About Phinney Neighborhood Preschool Co-op
Phinney Neighborhood Preschool Co-op (PNPC) is a vibrant, community-based cooperative preschool that fosters the social, emotional, physical, and mental development of young children through play-based, structured learning in a nurturing and connected community.
As a cooperative (or “co-op”) preschool, each classroom is led by a teacher and supported by a parent educator, with parents serving as co-teachers. This structure provides a high adult-to-child ratio, allowing for increased one-on-one engagement. PNPC fosters community between parents and children through enhanced opportunities for sensory, artistic, and musical exploration, field trips, and outdoor play.
The PNPC offers six classes from Parent/Infant through Pre-Kindergarten (including a Multi-Age class). The model creates not only a rich learning environment for children but also supports families in their parenting journey. Children receive the benefit of cooperative classroom education, led by a staff of experienced early education teachers. Parents benefit from the instruction and guidance of parent educators, as well as a vibrant community of families with young children.
As a program of the Phinney Neighborhood Association, PNPC is a community resource for families in Phinney Ridge and the surrounding neighborhoods. The program is almost entirely volunteer-run, making it an affordable neighborhood preschool.
Our Goals
Create a safe, supportive, fun, and stimulating environment that encourages young children’s social, emotional, physical, and mental development through creative classroom and outdoor play.
Nurture each child’s sense of accomplishment and personal growth.
Encourage families to share their unique talents, interests, and experiences in ways that enhance their child’s class, as well as the larger preschool community.
Provide opportunities for parents and caregivers to participate in their child’s first educational experience, working closely with teachers, parent educators, and each other to learn about child development and behavior, as well as parenting.
Foster a sense of community, support, and belonging for all those involved in the preschool.
2024 -2025 Tuition and Class Offerings
Family Involvement
As a cooperative, parents or caregivers are actively involved in the classroom assisting one day per week. Children in the Twos, Threes, and Pre-K classes also attend preschool on days when their caregiver is not in the classroom.
Parents or gaurdians also hold a class job and volunteer at a school event each year.
2024 - 2025 All-School Calendar
PNPC’s school year follows the Seattle Public Schools calendar.
Tuition Assistance
Tuition assistance is available. For more information, check out the Emergency Aid and/or Scholarship policy and email the application to the PNPC Treasurer at moc.l1722059922iamg@1722059922rerus1722059922aert.1722059922cpnp1722059922.
Enrollment
If you’re interested in joining PNPC, please reach out to our registrar or attend one of our open houses offered in the Fall, Winter, and Spring. Meet our teachers, mingle with current co-op families, learn about our curriculum, and explore our wonderful classrooms. Children are welcomed and encouraged to attend.
If you’re unable to attend an open house you can schedule a classroom visit and discuss the details of our programs with our Registrar at moc.l1722059922iamg@1722059922ofni.1722059922cpnp1722059922.
PNPC Teachers
Allison
Allison leads our Parent/Infant and Monday Meetup classes, which are both focused on supporting both kids and their parents. Allison believes that when parents feel supported during their first years of parenthood, the whole family benefits. She loves sharing low-effort, high-reward activities and opportunities for play that families can bring home with them, as well as practical support for parents and their amazing little ones. Her classes are filled with music, books, and play that adapts as the class grows and develops over the year.
Erin
Erin leads our Toddlers and Twos class. She loves teaching at PNPC for the same reasons that she chose co-op for all three of her own kids. She wholeheartedly believes that play nurtures social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth by allowing kids to learn through their own experience, exploration, experimentation, and discovery.
Erin’s class is a safe and welcoming space where all children—and their families—can come and learn. It is a time for parents and children to share together and a chance for children to interact with other kids and adults. This program also provides a wonderful opportunity to discuss experiences, concerns, and joys within a friendly community of fellow parents.
Cat
Cat is PNPC’s head teacher and leads our Threes class. She is dedicated to creating a safe classroom where all children can come and learn, and believes that all learning starts with play and exploration. With the help of the parents Cat fosters a classroom that nurtures each individual child and also creates a community that extends outside of class. She believes in an emergent curriculum that follows the lead of the children.
Olivia
Olivia teaches our Pre-K class. She believes that students thrive when they feel safe and valued, so genuine care and love are a hallmark of her classroom. After years of teaching kindergarten at Seattle Public Schools, she took a break to stay home with her two kids. After joining PNPC as a parent of a pre-k student she fell in love with the ability to support her child in her learning and get to know her child’s friends and families on a deep meaningful level. She also uses her experience as a kindergarten teacher to help prepare Pre-K kids for the adventures that lie ahead. Music, imagination, and laughter meet with routines and kindergarten readiness to make Olivia’s class a joyful space for learning.
Additional PNPC Programs
PNPC Events
PNPC hosts two annual kids’ used-gear sales! Mark your calendars and stay tuned for the upcoming sale dates.