Where Learning Begins & Families Belong
Welcome to Fort Collins Preschool
Founded in 1952, Fort Collins Preschool is proud to be the longest-standing early childhood education program in Fort Collins, Colorado. For over 70 years, our unique, parent-involved cooperative preschool has offered generations of families a warm, nurturing introduction to education through a play-based learning model.
At Fort Collins Preschool, we believe young children thrive when their first educational experiences are shared with the people they trust most. In our professionally guided classrooms, parents and teachers work side-by-side to create a joyful, engaging environment where children can explore, create, and grow. With the support of our skilled and experienced educators, parents participate in the classroom approximately twice a month—sharing their time, talents, and enthusiasm. This collaboration helps build a strong, supportive community that extends beyond the classroom walls.
The FCPS Mission:
Our mission is to provide a loving, developmentally appropriate first group learning experience that nurtures the whole child. Through thoughtfully designed activities, we support growth in:
social and emotional development
cognitive skills
motor coordination
creative expression
Children are encouraged to make choices, explore at their own pace, and build confidence in a space that celebrates their individuality.
A School for Children and Parents
Fort Collins Preschool is also deeply committed to parent education. We offer direct learning opportunities through guest speakers, a curated parent library, and a monthly newsletter. More importantly, parents gain hands-on experience in the classroom under the guidance of professional educators, where positive parenting and teaching strategies are modeled and reinforced in real time.
Many of our families form lasting friendships through their shared experiences—creating a meaningful support network during the vital early years of parenting.
Objectives for our Cooperative Preschool
To provide opportunities for children to engage in activities that will encourage the development of social, cognitive, perceptual and motor skills.*
For children to be provided with the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to work in a group environment.
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For children and parents to recognize the importance of education and the value of working together with other families.
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For parents to gain new insights into how children grow and learn.
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For parents to accept their child at each stage of development and to help the child grow and develop positively at the child's own pace.
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To provide educational and social-emotional support for families with young children.
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Our Parents Say…
How can I determine if Fort Collins Preschool is for me?
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We want everyone to feel comfortable here so we think its important for every family to come for a tour and see for themselves if our community feels like a good fit
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FCPS can be a big commitment for families. We rely on parental help in our classrooms 2-3 times per month in addition to serving on a committee. Consider if you have the time and ability to devote these resources.
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Sign our registration form and pay the registration fee and deposit to save your child’s space in our class.
A $100 non-refundable registration fee plus a $200 enrollment deposit are due at the time of registration. The enrollment deposit becomes a participation deposit that will be refunded at the end of the school year if all commitments are met.
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If your child is elligible, follow the steps for UPK at upk.colorado.gov
We require the following registration forms and immunization records: Admission documents
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We have events throughout the summer to get to know your classmates prior to the school year. Check out our scheduled playdates on our upcoming events page.