Our School

Philosophy

Play is the work of young children. Preschoolers construct their understanding of the world around them through active involvement with materials, peers, and adults. Through play, they discover, create, interact, imagine, and wonder. Using developmentally appropriate practice, we provide tools and experiences that build broad foundations for learning. Individual strengths, interests, and learning styles are addressed.  Our safe, nurturing environment allows children to grow and develop intellectually, emotionally, socially, physically, and creatively.

As a cooperative preschool, we believe that the most effective education results from a partnership between parents and teachers.  Parents are the primary educators of their children and are the experts on their children’s development. Parents and teachers work together in partnership to address the needs and holistic growth of each child so that learning is supported in the home and at school.

Available Classes

Preschool Classes

Our preschool classes are designed as a two year program. Children stay with the same class and the same teaching team for both years.

First Year Preschool Class:

Children in our first year class are 3 by December 1.  We have 14 -16 children with two teachers in our first year class which meets 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays with an optional Book Club day on Fridays.

Second Year Preschool Class:

Children in our second year class are 4 by December 1.  In our second year class, there are 14-18 children with two teachers, who meet 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays with an optional Book Club day on Wednesdays.

Preschool Book Club

Book Club days (Wednesday for second year class children and Friday for first year class children) are also 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. We can accommodate 10 children in each Book Club Class and it is only open to the children in the current preschool classes. Book Club teachers plan each week’s activities, based around a specific piece of children’s literature.

First Mates Class

Our Monday/Wednesday First Mates is a class for 2-3 year olds who will be eligible for our first year class the following fall. Children must be 2 by September 1. We have 8 children with two teachers in our First Mates class which meets 8:45 – 11:45. 

For 2024-25 we have added a small Tuesday/Thursday First Mates class for toddlers 18 mos. and up.  This class is just 6 children with two teachers and meets 8:45 – 11:45.  

There is an option for toddlers to add on Fridays in a mixed Toddler/Preschool class.

Lunch Bunch

Lunch Bunch is available following our regular preschool day on Monday – Thursday 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Children bring their own lunches. For Second Year class children, we offer additional planned science or art curriculum along with the lunch program on Tuesdays and Thursdays.