History

Carol Nursery School was established in 1932 by Mrs. Arthur H. Steuer in memory of her
young daughter, Carol, who had passed away. "Carol Steuer Nursery School" was first located at the
Council Educational Alliance on E. 105th Street. Over the years it became known as Carol Nursery School.
Mrs. Steuer worked with a group of mothers who realized that young children need to get together to
socialize and develop a sense of togetherness under the guidance of trained adults.

Later the school owned a house at 1081 Lakeview Avenue that was built and maintained by a group of
progressive parents under the name of "The Junior Mother's Club, Inc.". One of its founders and constant
advisors for over 35 years was Miss Ida Schott, for whom our present library is named. Others in this
original mother's group who served faithfully on our board are Mrs. Florence Shapiro, Mrs. Helen Leuchtag
Lessum, Mrs. Sara Bunkin, and Mrs. Betty Piccus, the group treasurer for over 30 years.

The school prospered in the little house on Lakeview and was mainly supported by a group of young
professional mothers.As the neighborhood changed, the parents moved more and more to the suburbs.
Carol Nursery School relocated in November, 1954 to Temple Emanu El on Green Road in University Heights.
At the time of the move in 1954, Carol Nursery School announced:

"The aim of Carol Nursery School is twofold; to provide a place where the preschool child can spend happy,
healthful hours where he can develop his own personality in relation to other children and adults; and help the
parent to a better understanding of his child through conferences, P.T.A. meetings,
and observation of the child in relation to the group."

Carol was the first nursery school in University Heights and was under the direction of Mrs. Benjamin Klein,
who succeeded Lois Moses, one of the first directors of the school. In 1960, Mimi Ormond became director of
the school. Upon her retirement in 1983, Ruth Kalish became director. In September, 1985, Carol Nursery
School moved into Malvern Elementary School in Shaker Heights. We remained there until Malvern closed in
June, 1987. At that time, Carol moved to its present location in the Shaker Family Center at Sussex & Lomond.
Ruth Kalish retired in 1994, when Barb Palumbo became our director. Barb just retired in June of 2009 and our
current director is Sara Miller.