Columbia Kids Preschool

Who knew that a preschool this good existed in the small, rural town of Battleground? Price is not always indicitive of quality--this place is very inexpensive AND the best quality preschool education that I found (and I looked around a lot!). Where do I begin? My kids and I love and respect the teacher, ""Miss Virginia"" for her patient and caring instruction. They learn through all the open-ended play and tactile-based activities that are so crucial for their development at this age. Yes, science and reading concepts are taught but not in a direct, ""sit down, be quiet and learn the alphabet"" way. I was amazed when my son came home the first week of school and excitedly told me about Antarctica, which animals live there (not polar bears!) and the exact temperature that water freezes. In a nutshell, they are instilled with a love of learning at a very young age and taught through example how to listen to and how to get along with others. As a parent, I have grown immensely through the onsite parenting classes where we read the latest literature in child rearing and development and brainstorm particular problems. I can't recommend this place enough. The fact that parents drive 25 minutes plus in one direction to get here from all towns in the county (Amboy, Vancouver, Hockinson, Yacolt, Ridgefield, etc.) is proof that this is something special. more

This is an amazing preschool with lots of hands on learning. Virginia is so gentle with the children. She makes learning exciting and chooses topics that are of interest to the children. The sense of community is so nice and our whole family feels welcome here. I am so glad that my kids, and my whole family, have been a part of this wonderful learning community! more

Columbia Kids Preschool in Battle Ground, Washington, is an amazing learning environment that works because parents learn alongside their children, other parents, the teachers and other children. My son and daughter couldn't be more different, and yet both have thrived at Columbia Kids. With all of the parent involvement, the environment is very much like a large extended family where everyone's individuality is accepted, and everyone is loved for who they are and encouraged to find and celebrate their own passions and gifts. I love the parent meetings, where we share challenges and brainstorm solutions, plan the curriculum and activities together, and cover a child development topic with the expert teacher, Miss Virginia, who has something like 25 years of preschool teaching experience. Recently two high school valedictorians paid the school a visit, specifically to thank Miss Virginia for her important role in their lives 15 years earlier! The school is also in a great setting in a large house on Main Street in Battle Ground, with a huge yard and lots of play equipment. All around a wonderful place for parents who believe it takes a community to raise a child, and who appreciate how difficult and worthwhile it is to try to raise thoughtful, well-adjusted, socially responsible children. more