While both public schools and Castlewood Community Kindergarten follow the Colorado Academic Standards for Kindergarten, our shortened school day, small class sizes, play-based learning, and parent cooperative model set us apart. Through individualized and small-group instruction, along with a curriculum rooted in differentiated learning, we’re able to meet every child exactly where they are and help them thrive.

Our play-based classroom is a learning environment where play is the primary method of teaching and learning. It’s built on the understanding that young children learn best through hands-on, meaningful experiences, and that play is not just fun—it’s essential for development! For example, children explore counting through hands-on activities such as dice games, manipulatives, outdoor games like hopscotch, counting steps on a nature hike, singing number songs and rhymes, responding to the “question of the day,” and building with blocks while discussing numbers.

Science concepts come to life through hands-on exploration of their environment—asking questions, experimenting with materials, and observing cause and effect. Children engage their senses by exploring touch and smell in sensory centers, using magnets and magnifying glasses, constructing and testing with various materials, and observing natural changes like melting ice or “dancing raisins” to deepen their understanding of scientific ideas.

Literacy skills are developed through engaging experiences such as circle time songs that emphasize rhyming and letter sounds, journaling, interactive read-alouds, and forming letters in sand or other sensory materials.

The parent cooperative approach allows us to truly partner with families to support each child’s social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth. With parent helpers in the classroom each day, you and your loved ones have the opportunity to actively support our teachers, connect more deeply with your child, and enjoy a front-row seat to your child’s learning journey.

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.

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 kindergarten program is Monday through Friday, with  proposed hours of 8:45am-2:15pm.

Children benefit from a consistent routine while still having time for family, rest, or afternoon activities.

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.