Junior Kindergarten is a bridge between preschool and kindergarten. It’s designed for children who turn 5 by August 1 of the year they will attend, and for families who feel their child would benefit from an extra year to grow before starting traditional kindergarten.

The program builds on our play-based preschool with more intentional practice in early literacy, math, independence and school-readiness skills. It keeps the hands-on, child-centered approach that makes Castlewood unique. With small class sizes, individualized and small-group instruction, and our parent cooperative model, we meet every child where they are, so they start kindergarten confident and ready.

Yes! Just like our preschool, the kindergarten follows our parent cooperative model. Families are actively involved in the classroom and school community, helping to shape their child’s learning experience while building lasting connections.

In our classroom, play is how children learn, because young children learn best through hands-on, meaningful experiences.

• Math: dice games, manipulatives, hopscotch, counting steps on a nature walk, number songs, the “question of the day,” and talking about numbers while building with blocks.

• Science: asking questions, experimenting and observing cause and effect, with sensory centers, magnets, magnifying glasses, melting ice and “dancing raisins.”

• Literacy: rhyming and letter-sound songs at circle time, journaling, interactive read-alouds, and forming letters in sand and other sensory materials.

As a parent cooperative, we partner closely with families. With parent helpers in the classroom each day, you get to support our teachers, connect with your child and have a front-row seat to their learning.

Our curriculum is developmentally appropriate and tailored to each child’s pace and interests. Teachers plan engaging, exploratory activities that build skills in language and literacy, early math, science, art, motor development, and social-emotional learning — all through play.

At Castlewood Community Preschool & Kindergarten, we proudly implement The Creative Curriculum®, a comprehensive, research-based approach to early childhood education. This project-based curriculum nurtures the whole child by encouraging exploration, discovery, and play through hands-on, meaningful experiences.

Designed to build confidence, creativity, and critical thinking, The Creative Curriculum supports growth across all areas of development—including social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and language skills. It emphasizes individualized learning by honoring each child's unique strengths, interests, and learning style.

In addition, the curriculum provides intentional guidance for educators and fosters strong partnerships with families, ensuring a seamless and supportive learning environment for every child.

Our Kindergarten classroom is designed for 5 & 6 year olds. Your child must be 5 years old by October 1st of the academic year.

Tuition is competitive with other private kindergarten programs in the area and reflects the value of small class sizes, certified teachers, and our unique co-op model. For current rates, please see our Application.

Our Jr. Kindergarten schedule can be found on our admissions page.

Castlewood Community Preschool & Kindergarten does not directly provide care before or after school. However, we work with several wonderful programs that offer classes immediately after school that would allow your child to extend their day by 1-hour. If enrolled, the program coordinator picks up your child from their classroom and brings them to the program where they are picked up by their adults.

Past programs have included Glam Dance Academy, Overtime Athletics, and Soccer Buddies. Please contact us for current partnerships. 

Families begin by scheduling a tour, then completing an application and enrollment packet. Because we are a parent co-op, there is also a brief orientation on classroom participation and community involvement. Early applications are encouraged due to limited space.

Yes! Our kindergarten graduates are well-prepared for first grade, both academically and socially. They leave with strong early literacy and math skills, emotional confidence, and a love for learning that sets them up for long-term success.

Our program is located on the Castlewood Community Preschool campus in Franktown, Colorado, with easy access for families in Parker, Elizabeth, Castle Rock, and nearby communities.