History of the School

In nursery school, we tell a lot of stories. The evolution of The Sherman Oaks Nursery School is a lot like the story of "The Little Engine That Could." We have included this timeline to share with you just some of the milestones that stand out during TSONS's nearly 40-year history. It all started with a dream and the goal of creating an environment where children could happily learn, explore and grow. We also wanted to foster a community where parents could meet, come together and share the wonderful, exciting and challenging experience of parenthood. As we continue under the leadership of Director Kathy Hilton, TSONS has truly been a labor of love and a wonderful gift for the countless families who have enjoyed the fruits of their predecessor's labors.

  • Wendy Cummings

    1963

    Founding Director, Wendy Cummings is hired at the original site.

    01/01/1963

  • June 1988

    TSONS leaves the original campus.

    06/02/1988
  • Vintage photo of The Aftergood Estate.

    Aftergood home, entrance on Van Nuys Blvd.

    July 1988

    The Aftergood property is found for TSONS campus.

    07/30/1988
  • Classrooms being installed.

    Almost ready to Open.

    Temporary Signage

    Aug-Sept 1988

    TSONS is built and has temporary trailers, play yards, and a septic tank.

    08/02/1988
  • Opening Day

    Big Yard's Original Play Structure (notice there are no bike paths)

    Original classrooms with ramp for handicap access. White building at left is Original Family Room.

    Oct 1988

    TSONS OPENS

    (morning program only)

    10/02/1988

  • 1990

    Kathy Hilton is named Co-Director with founding Director, Wendy Cummings.

    01/01/1990

  • 1990

    TSONS adds the Parent & Me Program.

    02/01/1990

  • 1992

    A new Play Structure in Small Yard is added.

    09/12/1992

  • June 1993

    Kathy Hilton is joined by Joan Connelly as Co-Director upon Wendy Cummings retirement

    06/01/1993

  • 1993

    TSONS expands to a Morning or Afternoon Program.

    07/01/1993

  • 1993

    The Enrichment Program is added.

    08/02/1993

  • 1993

    The Transition Program is added.

    09/12/1993
  • New Classrooms being hoisted into position

    New Classrooms on ground level

    1994

    New Classrooms are added & campus is hooked into sewer system

    01/01/1994

  • Monkey Bars!!!

    1994

    A New Play Structure in Big Yard is added.

    02/12/1994

  • Rebecca and Charlotte at garden's butterfly gate entrance.

    2000

    Original Garden is established.

    01/01/2000
  • Pool Remodel underway with New Office in background.

    The Office being brought into place. Kathy, Rosemary & Joan toast with sparkling cider.

    2001-2002

    The Office Complex is added and the Pool Remodel is completed.

    01/02/2002

  • 2002

    The Swim School is added to the program.

    02/05/2002

  • 2004

    TSONS adds their own Summer Daze Program.

    01/01/2004
  • TSONS First DK Class.

    2010-2011 School Year

    Programs are expanded to include Developmental Kindergarten.

    09/02/2010

  • Demolition of old yards

    June 2011

    The old Family Room and play yards are torn down.

    06/02/2011
  • New Family Room lifted into the campus.

    New Playyards being installed.

    Playyards open before shade awnings arrive.

    We love the new climbing structure.

    Summer 2011

    New Larger Family Room and New Playyards are added.

    07/04/2011
  • We're growing tomatoes!!

    2011-2012 School Year

    The Farm Program is added to the curriculum.

    09/08/2011