
Founded by a group of can-do mothers during World War II, Hinsdale Community Preschool prepares to kick off a year-long celebration of its 75th anniversary. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER
The History of Hinsdale Community Preschool The idea for a community nursery school was conceived in the spring of 1942. A meeting was called by Mrs. Eugene Kettering and attended by interested parents. Ms. McNamara, Superintendent of Elementary Public School Instruction, addressed the group on the need for a nursery school in the Hinsdale area to better prepare the children for kindergarten. Mrs. Rutherford and Mrs. Burgess then assumed responsibility for organizing the school.
In September of 1942, twenty children, ages 3 and 4, met in the dining room of the old Community House under the supervision of one teacher and two helpers.
The enrollment fee in September of 1942-1943 was $1.00 with tuition being set at $10.00 a month or $8.00 a month if a mother would give two mornings a week as a "mother's helper."
The school was incorporated as Hinsdale Community Nursery School, Inc. in 1948. It was then moved to the Unitarian Church basement. Enrollment had doubled and the group was split into two units forming the "Junior School" for 3 year old students and the "Senior School" for 4 year old students. The Junior School remained at the Unitarian Church while the Senior School occupied new quarters in the Memorial Building.
In September of 1956-57 the Hinsdale Community Nursery school moved into the Community House where it is currently housed.
79 years later, we continue to stay true to our roots and our educational mission that our founders began in the early 1940's. We are proud to have touched so many lives and to have provided excellent early education to so many young children over the past 79 years! We look forward to many more children walking through our preschool doors.
Upcoming Events
October
Wednesday Oct. 1, School Picture DayMonday Oct. 13th No School Columbus Day
Thursday Oct. 16th Fall Wine Cheese Board Social
Parent Education Presentation
November
Friday, Nov. 7th Final Installment Preschool Tuition DueFinal Installment Preschool Enrichment Tuition Due
Monday, Nov. 3rd NO SCHOOL – Teacher Institute Day
Monday-Friday Nov. 24-27th NO SCHOOL – Thanksgiving Break
December
Monday, Dec. 1-Dec. 12th Priority Registration for 2026-2027Friday, Dec. 12th, noon Deadline for Priority Registration, 2026-2027
Friday, Dec. 19th Last day of school before winter break
Monday, Dec. 22-Friday, January 2nd 2026 NO SCHOOL – Winter Break
January
Monday January 5th All Classes- Back to SchoolOpen Registration 2026-2027 begins
Friday Jan 9th and Saturday Jan 10th Classroom Work Party
Buildings and grounds
Monday January 19th NO SCHOOL-Martin Luther King Jr. Day

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