Arlington Unitarian Co-Operative Pre-School

We are a first time family with AUCP and our 2 year old daughter has had an INCREDIBLE experience. We have felt so welcomed into the program from the very beginning. Our daughter is excited to go to school and see her teachers each week she even talks about them at home which is adorable. They are so caring and make sure each child is happy and taken care of. On top of that the classrooms, playground and facility are wonderful spaces for kids to learn. The staff keeps everything organized and clean big plus for a clean mom like me. Very excited to continue sending our daughter there next year as she moves up to the next class.

This is our daughter's first year at AUCP. We recently moved to the area and I was very anxious about finding the best fit for our family. Our experience here has been wildly better than at our previous preschool. Every staff member in this school is wonderful. Communication has been excellent, and the community welcoming. Our daughter loves her teachers and talks about them fondly all the time. She is eager every day to go to school, especially on forest days, which is one of the main reasons we chose this school. The focus on outdoor play was so important to us, and AUCP delivers even on the days they don't go to the forest, by prioritizing use of the outdoor space/playground/garden. I was nervous about co-oping at first, but it's been such a joy to play and explore with the kids and understand fully what the school day looks like. We whole-heartedly recommend AUCP.

This is my daughter’s first year at AUCP and our family is loving it so far. The two mornings a week program for two year olds has been the perfect transition into school for her. It is a wonderful community of families, teachers, and staff and I am so thankful to have found the program. Getting to co-op in the classroom has been a great way to get to know her teacher, classmates, and their families, as well as to reinforce what she is learning at home. There are a number of other ways to get more involved in the school too if you wish. It is a safe, nurturing, and caring environment and I highly recommend it for anyone interested in the co-op preschool model.

Both of my children have attended AUCP and I have to say it is a very special place. The teachers are so consistently caring and provide a very loving & safe place for every student to have a calm nurturing environment for growth. I have consistently been impressed with how well the teachers know my children in the parent teacher conferences and how they are looking for specific things that they can do to provide them with the tools they need going forward in life. The community aspect is amazing and really helps everyone feel connected in the journey of parenthood and is a great learning experience to find creative solutions to behavioral issues you may be having at home. If you want to have an active role in your child's school life the Co-oping aspect is amazing at understanding how their days is structured and how to talk to them about their experience because you are in the classroom yourself. It can feel like a bit of a juggle when you have to Co-op, but the memories of being in class are a gift you and your child can share and treasure together. Magical place, magical people, and so worth the investment in getting to know yourself and your child better. <3

Our kiddo started at AUCP this year and we could not be happier. He absolutely LOVES going to school - his teachers are kind, caring, silly and nurturing. The community itself is super welcoming and we feel so comfortable as a new family. We can't wait for him to continue on in the years ahead.

AUCP welcomed our family with open arms and we are so grateful to be a part of this wonderful school and community! The program is amazing, my two year old has gained so much independence and confidence in just the few months since we’ve joined. We love and trust the teachers who have years of experience and provide a safe, kind, and educational environment for our precious babies. We plan to have now both of our children attend AUCP for many years to come!

I can never thank AUCP enough for the caring and warm welcome they gave my son and our family upon moving to the US. He absolutely loves school and everything about it. Classes are fun, nature is part of their routine and learning just comes naturally. Well-trained, thoughtful teachers and staff. I recommend to everyone I know.

Our journey at AUCP preschool has been truly enriching. It's a place where children are encouraged to explore, learn, and grow, all while fostering a strong sense of inclusion and belonging. AUCP's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion adds to the richness of the experience. As a parent of Middle Eastern descent and hard of hearing, it was reassuring to see the efforts made to ensure every family feels valued and respected. What sets AUCP apart is its emphasis on hands-on learning and outdoor activities. Here, children are free to immerse themselves in nature, sparking their curiosity and igniting a love for the world around them. The parent-led committee at AUCP plays a pivotal role in shaping the preschool's culture. It provides an avenue for parental involvement and community engagement, allowing families to contribute to their children's education in meaningful ways. The support provided by AUCP's dedicated teachers is invaluable. They exhibit a keen understanding of each child's needs and go above and beyond to offer additional assistance when required, creating a nurturing environment where every child can thrive. Furthermore, the flexibility and mutual support among parents make the AUCP experience even more rewarding. Whether it's lending a helping hand during co-op days or offering assistance when needed, the sense of camaraderie among families adds to the sense of community. In conclusion, AUCP preschool offers more than just a standard educational experience. It provides a sanctuary where children can explore, learn, and grow in an inclusive and nurturing environment. If you're searching for a preschool that prioritizes hands-on learning, outdoor exploration, and a strong sense of community, AUCP is an excellent choice.

Pure early childhood magic!! AUCP is a fantastic place for parents to learn and grow alongside children. Emphasis on nature play/outdoor learning environments provides excellent foundation for social, emotional, cognitive development. The quality of teachers and staff is unparalleled!

AUCP is excellent. Last year was our daughter's first year at the preschool. We all loved the experience so much that we have enthusiastically returned. We have had great experiences with the teachers as well as everyone involved with the school. I've learned a great deal through co-oping in the classrooms, engaging with continuing education programming, and through conversations with other co-oping parents. I'm a better parent because of this school. My child adores AUCP. Her connections with her classmates are deep, she cares about her teachers and the parents co-oping in the classroom, and she is confident knowing that they care about her. We are big fans of the outdoor component to the school. The kids regularly every other Tuesday have class outside in the woods by Long Branch Nature Center and Glencarlyn Park. Daily they have a significant amount of time outside on a very thoughtfully designed playground. When we first moved to Arlington, we did extensive research on preschools in the area for our child. We filled out applications and interviewed at many many places. AUCP is a gem. We actually missed it in our initial research and only checked it out because of a friend's recommendation. We feel so fortunate for that recommendation.