The Children’s School is a non-profit preschool that has been nurturing children's development and sense of belonging since 1965. The Children’s School’s hours are 9am - 1pm. Our sister program, Bigleaf Afternoon Preschool Program, offers flexible afternoon care at the same location.

Let us help spark your child’s curiosity, build fundamental social-emotional skills and foster kindergarten readiness through play and child-led exploration. We believe in building a strong community within our classrooms, among our families and through our neighborhood by focusing on developing empathy, conflict-resolution and problem-solving skills.

We cultivate an organizational culture that puts children, and families first, while supporting our teachers' professional development and well-being.

TCS offers Preschool (2.5 - 6 year olds) and Summer camp programs (2.5 to 9 year olds). For longer hours, check out our sister program Bigleaf Afternoon Preschool Program.

 
Prekindergarten class on a nature walk, preschoolers experimenting with color mixing, and a toddler showing her artwork.

Preschool

Our preschool welcomes children 2.5 to 6 years old and we do not require children to be toilet trained. Classes run from 9am to 1pm with afternoon options through our sister program Bigleaf Afternoon Preschool Program. Our school year is 11 months, from September through the end of July. We mostly following the Seattle Public School calendar for holidays and breaks (see Calendar). We offer 4 or 5 day schedules, with 2 and 3 day options for 3 and under. TCS is located in the beautiful Green Lake neighborhood at 111 NE 80th St.

Morning Half day Preschool (9am-1pm) at TCS looks like:

Welcome Circle
Free Play
Music/movement/art // Read aloud // Projects (small group)
Snack (fresh veggies/fruits served at school)
Outdoor time playground/neighborhood excursions
Lunch (packed at home)
Free Play (in developmental appropriate stations)
Goodbye Circle

 

Summer Camp

Looking to liven up your child’s summer? Come join one of our 2-week long summer camp sessions full of fun, friends and adventure!

We offer half (9am - 1pm) and full day (9am - 3:30pm) camps for 2.5 - 9 year olds in July and August. Each 2-week session features different special projects and activities including making popsicles, tie-dye and visiting the wading pool or zoo. With Green Lake so near our campus, children get plenty of outdoor exploration as well.

 
Excited children climbing on the playground, children watching ducks swim in Green Lake, and a girl meeting an owl on a summer camp day.

Parent Testimonials

TCS has been, by far, the best preschool experience our family has had. My first two children did not attend TCS, and I wish they had. The teachers provide a structured, loving and educationally rich environment that nurtures the whole child. I have total confidence that my son will be fully prepared academically, socially and emotionally for kindergarten and beyond. The quality of education cannot be beat, and I wish all children had an opportunity to learn and thrive at a preschool like TCS. 

— Gretchen DeSarno

Both my kids have been in The Children’s School. Great, caring teachers and very well managed. Good, regular communication with parents. Impressive and consistent response to Covid. Can’t recommend this preschool highly enough.

— Alan S, Yelp review

All 3 of our kids have attended TCS, with the first one, now 9, starting off at the original location in the Us District, and then continuing into the new locations in Green Lake. Great teachers, great director, and also great kids (and their parents). I feel our kids have gotten a great entry into school life at TCS, and I’ve enjoyed interacting with everyone each time I’ve dropped them off and picked them up. Our youngest one still has another 2 years left before big kid school!!

— Greg N, Google review

The Children's School, established in 1965, is a non-profit preschool in Green Lake, Seattle.