Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Early Childhood Education in Portland
Village Preschool of Portland of Portland has been a cornerstone of cooperative early childhood education since 1955. Founded by parents seeking a community-driven approach, we prioritize play-based learning and active family engagement. Our program, designed for children aged 3 - 6, fosters emotional and intellectual growth through a 5:1 adult-to-child ratio, ensuring personalized attention. Classroom environments include dedicated spaces for blocks, art, sensory exploration, and gross motor activities, all curated to support developmental milestones. Parent education sessions and collaborative decision-making reinforce our philosophy that learning thrives in a supportive, inclusive community. As a secular, nonprofit organization, we adhere to strict non-discrimination policies and have served over 1,500 children in Southwest Portland.Our legacy of intergenerational trust reflects our commitment to nurturing authentic self-expression and lifelong learning. Teachers like Tara, with extensive experience, guide our curriculum while parents contribute meaningfully to operations. Located near the West Portland United Methodist Church, we blend tradition with adaptability, offering flexible enrollment and outdoor learning opportunities year-round. Our approach, rooted in decades of cooperative preschool principles, continues to evolve while honoring the foundational belief that children grow best through play in a collaborative environment.
Services
Play-Based Curriculum
Parent Education Nights
Outdoor Learning
Cooperative Preschool Model
Flexible Enrollment
Details
- Year established: 1955
Highlights and features
- Cooperative school with 69 years of history in Southwest Portland
- 5:1 adult/child ratio for personalized attention
- Parent Education nights with Lead Teacher Tara
- Non-discriminatory policies inclusive of all backgrounds
- Outdoor playground and nature-based learning year-round
What people say
Growth firsthand
Non-discriminatory policies
Community involvement
Parent education nights
Co-op model benefits
Services
Play-Based Curriculum
Our curriculum centers on play-based learning, allowing children to explore through blocks, art, sensory materials, and outdoor activities. Classrooms are structured to encourage independence and creativity, with carefully chosen tools that support developmental milestones such as spatial reasoning and fine motor skills. This approach fosters holistic growth by integrating social, emotional, and cognitive development naturally.
Parent Education Nights
Parent Education evenings provide a Q&A format for families to discuss parenting challenges with Lead Teacher Tara. These sessions promote collaborative learning, offering insights into child behavior and development while strengthening community bonds. The intimate setting allows parents to share experiences and receive tailored guidance aligned with the school's philosophy of non-punitive, non-rewarding classroom management.
Outdoor Learning
Daily outdoor activities on our spacious playground build gross motor skills through climbing, balancing, and team sports. Children engage with nature year-round via walks and field trips, enhancing sensory awareness and environmental curiosity. The outdoor space also supports imaginative play and social interaction, reinforcing the school's commitment to holistic, experiential education in all weather conditions.
People
Tara
Lead Teacher
Tara joined Village Preschool of Portland of Portland in 2018, bringing a background in education and nonprofit development. As a parent of three alumni, she trained under former Lead Teacher Jamie Clary and emphasizes learning from children and families. Her teaching philosophy aligns with the school's play-based, collaborative approach.
Questions
What is Village Preschool of Portland of Portland's educational philosophy?
We prioritize play-based learning in a cooperative environment, fostering emotional, social, and cognitive development through hands-on exploration and parent involvement.
How does parent involvement work?
Parents actively participate in classroom activities, decision-making, and Parent Education nights, creating a collaborative community that supports children's growth.
What are the enrollment requirements?
We enroll children aged 3–6. Priority is given to returning families, followed by new applicants after Open House events and classroom observations.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, confidential financial assistance applications are reviewed annually to ensure accessibility for all families.
Is the school affiliated with the church?
While located in the West Portland United Methodist Church, we are a secular, standalone nonprofit organization unaffiliated with the church.
What outdoor activities are offered?
Daily outdoor play includes structured and free exploration on our playground, nature walks, and field trips to nearby trails and cultural sites.
Reviews (4)
D. Vance
Jan 05, 2020
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This has been a great play based preschool. The 2 teachers are fabulous. The kids get outside time every day, lots of art, songs, and play.
Jennifer Blunk
Oct 24, 2019
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We recently moved to the area and finding schools that were a good fit for both of our kids was high on my priority list. We looked as several co-op preschools in the area and loved what Village had to offer. This year was a great one for my daughter. Teachers Jamie and Michelle are true professionals who create a fun, safe learning environment, and focus on the growth and wellbeing of children in everything they do. I always feel good dropping my daughter off in their care. Also love this community of parents and the opportunities a co-op has offered to me. Ive met new friends and have always
Jessica Newman
Aug 09, 2018
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My 3 year old started at Village this school year and we couldnt be happier. He has struggled with the separation and both Jamie and Michelle have been extremely supportive and accommodating. He talks about his friends and the activities they do all the time. The parents and the community are very friendly and have made this big adjustment a great experience for our family. I am grateful to be a part of this co-op. Thank you Village.
Chris Beckley
Aug 25, 2017
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This is a great school for my daughter. The teachers are very caring and nurture a strong sense of self-awareness. The children are allowed to immerse themselves in play and learn from experiences they have in class with themselves and others. Since this is a co-op preschool, we (the parents) get to be involved directly in the classroom as well as in the behind-the-scenes stuff that keep the school thriving.
