholarship stage
In March 2025, Rice, a Pitman High student, and Nunes, a Hilmar High student, each received $5,500 at the Turlock Chamber of Commerce’s Ag Scholarship Luncheon. The Turlock Journal’s report traced their friendship back to Turlock Nursery School and Elim Elementary. Their paths separated in middle school; years later, they shared the spotlight at the same luncheon.
1972: the beginning of a parent cooperative
Turlock Nursery School dates its beginning to 1972 and is celebrating 54 years in 2026. Its formal name, Turlock Parent Participation Nursery School, explains the arrangement. Families are members of a nonprofit school, with one vote per family and an elected board drawn from the membership.
The school’s history and philosophy put parents inside the work of education. Teachers lead the program, while families help operate the school and take part in the classroom. Board members handle policy and administration; parents can attend the monthly board meetings.
The school’s public board-meeting archive holds records from 2020 onward, documenting decisions and plans made by successive parent boards.
2001: a music project reached beyond the school
In 2001, Stanislaus County awarded grants for children’s programs using Proposition 10 tobacco-tax revenue. A November 2001 Turlock Journal report described how Turlock Nursery School planned to use its award for music.
The report said Turlock Nursery School had been approved for $41,412 for Musical Enrichment for Preschoolers. A music teacher was to visit twice a week. Concerts featuring professional children’s performers were also planned, beginning the following January, in cooperation with other nursery schools and mothers’ groups in Turlock.
Board member Aila Hillberg discussed the link between music and learning. The plan would bring professional performers to children from several local preschools. Read the clipping on PDF page 15 of the county’s November 20, 2001 board packet.
2023: help for the building and outdoor spaces
The Marin Community Foundation’s 2023 public tax return lists an $80,000 grant to Turlock Nursery School for building renovation and outdoor beautification. The entry appears on printed page 191 of the foundation’s 2023 Form 990.
The school’s September 21, 2023 board minutes record plans for fire-department visits, pumpkin-patch trips and class parties—activities arranged by the teachers and parent volunteers.
What the school offers families today
Turlock Nursery School remains a play-based preschool. Its published program guide describes art, blocks, pretend play, books, music, cooking and outdoor activity. Families provide a parent or another adult to work in the classroom one or two days a month. The school describes a one-adult-to-five-children ratio, including participating adults.
The published minimum age is two years and nine months, and children must be toilet trained. The school offers Tuesday/Thursday and Monday/Wednesday/Friday classes. Its website is advertising enrollment for 2026–27; the registration and tuition page explains the sessions and Lunch Bunch option.
When arranging a tour, ask which session has space, its current tuition and what classroom and volunteer commitments your family would take on.
Location: 415 Grant Street, Turlock, CA 95380. Phone: (209) 667-7501. Use the school’s contact page to ask questions or arrange a visit.
