Mission Statement
We strive to create a learning environment that is safe, stimulating, and encouraging.
Our Staff
Our staff meets and surpasses state requirements. Two of our teachers are licensed in early childhood education and one of our teachers holds a masters degree and maintains all of the requirements of a paraeducator.
Board Members
The Nisse Board of Directors is comprised of 10 active members, a combination of current parents and community members. Board members typically serve two-year terms.
Community
Nisse Preschool is proud to be an active member of our community. We strive to model community involvement to our students as a part of their social-emotional development and growth as life-long learners.
History
Nisse Preschool has a decades-long, rich history serving the families of Decorah. The school’s opening date was January 24, 1968, and for that first session, Nisse Nursery was located at Decorah Lutheran Church. From the fall of 1968 to February 2003, Nisse Nursery was located at 409 North Alley, in the old Knight’s of Columbus building adjacent to the Decorah Post Office. On January 24, 1998 a 30th anniversary celebration dance was held at Nob Hill Supper Club. In February 2003, Nisse Preschool relocated to its current location at 311 College Drive. In April 2003, the name was officially changed to Nisse Preschool and Kid’s Place.
Our current location at 311 College Drive, where we have met since 2003, affords us a spacious classroom as well as our own private outdoor play space. We are fortunate to have a location that is within walking distance of downtown, the West Side school playground, and Luther College. We can take walking field trips to West Side to explore in a different outdoor setting, walk to Luther College for a field trip to the art or music department, or head downtown for field trips to the Vesterheim Museum, ArtHaus, or other places in the community.
In 2010, Nisse Preschool became a collaborative partner with Decorah Community Schools and other area preschools for the State Wide Voluntary Preschool Program. This program is state-funded.
Nisse continues to offer a 3 year old preschool program in addition to the 4 year old program. The 3 year old program meets 2x/week for 3 hours each session; the 4 year old program meets 3x/ week for 5 hours each session.