The Early Years — Idealism, Community Spirit and Hard Work

The Mayfair Cooperative began in July 1955 when a group of eight mothers, concerned over the lack of playmates for their children, met to discuss a nursery. Hours of work, phone calls and meetings became routine. Orientation meetings were held and understanding of and enthusiasm for the co-op movement grew. The biggest problem was finding a location for the school. They drove up and down roads looking for a place, talking to countless people. Finally, the Forest Hills Missionary Church on Twelve Mile Road was rented.

Our second year began in new quarters in the Trinity Church Farmington. A Constitution was written and new equipment was purchased and built.

Our third year saw the beginning of TWO sessions of twenty children each – forty families now! A big step for Mayfair! We added an outdoor playhouse, tumbling mat, sand box and many other items to our equipment. Soon we were bursting at the seams. We looked for new quarters and were thrilled to secure the 100-year-old German School, formerly a “country school.” Alone at last! We purchased our own little tables and chairs, new easels, sturdy trucks, more blocks and an excellent group of books and records.

Ongoing Expansion to Meet Demand

In order to accommodate the needs of a growing community, we opened a third session in the spring of 1959 and became one of the largest preschools in the greater Detroit area. In 1962, we opened a fourth session. In 1967, we moved to our present location at Orchard United Methodist Church. In 1968, we added an assistant teacher to our faculty. By the fall of 2005 our faculty consisted of two lead teachers and three assistant teachers.

Over the years, Mayfair has expanded its programs to include Mom & Tot and Pre-Kindergarten. Children 21 months to three-years-old and a parent attend the Mom & Tot session one afternoon a week for their first preschool experience. This program has been so successful that in 1994, a second session was added. Older four and early five-year olds attend an enrichment program that is an extension of our preschool curriculum aimed at strengthening skills. With the addition of these sessions, a child may spend all of his/her preschool years at Mayfair!

We continue to grow from the founding group of eight mothers to an enthusiastic, competent organization of over 40 families striving to achieve even greater success.

A Farmington-Area Tradition for 50 Years