As a cooperative school, UPNS is run by its members. All member families contribute to the smooth operation of the school. UPNS employs a qualified and caring staff of early child care educators, offering morning, afternoon, and full day programs. The school stresses balance in the formulation of its programs, between individual and group experiences, between free play and structured activity, and between small and large muscle development.
Freedom is stressed, but always within the limits imposed by concern for the group.
Activities include sand and water play, clay and playdough, cooking, nutrition education, music and rhythms, stories, and a wide variety of outdoor play. Co-oping is mandatory for all UPNS members. Members can co-op on any day that their child normally attends school. Workshops are held one Saturday per quarter from 9 a.m. 12 noon. Parents perform small repairs, paint, clean, organize, etc.