The Bank Street model, or Developmental-Interaction Approach, is a progressive education philosophy focused on educating the "whole child" through hands-on, experiential learning. The Bank Street Model emphasizes child-centered, inquiry-based curriculum, fostering independence and emotional development within a collaborative environment.

The Bank Street Model, or Developmental-Interaction approach, focuses on social-emotional growth through collaborative, teacher-scaffolded, and open-ended play, whereas Montessori emphasizes individual, uninterrupted work with specific, self-correcting materials to build independence. Montessori is child-led within a highly structured environment, while the developmental approaches are more flexible with the teacher playing an active role facilitating the lessons.

At OFNS, all administrative aspects of the school are run by the parents. To ensure the school runs smoothly, each family has a job which is their major focus for the year. In addition, families must send at least one parent to monthly cooperative meetings, participate in the annual Christmas Tree Sale, participate in cleaning and fixing the school space twice a year, and support cooperative community events such as school fundraisers and class trips.

For 65 years our unique cooperative model has fostered strong bonds between families, creating lasting friendships and ensuring generations of children can grow and learn at the special place that is OFNS.

Our one, mixed aged classroom of 16 3- and 4-year olds is led by our Head Teacher, Therese Ragghianti, and our Assistant Teacher, Nicole Williams.

Therese has been a part of the OFNS community for nearly 30 years, first as an Assistant Teacher, then as Head Teacher and also as a parent. Therese has a Masters in Education and believes important life skills are being taught every day in preschool. Her fun, play-filled approach has helped countless children over the past 30 years build self esteem and independence while fostering a foundational love of learning.

Rooted in the Bank Street Model, students engage in a fun and creative interdisciplinary curriculum. Students experience a stimulating program that utilizes all of the senses, giving them the opportunity to see, hear, feel, taste and touch. 

Our teachers focus on building skills for daily living, as well as cognitive, physical and social-emotional skills to provide a strong foundation for Kindergarten.

In addition to the 2,000 square feet of classroom and dedicated indoor play space that our one class of 16 enjoys, OFNS has its own outdoor garden and playground.

Our teachers aim to take the children outside on a daily basis, weather permitting. If it’s too cold or wet, children can enjoy playing on the indoor jungle gym in the Big Room.

OFNS’ space is unparalleled in Park Slope, and provides ample room for children to learn, build, explore and grow together.

Drop off each day is between 8:45am - 9:00am.

Half day pick up is between 11:45am - 12:00pm and full day pick up is between 2:45pm - 3:00pm.

OFNS follows the NYC DOE calendar.

Due to our unique cooperative model, parents serve two roles - parents of their children and administrators of the school.

Our teachers are available for quick conferences and questions during pick up and drop off, and each week our head teacher Therese sends out weekly letters summarizing that week’s activities.

In addition, at the monthly cooperative meeting, the Parent-Teacher liaison family provides updates on what’s happening in the classroom and Parent-Teacher conferences are held twice a year.

We hold tours and an open house for OFNS in the Fall and Winter.

You can access the latest dates here and reach out to our Admissions team if you’d like to schedule a visit.

Click here to learn more about our admissions process and apply.