Did you know there are over 150 preschools on the Eastside? Knowing which ones are worth looking into can be overwhelming, so I have compiled a short list of schools you MUST HAVE on your list to tour.
These are schools that I have visited myself and give my "stamp of approval" because there is nothing more helpful than the recommendation of another parent.
Below you will find info about a handful of schools, their locations, upcoming open house dates, what I think makes them stand out, and how to contact admissions or the preschool director.
I have been the stressed out parent wondering where to start, so I hope this list lightens your load!
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 | FIELD AND FOREST OUTDOOR PRESCHOOL |
BRIDLE TRAILS SCHOOL | ST. JOHN'S PRESCHOOL |
VAULTING FROGS PRESCHOOL |
International Friends School
556 124th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98005
Information Sessions for Preschool and Pre-K: June 5 from 6:30pm - 7:45pm | July 3 from 6:30pm - 7:45pm | August 14 from 6:30pm - 7:45pm (or by appointment)
As the first Friends school in the Pacific Northwest, International Friends School joins the ranks of the oldest and best independent schools in America. Come meet Head of School, Sue Brooks to discuss:
- Quaker Education - Building an ethical and moral compass in every child
- Dual-Language learning - Mandarin & English in a bilingual environment and how it expands the brain
- The Balanced Year Calendar - Consistent and connected learning
- Our highly creative and foundational Early Childhood Program
What makes this school unique: Sue Brooks is an amazing teacher and Head of School. Not afraid to be a little edgy and get a little messy, the children get to create art that celebrates different cultures, make food they must at least try, and learn Mandarin and a bit of Spanish while engaging in the world around them -- the children have raised money for endangered Bengal tigers! There's so much that makes this school special, especially their cultivation of children as participating world citizens. Still in their first year, they've done so much in the classroom!
Admissions are open! Families are encouraged to apply for financial assistance. We are here to answer any and all questions that you might have. Please reach out to us at: admissions@ifschool.org.
Nature Vision Preschool
Farrel-McWhirter Farm Park: 19545 Redmond Road, Redmond, WA 98053
Open Houses: Jan 12th from 10am-1pm | Jan 26th from 10am-1pm
The mission of Nature Vision Preschool is to provide a nature and play-based experiential learning environment to help foster a sustainable culture in our community. Located in the unique setting of a working farm and forested park, our preschool program supports the learning and development of our students mentally, emotionally, physically, and socially.
What makes this school unique: This school is located in Farrell-McWhirter Farm Park with equally split time spent indoors and outdoors. Children are encouraged to be active participants in real-world contexts through exploration and observation, and the environment and curriculum foster it completely. I love that there are farm animals close by and when the season is right, the kids learn how to grow vegetables.
Enrollment for 2019-2020 opens January 22, 2019 at 10am. If you have questions about our school or to arrange a possible tour, please contact Becky Pittman, Preschool Director at bpittman@naturevision.org.
The Little School
2812 116th Ave NE, Bellevue WA 98004
Open Houses: January 12th from 10am-12pm | March 30th from 10am-12pm
Our classrooms extend to the outdoors and beyond; keeping alive each child’s enthusiasm and natural curiosity for learning. We provide an education that inspires children to develop a strong sense of self and courage to become innovative leaders. Children learn to advocate for themselves and others; developing their confidence and interpersonal skills.
What makes this school unique: I love their emphasis on "empowered and engaged learners" and that there's a sign about inclusion by each doorway. It is a 12 acre campus where children preschool to 5th grade can explore the outdoors, as well as have a progressive education indoors.
Preschool/Pre-kindergarten Admission Application Deadline is February 10, 2019. Email reganw@thelittleschool.org with any questions.
Pine Lake Co-op Preschool
2133 SE 20th Street, Sammamish WA 98075
Pine Lake Co-op is a play-based preschool, in the heart of Sammamish. The curriculum emphasizes developmental appropriate skills, such as imaginative play, how to thrive socially and exploring the world around them. Parent involvement allows for an easy transition into the little-one’s school life and gives an insight as to what goes on in the classroom.
To schedule a tour, email the registrar.
