We use the Montessori method to provide a stimulating and enjoyable experience for 33-month-olds to five-year-olds. We are a volunteer, cooperative preschool. By enrolling the parent becomes a working partner and member of the Ashland Community Preschool. As a co-op member, they have the chance to witness their child’s preschool memories and development with their own eyes. We are licensed with the Commonwealth of Virginia and welcome children of any race, religion, nationality and ethnic origin.Class sizes are limited to 16 students in the two-day class and 18 students in the three-day class. With 3 adults in the classroom, ratios are kept low.
The Preschool largely runs on the power of the families enrolled. Each child enrolled in The Ashland Community Preschool must be associated with a “working parent.” This person could be a mother, father, grandparent, nanny – anyone associated with that child can be the working parent. A child could have more than one working parent. But each working parent is required to fulfill certain requirements of the cooperative including, but not limited to, training hours, CPR certification, TB testing, and background checks. The working parent works at the school between one and three times a month – averaging 12 times a year. The responsibilities that each family undertakes are necessary to make the school run. We all work at it and we all make it the best school for our children
Our Montessori based workings:
Montessori teaching method allows self-directed learning through hands-on manipulation. The classroom is arranged to encourage children to move freely and develop at their own pace. Children are encouraged to do and learn for themselves whenever possible and can make choices in various learning areas including practical life, sensorial, math, language and science. This freedom within limits helps to develop self-discipline, independence, a respect for others and a love of learning.
This is an amazing experience of a preschool, kids will learn wonderful skills that create Independence, as well as great academic Foundation to prepare them from grade school learning. The parent experiences above and beyond to be such an integrated part of school, to have a vote and say for what your child's preschool experience will be like as well as being in the classroom to watch them learn and socialize, as well as being a part of the other children's learning experience. What a wonderful sense of community and support from All Families part of the history and future of the school. Definitely worth every moment and memory.
Family Reviews:
Ashland Community Preschool is amazing. My daughter learned so much. She immediately fell in love with Mrs. Estes and her classmates. The school is like a little family. I adore the close relationships and supportive families. We will certainly miss ACP as my daughter heads to Kindergarten in the fall, but we are excited that in just a few short years our son will get to experience all the wonders of ACP! - Fletcher Family
This place is amazing. My son loved attending ACP and Mrs. Estes. My daughter came with me on “work days” and thought she was one of the students. She is excited to attend this fall and talks about being Star Helper. As a parent I love being a part of a Montessori based co-op preschool. Working together with the directress and the other families really make this a great environment for learning! - Kuti Family
Some events we are part of and new events coming up:
Saturday Oct 20th: SpookieFUN at Poor Farm park (new). This event is open to the public with Halloween themed activities that include trick-or-treating. Our booth will have Montessori themed works and a Halloween craft.
Wednesday Oct 31st p.m 6-830pm(new): ACP trunk-n-treat. We will be participating in a trunk-n-treat adjacent to the HAAC and their Halloween festivities. We will have about 6 cars from our families all decorated trunk-n-treat style handing out candy/treats as guests make their way up the HAAC sidewalk to enter into their activities inside.
Saturday November 3rd (tradition): Ashland train day. We have a booth set up in front of the HAAC at the heart of all the Train Day festivities . Our booth has fun fall Montessori themed works.
Sunday November 11th 12:30-3:30(new): ACP Fall Festival. This is a fundraising event that is open to the public with carnival games, food truck, face painter and other fun activities.
You can learn more and get in touch with us here.
