C Street Cooperative Preschool, established in 1972, offers a distinctive early learning experience rooted in parent involvement and play-based education. Originally founded as an independent non-profit, C Street preschool has a rich history of nurturing young minds. Currently located in the welcoming space of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church since 2020, our preschool maintains its independent spirit while renting space from the church. Despite the location, C-Street Cooperative Preschool remains non-affiliated with the church, governed by its own incorporated board of directors. This board, led by parent co-chairs elected annually, ensures that the heart of C-Street remains connected to the families it serves.
At C Street, we believe in the power of imagination and hands-on exploration. A typical day at our preschool is a vibrant tapestry of activities designed to spark creativity and social development. Children might find themselves immersed in acting out beloved fairy tales, experimenting with rhythm and melody using our diverse instrument collection, or transforming into brave firefighters through imaginative dress-up. Our commitment to play extends to tactile learning, whether it’s constructing wood sculptures with real tools or delving into the wonders of our outdoor spaces.
Our play-based philosophy is central to the C street preschool experience. We prioritize daily outdoor time, regardless of the weather, believing in the enriching experiences nature provides. Rain or shine, our preschoolers can be found digging in the garden, creating mud pies in the sand, or embarking on educational field trips to locations like UVa’s gardens, observing the beauty of seasonal changes firsthand.
C-Street Cooperative Preschool is committed to providing a nurturing and enriching environment, valuing:
- Play-based learning and socializing: We foster critical social and emotional skills through play, allowing children to learn naturally through exploration and interaction.
- Nurturing, dedicated, professional teachers: Our educators are passionate about early childhood development, providing a supportive and enriching learning atmosphere.
- Fun, sensory-rich environments: We create stimulating spaces that engage all senses, promoting curiosity and a love for learning.
- A community dedicated to inclusion and equity: We celebrate diversity and strive to create a welcoming and equitable environment for every child and family.
What truly sets C-Street apart and makes us a unique choice for your family?
- Active Parent Participation: Parents are not just welcome; they are integral to every aspect of our school’s operation, fostering a strong sense of community and shared responsibility.
- Daily Outdoor Adventures: We embrace the outdoors every day, weather permitting, utilizing our garden and playground as extensions of the classroom, promoting physical activity and connection with nature.
- Celebrating Cultural Diversity: We are dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the rich cultures represented within our student body, creating a globally aware and inclusive community.
- Community Exploration: Learning extends beyond our walls through regular walks to the nearby UVa gardens and engaging field trips throughout Charlottesville, connecting children to the wider community.
- A Legacy of Location and Nickname: For over four decades, our school thrived on Chancellor Street, a history reflected in our cherished nickname, “C-Street,” which we continue to embrace even at our new location.
- Teacher Longevity: We pride ourselves on our exceptional teacher retention rate, providing consistency and stability for our students and demonstrating the positive and supportive work environment at C-Street.
- Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: We are actively working to enhance diversity within our learning community, with clearly defined goals focused on equity and inclusion, ensuring C-Street is a welcoming place for all families. You can learn more about our specific commitments on our website.
