Our Classes
At Benson Hill Cooperative Preschool, we believe children learn best through play. Our emergent curriculum is guided by their interests and enriched through hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). We center creativity, curiosity, and community in all that we do.
As a cooperative preschool, caregiver involvement is a key part of our model. Each class includes opportunities for adults to participate, learn, and connect with the school community. Participation expectations vary by class and are detailed below.
We also understand that separation can be a big step. We support families through early transitions with compassion and flexibility.
Registration for the 2025-2026 is still open for new and returning families.
2025‑26 Tuition & Fees
Monthly Tution
Other Fees
Registration Fee – Paid once per year at enrollment
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Hummingbirds, Sparrows, Sparrows 3-Day, Eagles: $95 per student or $120 per family
Supply Fee – Covers classroom materials for the year
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Hummingbirds, Sparrows, Sparrows 3-Day, Eagles: $75
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Explorers: $120
Bates Technical College Registration - Required for all co-op classes with parent participation
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Hummingbirds: $51
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Sparrows: $102
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Sparrows 3-Day: $153
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Eagles: $153
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Explorers: No Bates fee
Fundraising Contribution - Helps support our program. There are many opportunities throughout the year to reach the fundraising contribution, like food sales, flower sales, and the spring auction.
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Hummingbirds, Sparrows, Sparrows 3-Day, Eagles: $180
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Explorers: No fundraising contribution required
Family Participation
Hummingbirds
Caregiver works in class each Thursday.
Sparrows & Eagles
Caregiver works in class one day each week and drops off the other day(s).
Sparrows 3-Day
Caregiver works one of the Mon/Wed days and always works Thursdays.
Explorers
Drop-off only. No adult participation required.
Hummingbirds Class (Ages 1–2)
Thursdays, 9:30–11:30 AM
Our Hummingbirds class meets once a week for socialization, enrichment, and fun! We begin with a short circle time filled with songs, rhymes, and movement. Afterward, toddlers explore a variety of stations including art, sensory play, play dough, blocks, light table, and easel. A healthy snack is available each class, and outdoor play happens daily on our toddler-friendly playground.
This class offers a warm and nurturing space for young toddlers to begin engaging with peers and the classroom routine.
Caregivers are required to remain in the classroom.
Sparrows Class (Age 2)
Mondays & Wednesdays, 9:30–11:30 AM
Sparrows is a twice-weekly class designed for curious and active two-year-olds. Mornings begin with circle time, followed by open-ended exploration at hands-on stations like art, sensory table, play dough, light table, blocks, snack, and more. Children also enjoy outdoor time each day.
One of the two days is a drop-off day, offering caregivers flexibility while still fostering classroom involvement.
Caregivers are required to work in the classroom one day per week.
Eagles Class (Ages 3–5 / Pre-K)
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, 9:30 AM–12:00 PM
Our mixed-age Eagles class provides a rich play-based preschool experience for 3–5-year-olds. The program blends child-led exploration with teacher-supported learning focused on STEAM concepts, early literacy and math, social-emotional growth, and independence. Children participate in classroom jobs (like line leader or calendar helper), which help build responsibility and confidence.
Each day includes:
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Circle Time: Music, stories, and classroom themes
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Free Choice: Open-ended exploration in three classrooms
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Outdoor Play: Rain or shine, we head outside for large motor play
Field trips throughout the year may include:
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Fire Station
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Train Museum
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Food Bank
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Showare Center
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Local farms
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Children's theater performances
Caregivers are scheduled to work in the classroom one day per week, but they are always welcome to stay .
Explorers Group (Pre-K STEAM Enrichment)
Mondays & Wednesdays, 12:00–1:00 PM (October–April)
The Explorers Group is a bonus STEAM class for up to 10 children from the Eagles class. After the regular class day ends at noon, Explorers stay for a social lunch (practicing skills like opening containers, managing time, and eating independently) followed by an extra hour of student-led, hands-on STEAM learning.
This program allows students to dive deeper into their interests and expand their learning through science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
