Castlewood Community Preschool & Kindergarten is a play-based, parent cooperative serving families in Franktown, Parker, Castle Rock, Elizabeth, and Douglas County. We nurture curiosity, creativity, and confidence in children ages 3–6 through joyful learning and strong family partnerships.

A Small School with a Big Heart

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WHAT SETS CASTLEWOOD APART

At Castlewood Community Preschool & Kindergarten, we believe children learn best when they feel safe, seen, and supported. We honor each child’s individuality and natural curiosity, allowing them to explore, create, and learn at their own pace.

Our approach is rooted in the belief that play is the foundation of learning. Through meaningful play, hands-on exploration, and caring relationships, children build essential academic, social, and emotional skills—while developing a lifelong love of learning.

A woman and a young boy smiling indoors at a parent cooperative preschool in Douglas County Colorado.
Two young girls playing and running on a sidewalk outside, wearing winter jackets and smiling.

A Parent Cooperative Community

You are your child’s most valuable resource, and we want you to be a part of their preschool journey. Active parent involvement creates a more supportive and effective learning environment, benefiting students, teachers, and the school community as a whole.

A children's educational craft area with a mirror, books, colored rings, and drawing supplies, including paper with a paper cutout of a creature and a small light box.
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Four young boys playing with blocks in a classroom, smiling and engaging with each other.

Play-Based, Creative Curriculum

We use a comprehensive, research-based curriculum that features inquiry, exploration, and discovery as the foundation of all learning. It brings meaningful interactions and learning to life in our classrooms.

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A wooden teepee-shaped playhouse with an open entrance, situated outdoors with a clear blue sky and leafless trees, surrounded by wooden stumps used as seating, in a playground or park setting.

Outdoor & Nature Learning

Located on five acres in Franktown, our outdoor learning environments include natural playgrounds, trails, and outdoor classrooms. Time outside supports physical development, creativity, cooperation, and emotional regulation—while helping children build a meaningful connection to the world around them.

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Preschool & Kindergarten Programs

Preschool

Ages 3-5

A play-based, mixed-age preschool program that nurtures independence, creativity, and social-emotional growth while building strong early learning foundations.

Preschool Information

Kindergarten

Ages 5-6

Our play-based kindergarten continues the Castlewood philosophy with deeper academic exploration, small-group instruction, and a focus on confidence, curiosity, and readiness for first grade.

Kindergarten Information
  • Kindergarten classroom with young children engaging in activities and a teacher supervising, colorful artwork displayed on the walls.
  • A colorful playhouse with a blue roof and white walls, surrounded by tan tires partially buried in wood chips at a playground. In the background, children are seen playing and a clear blue sky is overhead.
  • A colorful children's library space with chairs, books, space-themed decorations, and space helmets, set in a cozy reading area with a patterned rug.
  • A woman sitting on a chair wearing a space helmet, holding a paper, in a classroom with young children and another woman sitting on the floor nearby. The classroom has educational posters and books.
  • A young girl smiling and holding her coat as she enters a building, greeting an adult woman who is standing near the doorway, holding a cup of coffee.
  • Children's Montessori inspired play and learning area with wooden furniture, colorful crafts, and educational posters.
  • A teacher and five children engaged in a classroom activity at a small table with educational decorations and art projects on the wall.
  • Bright classroom with large windows, colorful circular rug, shelves with educational materials, round table with chairs, and decorations including flowers in vases, paper lanterns, and signs.
  • A classroom display with a blue board featuring paper plate art projects decorated with glitters and paint, and labeled with children's names. Below, a large paper tree trunk cutout, colorful rainbow arches, wooden building blocks, and a small potted plant with a white lamp shape on top of the table, along with books about city signs and robots.
  • Child looking through a tent window, holding a toy laser gun, with a blue tent and orange trim around the window in the background.
  • A corner with a wall decorated with numerous printed photographs of people and places, pillows with owl and colorful plush toys on a bed or seating area, and posters including one about emotions.
  • Two children wearing winter jackets and hoodies, pulling rolling suitcases, stand facing each other outdoors near a wire fence. In the foreground, a black case with a sticker reading 'I STOP FOR PRAIRIE DOGS' is visible.
  • A children's playroom with a space-themed mural on the wall, a sign that reads 'Space Station,' and various toys and activity stations.

What Families in Douglas County Are Saying

  • “This will be our third year at Castlewood Community Preschool, and we truly love it. It feels like home, and we feel fully supported as a family. Our daughter begs to go to school and even wishes we sent her more days a week! The staff and teachers are incredibly warm, welcoming, and deeply dedicated to each child. As a parent cooperative, you really get to see that care firsthand.The indoor classrooms and expansive outdoor playground and trails are beautifully designed to nurture both play and learning at this crucial age. The owner, Dina, is also remarkably involved—you can see her dedication in the clear communication and the strong, cohesive team she leads. I could go on and on, but simply put, I can't imagine a better place for my kids to learn to love learning.”

    — Shell H.

  • "We've been lucky enough to be part of this community for three years, with two kids, and we are CONSTANTLY impressed. The admin is fantastic - open, communicative, and supportive. Every single teach is endlessly creative and kind. We've sometimes struggled with big feelings, and each time my kids are met with calmness, love, and steady leadership. Every single teacher knows every single childs name, even if they're not in their class, which instantly makes my kids feel welcomed and safe - as a parent you know how important this is."

    — Ali L.

  • "A friend of mine recommended CCP to me and I will pay it forward for years to come! This will be my daughter's second year attending and I honestly wish she could stay at this school until she graduates high school! The staff loves and protects my daughter as if she was their own. The peace of mind I have when she is there is absolutely priceless. Special shout-out to Ms Dina, Ms Lynda and Ms Michelle, 3 people I credit my daughter's creativity and growth to. One of the best decisions I have made as a parent thus far is sending my daughter to this school!"

    — Jamie Lynn D.

  • "We love Castlewood Preschool! The teachers are kind and value connecting with my child and our family. I love that there are 5 acres of space to play outside in the field, playground or trails. My kids come home happy and tired, singing new songs, talking about friends and teachers and sharing new learning. Such a special place and highly recommend to families!"

    —Emily G.

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Is Castlewood Community Preschool right for your family?

  • Play-Based Curriculum

    Our play-based curriculum is designed to spark joy, foster creativity, and build essential skills.

  • Black written numbers "3-6"

    Preschool & Kindergarten

    Thoughtfully designed programs that support children from preschool through kindergarten readiness and beyond.

  • Illustration of two children playing on a slide.

    More Time Outside

    We offer outdoor classrooms, natural playgrounds, 5 acres of open space, nature trails.

  • Black and white illustration of letters UPK - Colorado Universal Preschool Program.

    Universal Preschool

    We offer high-quality preschool the year before kindergarten through Colorado’s Universal Pre-K (UPK) Program.

  • Illustration of two adults holding a child's hand.

    Family Community

    The only parent cooperative preschool in Douglas County — enhancing your child's academic growth & boosting their confidence and enthusiasm for learning.