Castlewood Community Preschool serves children ages 3–5. Our preschool program is designed to support social-emotional growth, creativity, independence, and early academic foundations in a developmentally appropriate way.

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. Children must be independent in toileting to attend Castlewood Community Preschool. This helps children feel confident and comfortable throughout the school day and allows teachers to focus on learning and connection.

Yes. Our preschool classrooms are mixed-age, serving children ages 3–5. Mixed-age learning encourages collaboration, leadership, empathy, and confidence, while allowing teachers to differentiate instruction based on each child’s developmental stage.

Play-based learning at Castlewood is intentional, purposeful, and thoughtfully guided. Children learn through hands-on experiences that promote curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Preschoolers explore early literacy, math, science, art, and social-emotional skills through play, exploration, and meaningful classroom experiences—rather than worksheets or rote instruction.

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 preschool program focuses on whole-child readiness, not just academic skills. Children develop:

• Confidence and independence

• Social-emotional regulation

• Early literacy and math foundations

• Problem-solving and communication skills

This approach ensures children are prepared for kindergarten—academically, socially, and emotionally.

Castlewood Community Preschool uses The Creative Curriculum®, a research-based, project-driven curriculum that supports the whole child. Learning is individualized, play-based, and responsive to children’s interests, encouraging deep exploration and critical thinking.

Yes. Castlewood Community Preschool participates in Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK). Eligible families may use UPK funding toward preschool tuition. Additional details about eligibility and enrollment are available through the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.

Castlewood Community Preschool is a half-day program, operating from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Children do not take naps during the school day.

Yes. Outdoor learning is an important part of our preschool program. Children regularly engage in outdoor play and exploration that supports physical development, creativity, problem-solving, and connection to the natural world.

Yes. Castlewood Community Preschool operates as a parent cooperative. Families actively participate in the classroom and school community, partnering with teachers to support children’s learning while building meaningful connections with their child and other families.

We currently have four preschool classrooms, each classroom is mixed aged with children between 3-5 years of age.

Castlewood Community Preschool is a fully licensed early childhood program in the state of Colorado.

We proudly hold a Colorado Shines rating of 5 out of 5, the highest quality rating available. This reflects excellence in teaching, learning environment, and family partnerships.

Preschool tuition varies by program and enrollment options. Tuition reflects our small class sizes, experienced teachers, and parent cooperative model. Current rates are available on our Preschool page.

Families begin by scheduling a tour, followed by completing an application and enrollment packet. Because we are a parent cooperative, families also participate in an orientation focused on classroom involvement and community expectations. Space is limited, and early applications are encouraged.

Castlewood Community Preschool is located in Franktown, Colorado, and serves families from Parker, Elizabeth, Castle Rock, and throughout Douglas County.