A brightly lit classroom with open-ended materials, a doll house, and artwork hanging from the walls.

A toddler classroom with large windows and open-ended play materials, including a play kitchen and a reading nook.

A playground patio surrounded by trees and greenery, with play structures, slides, a play kitchen, and a water table.

Library

Preschoolers selecting books to checkout from the Green Lake Library children's section

An open classroom with light coming through large windows, a toddler table, and an art easel.

A group of toddlers playing with a teacher on a pile of fall leaves at Green Lake Park.

A reading nook with bookshelves, a table, and a colorful leaf garland hanging from the ceiling.

A preschool classroom with two large shelves displaying open-ended materials, and artwork hanging from the walls.

A variety of play dolls from different ethnicities some have mobility aids.

The Children’s School is a non-profit, half day preschool that has been nurturing children's development and sense of belonging since 1965.

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 (3 to 9 year olds).

APPLICATION

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, September through June (mostly following the Seattle Public School calendar). We offer schedules of 2 - 5 days weekly. TCS has two locations in the beautiful Green Lake neighborhood: 7400 Woodlawn Ave E and 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

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Summer Camp

Looking to liven up your child’s summer? Come join our weekly summer camps full of fun, friends and adventure!

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

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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!!”

— A Mick, Google review

APPLICATION