Central Branch Preschool            

Early Learning for
Urban Kids Since 1968

Central Branch Preschool was founded 43 years ago in 1968 by Pat Melgard and Marge Johnson. These two teachers from The Little School (now in Bellevue) wanted to start a Seattle branch to provide quality early education for urban children. Our original name, The Central Branch of The Little School, came from these roots.

 

Pat and Marge shared a common vision of wanting to reach out to children from a variety of backgrounds. They rented a large turn-of-the century house on Capitol Hill. With money from three family foundation grants, they set about converting the house into a place where children would play, grow, and learn together.

 

In September 1980, the school opened in its current home in the Mt. Baker Community Clubhouse. Its neighborhood is an attractive multi-racial community with many young families. The building faces a tree-lined boulevard. Its yard allows climbing, running, and digging in sand and dirt. The Mt. Baker Park and beach offer wonderful opportunities to explore the natural world.

 

Mark the Date

This year's Central Branch Auction will be February 4, 2012. Mark your calendar and book the babysitter!

 

Have You Read These Articles?

• "Why Preschool Shouldn't Be Like School"-Slate
• "Want to get your kids into college? Let them play."-CNN
• "Effort to Restore Children’s Play Gains Momentum"-NYTimes