KINDERGARTEN

Welcome to the Woodland Park Cooperative School Kindergarten Class

Here at Woodland Park, we believe childhood should be 
joyful, messy, adventurous, and full of wonder.

For more than a decade our community has cultivated a unique transitional kindergarten program for ages 4.5-6 years, blending the freedom of child-led exploration with gentle guidance from experienced educators. It builds on the foundational values of Woodland Park Cooperative Preschool and embraces the beauty of the cooperative learning model where families build community together and play an active part in each child’s early childhood education.

Much of the kindergarten day is spent outdoors, in all seasons, with teachers and caregivers acting as co-learners and guides. Our play-based environment fosters independence as children are empowered to ask and answer their own questions, all scaffolded within a loving, connected community that supports each child’s unique learning path.

This developmentally appropriate and play based environment enables children to:

  • Engage in open-ended, sensory-rich play—indoors and outdoors 
  • Take healthy risks and navigate their own boundaries 
  • Build social-emotional skills through supported peer interactions 
  • Explore early academic concepts through interest-driven inquiry 

Graduates of WPC Kindergarten leave ready to…

  • Think critically 
  • Collaborate compassionately 
  • Explore boldly 
  • Be themselves fully

Why Play-Based Kindergarten Matters:
Play is the Work of Childhood—And We Take It Seriously! Research shows that play-based environments help children develop better cognitive flexibility, social skills, and self-regulation — providing a gentle, supportive transition to formal schooling. WPC Kindergarten is more than a classroom—it’s a place where children grow into themselves with joy, resilience, and a deep sense of belonging.

A word from Kindergarten Teacher Quinn Topham

“What does it mean to honor autonomy and individual differences—of children, of working parents, of teachers—while deliberately nurturing camaraderie and interconnectedness? 

This is the question that connects our classroom to the legacy of community responsiveness and the foundational ideals of Woodland Park that I have come to value since joining the teaching team in 2024.

Bringing my experiences as a Special Education teacher and therapeutic foster parent to this role, our kindergarten classroom is centered around the delights and challenges of being together at this age. The cooperative and close-knit environment enables the teacher and caregivers to give attention to academic content and developing specific skills in response to the priorities of each year’s class. Graduates leave ready to engage critically and lovingly as members of their next learning community as they deepen their curiosity in themselves, in each other, and in their growing worlds.”

Is Woodland Park Co-op Right for Your Family? 
  • Do you love the idea of your child getting one more year to learn through play before transitioning to elementary school?  
  • Are you looking for a kindergarten experience focused on social-emotional growth?  
  • Do you value hands-on learning, outdoor play, and community involvement?  

If so, Woodland Park Co-op might be the perfect fit!

Next steps:

General Information

We have early release on Wednesdays at 1pm and keep our classes small, aiming for 10-12 students.

5 Days Per Week

Monday-Friday 9am-2pm

Annual Tuition: $8120 (can be paid over the 10 months of school, scholarships available)

3 Days Per Week

Monday/Wednesday/Friday 9am-2pm

Annual Tuition: $4872 (can be paid over the 10 months of school, scholarships available)

 Co-op Caregiver Responsibilities

  • Working in the classroom one day a week
  • Holding a co-op job
  • Attending one evening meeting a month for school business and parent education
  • Enrolling into parent ed class
  • Participating in one annual school cleaning day
  • Participating in fundraising activities
  • Paying fees and tuition

Teacher Quinn Topham
Building on Woodland Park’s founding vision, Teacher Quinn brings expertise as a Special Education teacher and therapeutic foster parent, designing a flexible, developmentally appropriate program that honors every child’s unique growth path.

Our Legacy
Originally lead and nurtured by Teacher Rachel Troutman to meet a growing community need for a play-based kindergarten, Woodland Park continues its tradition of responsiveness and child-centered innovation.

Kindergarten Caregiver Testimonials

“At Woodland Park Kindergarten, my child had an extra year to grow, explore, and develop socially before starting elementary school. The strong community and play-based learning made all the difference!”

“We chose Woodland Park for Kindergarten because we wanted our child to have more time to develop confidence and social skills in a nurturing, play-based environment. It was exactly what they needed!”

“Kindergarten doesn’t have to be the new 1st grade! The extra year of play and social-emotional learning was invaluable for our child. Now in 1st grade, they are thriving!”