School History

In 1986, Joy McCormack, a New York City educator from the Upper East Side, founded the Nursery in the newly created Battery Park City.  Starting with four classrooms, dedicated teachers, and a great deal of hope, Joy dreamed of providing a quality nursery program to the financial district.  Later, she added one more classroom and increased the number of teachers to match the growing enrollment.

Ten years later Joy decided to retire.  Karen Klomp and Denise Cordivano, preschool directors from Pennsylvania, entered the picture.  They agreed to keep the teachers and maintain the individual attention that the program was known for.  The Nursery continued to grow and after recovering from 9/11/01, expanded by adding two more classrooms for a total of seven.  In 2006, Karen retired and Denise became the sole owner.

The focus on each family is still a priority.  Most teachers have been with us longer than five years and provide a continuity which parents appreciate.  A neighborhood advocate for children and early care education, the Nursery has been recognized by Governor Patiki’s office, NY State Office of Children and Family Services, Community Board 1 and continues to support local public schools and youth sports leagues.