Explorer Preschool (formally Cambrian Parents Preschool) has a long and rich history within the San Jose community.
On April 26, 1960, Explorer first opened its doors, welcoming its first group of families into two bare rooms and a large weeded outdoor area. With big ideas but an initial budget of $0, our school started from humble beginnings to become the magical place we know it as today. Kathi (Murry) Levin provided Explorer with her leadership as Director/Teacher and remained on staff until 1977. Bev Tucker joined the staff in 1969 and worked with Kathi until 1977. Explorer’s program continued to grow with the addition of a class for two year olds created by Explorer’s well known and much beloved teacher, Konne Ainsworth. Next, proving that necessity is the mother of all inventions, Konne and Bobbie (Ingram) Burri put their heads together to create the afternoon Pre-K program for students who had completed the Mon/Wed/Fri class but were not yet old enough for Kindergarten (of which Konne’s son was one!). The beloved outdoor program at Vasona Park began both to save money on rent and to provide the children with a unique nature experience. The first class had just 12 children in it and despite the fact that it has now grown to 24, the same spirit of discovery and excitement still fills each group.
In 1977, Konne took charge as Explorer’s Director and guided the school forward until her retirement in 2020. During her long and illustrious tenure, our current class offerings were further developed and she shaped and guided Explorer Preschool into the wonderful and rich program it is today. Explorer continues to welcome new children as well as children of Explorer alumni. Explorer’s experienced teaching staff are all former Explorer parents themselves and continue to uphold the beloved traditions our program began since its inception 60+ years ago.
Our current location, on Booksin Ave, is Explorer’s fourth home. In 1980, our school (then known as Cambrian Parents Preschool) moved from the Cambrian area of San Jose to a new location on Branham Lane. At that time, the Board of Directors began a search for a new name and logo in order to truly capture the special community that it had grown. The name chosen, Explorer, represents the ideals and philosophy of our school. In 1986, Explorer moved to a new location on Union Avenue. Finally, in 2003, we moved again, this time to our current location on Booksin Avenue, where we commenced building a new outdoor classroom that was dedicated in April 2004.
Although our school has moved locations, developed different play yards and changed its name, Explorer has always had the community support and excellent programs which continue to thrive today.
Our school is part of a regional network of 14 co-op nursery schools known as the Santa Clara Valley Council of Parent Participation Preschools (SCVC). SCVC is part of a larger community of sister schools called the California Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools (CCPPNS). The goal of CCPPNS is to be a community of parents and educators committed to teaching and inspiring families through parent involvement and mutual support.