Play Is Powerful Learning.
Play-based. Nature-rich. Community-centered.
🌱 Learning Through Play. Cedar Lane's play-based, screen-free approach inspires curiosity, creativity, and confidence. Through meaningful, hands-on experiences and real-world exploration, we nurture the social skills, emotional maturity, and flexible thinking that set children up for life — and build the academic foundation they need to enter kindergarten ready, confident, and excited to learn.
🌳 A Natural Setting for Natural Curiosity. Nestled in a wooded environment, Cedar Lane gives children the rare gift of real outdoor space to explore. Our open-ended playground encourages imaginative, child-led play among the trees — because some of the best learning happens outside.
🤝 A True School Community. As a cooperative preschool, families are an integral part of the learning experience. Parents and teachers work closely together, creating a warm, consistent environment where children feel known, supported, and excited to come to school every day.
⭐ Teachers Who Know Your Child. Our three teachers average over 15 years at Cedar Lane alone. That depth of experience and continuity means children are guided by educators who are not only exceptionally skilled, but who truly know and love the community they've helped build.
Now Enrolling for the 2026-27 Academic Year!
Interest in Cedar Lane is strong and spots are filling fast. We currently have openings in our 2s, 2/3s, and 3s classes — and families interested in our 4/5s class are welcome to join the waitlist.
We'd love for you to explore our website and learn more about our unique cooperative preschool experience. If you have questions, would like to schedule a tour, or are ready to enroll, reach out to us at admissions@clns.org. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to Find Us
Cedar Lane Cooperative Nursery School is housed in the Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church, on the Bethesda/Kensington border in suburban Maryland. The building is located in a lovely wooded setting adjoining Rock Creek Park, at the intersection of Beach Drive and Cedar Lane. (We are not affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist Church).
Cedar Lane Nursery School
9601 Cedar Lane
Bethesda, Maryland 20814-9601
301-564-1680
The nearest Metro Station is Medical Center on the Red Line, which is approximately 1 mile from the school. From the Medical Center Metro Station, you may catch a bus (the Ride-On bus 34), which stops across from the school at Beach Drive and Cedar Lane.
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Testimonials
We have been part of the CLNS family for three years now. I can confidently say that this school is a rare gem not only for its curriculum, fantastic teachers, but also for the strong community that parents, children, and teachers are all part of. I am somewhat of an expert on pre-schools in the area, as my oldest daughter was enrolled in three different schools before we became part of CLNS. None of those schools were co-ops and so I did not know what I was missing out on! My bond with my children is so much stronger because I have been part of their pre-school experience through CLNS
— Szabina Taylor
CLNS has been an incredible community for my family. We moved to the area 4 years ago, not knowing anyone, and CLNS immediately became a great outlet for meeting other families in the area. All 3 of my sons have thrived at CLNS. As a parent, I have loved the opportunity to watch them interact with their classmates and to really get to know their teachers through co-oping. It's such a gift. We feel so lucky to have found CLNS!
— Casey Crimmins
My son absolutely LOVES Cedar Lane Nursery. He is constantly talking about school and all his friends. The teachers are fantastic and I really feel that he is given one-on-one care and attention. Being a first time mom, I was nervous transitioning my two year old into school, but he adapted quickly and I can already see how much he's learning and growing; not to mention he's socializing so well with the other kids in his class. We are so exited to graduate to the 2/3's class next year!
— Arlet Koseian
The Cedar Lane Nursery School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship program, and other school-administered programs.
CLNS is certified by MSDE, NAEYC and Maryland Excels
You are cordially invited to the CLNS Valentine’s Day Dance!
Dress in your festive pinks and reds and join us for a sweet night of dancing, dinner, silent auction and more. All proceeds will go towards the CLNS Scholarship Fund.
When: Thursday February 5th, 2026
Time: 5:00pm to 7:30pm
Where: Cedar Lane UU Church, Fellowship Hall
Cost: $35 per couple ticket (parent-child), $10 individual tickets for each additional age 2 and over. Kids under 2 are free!