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Rose Hill Montessori Preschool
13815 NE 70th Place, Redmond, WA 98052
Open Houses: January 13th from 10am-2pm | February 24th from 10am-2pm
We offer families living or working in Redmond, Kirkland, Bellevue or Sammamish a half-day program for children ages three through five years in a nurturing home environment. Our classroom is designed to allow children to respond to their natural drive to learn.
What makes this school unique: This preschool is a hidden gem. It is within a home environment, but when you're in the classroom, you'd never know it! Storm has created an amazing school where the kids become family while fostering the natural drive to learn.
Open enrollment for Fall 2019 begins February 1, 2019. For more information or schedule a tour, contact Storm Hofferbert, Director, at: 425.881.8710 or storm@rosehillmontessoripreschool.com.
Great Futures Preschool
209 100th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
Great Futures Preschool offers your children the experience of how to live in this world. Through play, they learn how to create, socialize, grow, and become more comfortable in whom they are. The excitement of learning is provided in enriching activities such as music, drama, science, art, math and literature.
What makes this school unique: My daughter went here for a year and loved all the teachers and friends she made! I loved all the artwork she brought home and getting to know parents at pick up. Her teacher was so helpful with the tail end of potty training and I could not be more thankful! There are 2-day, 3-day, and 5-day options, plus additional programming for extended care and really wonderful summer camps.
Questions? Contact Great Futures Preschool by calling 425.454.6162.
Bright Horizons®
1227 121st Place NE, Bellevue, WA 98005
9555 SE 36th Street, Mercer Island, WA 98040
24023 51st Ave SE, Woodinville, WA 98072
Preschool is a big year. We’ve designed our program to give you complete confidence in every aspect of your child’s experience; from health and safety; to ready-for-school curriculum; to the full support of experienced teachers. Just as important, our program is based on what research says best prepares children for kindergarten…and all the big steps ahead.
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Field and Forest Outdoor Preschool
24023 51st Ave SE, Woodinville, WA 98072
Field and Forest is situated on the Attic Learning Community's private, beautiful wooded site in rural Woodinville, Washington, allowing for open-ended play and exploration. The Field & Forest Outdoor Programs integrate beautifully with the Attic’s mission statement: Nurturing in children a sense of self, a passion for learning, community & childhood.
What makes this school unique: Rain or shine, the children get to experience and explore the great PNW life on this private, wooded property with their teachers. Kids enjoy play and learn about boundaries and nature in the woods and on the playground while settling down as a community in the big teepee!
Bridle Trails School
3048 140th AVE NE, Bellevue, WA 98005
Our goal at Bridle Trails is to provide a happy and healthy environment for every child. A place to develop a strong self-esteem, and a wonderful place to make big steps in a fun-filled educational and social experience away from home. Bridle Trails School is nestled on a four acre park-like campus in Bellevue.
What makes this school unique: If you haven't heard about this school, I'm not surprised. It is tucked away in Bridle Trails with half day and full day options -- perfect for Microsoft families. They have much loved animals on school grounds and even have a weekly etiquette class.
St. John's Preschool
105 State Street S, Kirkland, WA 98033
Our main goal is to make preschool a “fun” experience for the children. It is hoped that they will remember school as a fun and positive place to be. While having fun your child will learn many things, although we do not consider ourselves an “academic” preschool. We try not to take ourselves too seriously except when it comes to providing a safe secure environment for your little ones.
What makes this school unique: This school came highly recommended by many friends! It is half day, affordable, and so convenient for Kirkland families.
Vaulting Frogs Preschool
17802 134th Ave. NE, Suite 9, Woodinville, WA 98072
Our purpose is to educate and inspire children at the preschool level to continue to strengthen the mind and body for life. We aspire to provide children at this level with a rich and developmentally stimulating opportunity to soar as individuals, socially, intellectually, and physically in order to experience readiness for and success in the years to come.
What makes this school unique: Since my daughter is a busy body, I was drawn to the integration of gymnastics in the program. The indoor gym -- trampoline included -- makes for a really fun environment!
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Wondering how you can be included in our exclusive preschool short list? Send an email to KatrinaC@macaronikid.com.
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