In September, 1962, a cooperative preschool was formed in the Junior House and Chapel of Mount Vernon Unitarian Church. It was called Fort Hunt Cooperative Preschool.
On Sunday, March 10, current members of the preschool invited current and former students to celebrate their 40th anniversary at the Carriage House with a reception and silent auction. More than 100 people attended, including some who had attended the preschool in the 60’s.
Curtis Renner was there — he attended the first class at Fort Hunt. While he doesn’t remember much about the school, other than playing on the church grounds, his parents do. John and Betsy Renner were at the reception and they remember helping to get the original rooms ready. They said that there was a wooden boat back then, although it wasn’t the same one that they currently have on the playground.
Betsy also remembers helping in the school once a week; unlike now very few fathers came in during the day.
“It’s amazing that it’s been kept together by parents and teachers,” said Betsy Renner.
The Renners have come full circle. Curtis’ son, Nate, attended the preschool, and his wife, Nancy, is one of the teachers there.
Another alumni, Sue Howe, was at the reception. Her children attended the preschool from 1969 to 1973.
Another alumni, Lee Litchford’s son, Karl, attends Fort Hunt now. Lee was in the kindergarten class of ‘67-’68; she was one of the students pictured in the Washington Post’s October 19, 1962, article about the preschool. The picture showed a group of students from the preschool attending the circus. The article talked about the preschool, writing that it was an ideal of what a coop should be.
Most of the parents at the reception have children who currently attend the preschool. Alexa White’s son, Rick, is in his second year and she said. “It’s a great school — people are really nice.”
Rose and John Covert have been involved with the preschool for the past 11 years. All of their five children attended the school, with their youngest, Cecilia, in her last year. John Covert was an active participant, as our many fathers. Rose said that many fathers help now, especially since both parents in many families work now so parents split the responsibilities.
Covert said, “It’s been such a great place for me and my family. I liked being a part of what they were doing.”
Jim and Marie Greening’s son, Evan, attended for two years. Jim Greening said, “It was just a good experience – like a big family.” The Greening’s were in charge of maintenance while their son attended school and Covert said, “They really did above and beyond.”
Eva Tangco, whose 3-year-old son, Eric, attends the school, was the chairperson and Rose Covert helped with publicity and other items.
Pete Medina, from Catering by Windows, has a son, Justin, is in the 3-year-old class. Medina catered the reception, which had a very nice assortment of hors d’oeuvres, sandwiches and desserts. A silent auction featured artwork, gift certificates and children’s toys donated by parents and local merchants.
HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL
Originally the preschool was held in the Junior House and Chapel. Classes were held informally even before 1962, with a group of parents organizing classes for 3-year-olds only prior to 1962. The school was called Fort Hunt Nursery School and operated under the domain of Mount Vernon Unitarian Church. At the end of each year the group dissolved and new parents started the class up the following year.
In February, 1962, a group of parents whose 3-year-olds were attending Fort Hunt Nursery School enrolled their children in Tauxemont Cooperative Preschool. When they learned that the class for 4-year-olds was full, they decided to ask permission of the Board of Trustees of Mount Vernon Unitarian Church to establish a school. The school would include 3-year-old, 4-year-old and kindergarten classes. When it opened on September, 1962, there were 13 3-year-olds and 15 4-year olds. A kindergarten class began September, 1963, with 18 students enrolled.
The preschool moved to their present location, the Carriage House, in the spring of 1983. The church completed building changes required by county code and parents of preschools painted, laid tiles and installed carpeting. The preschool opened in its new facilities the following fall with 30 students enrolled.
Fort Hunt Cooperative Preschool continues to thrive. Classes run from September through May with classes beginning at 9:15 a.m .and ending at noon. They currently have classes for 2-year-olds, young 3’s, older 3’s and 4-year-olds. Enrollment begins in February each year with an open house is held for parents not familiar with the school.
<bci>For more information about Fort Hunt Cooperative Preschool call 703-768-7584.