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.
Now enrolling for the 2026-2027 school year!
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, play-based class for two-year-olds. Children spend their mornings in a thoughtfully prepared classroom environment with opportunities for circle time, art, sensory exploration, play dough, blocks, snack, outdoor play, and more.
This class is designed to support a wide range of children and developmental stages. Some children jump right into play, some need time to observe, and some are still learning how to be part of a classroom community. In Sparrows, children are supported as they build confidence, independence, social skills, and curiosity at their own pace.
One of the two class days is a drop-off day, offering caregivers flexibility while still keeping families involved in the classroom.
Caregivers 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 .
2026‑27 Tuition & Fees
Rates for the 2026–2027 school year are still being determined and may change.
Monthly Tution
Total cost includes monthly tuition along with other fees.
*Explorers is an optional add-on program with additional tuition and supply fee.
Monthly Fees
In addition to tuition, families pay the following monthly fees:
Supply Fee: $10/month
This helps cover classroom materials and supplies for the year.
Explorers Supply Fee: Additional $15/month
Families enrolled in Explorers pay an additional supply fee to help cover materials for the Explorers program.
PCPO / Parent Education Fee: TBD/month
This fee supports parent education and our participation in PCPO. Final details are still being determined.
One-Time Fee Due at Enrollment
Registration Fee: $95 per student or $120 per family
This is paid once per school year when a family enrolls.
Fundraising Contribution
Annual fundraising goal: $180 per family
Each family has a fundraising goal for the year. This helps support our program and keep tuition costs lower.
There are many ways to meet this goal throughout the year, including food sales, flower sales, and the spring auction.
Families may choose to participate in fundraisers throughout the year or pay the remaining balance directly if the goal is not met.
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.
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 ages 4 and up. 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 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.
