PRESCHOOLS IN WHATCOM COUNTY
Looking for a preschool near you here in Whatcom County? Look no further! The Preschool Directory is listed by city to make it easy to find the best, free, affordable, public, Montessori, half day or Pre-K preschool in Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, & Blaine.
- Nurturing Christian Focus
- Play-Based Learning
- Small Class Sizes allowing students to be seen and known
- Affordable Pricing
- Convenient in town location
- Outdoor Play Area
The Franklin Academy
Location:
3000 Northwest Ave.
Bellingham WA 98225
Programs Offered:
Early preschool through 8th grade school day. Extended day and summer camp options are available.
Overview:
Early Preschool: 2 1/2 years old (2, 3 or 5 day options)
Preschool: 3 years old (3 or 5 day options)
Pre-K: 4 years old (3 - 5 day options )
Early K: 4/5 year olds (5 day)
The preschool schedule is approximately 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. if a family needs an extended day, Morning and After School Care is available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Testimonial: "The preschool offers a huge variety of activities- art, reading, math, sensory play, outdoor play, Spanish, music, etc. I've been pleased with the unscheduled, mini-conferences available before or after school to check-in. The teachers (and whole staff!) are flexible and understanding when it comes to family needs, schedules, and all the unusual requests that come with having a four-year-old! I couldn't be happier with our experience! " ~ Treasure, Local Mom
FIRS & FIDDLEHEADS FOREST SCHOOL
4605 Cable Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360)733-6840
Programs Offered: Ages: 3-6 years old (must be potty trained)Hours: 8am-12pm and/or 12-4pm 2-day, 3-day and 5-day options available
ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC SCHOOL PRESCHOOL
2116 Cornwall Ave
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-733-6133
Program Offered:
Preschool – 2-day program
Tuesday & Thursday 8:00 – 11:30 AM
Preschool – 2-day program – Full Day
Tuesday & Thursday 8:00 – 3:00 PM
Pre-Kindergarten – 3-day program
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:00 – 11:30 AM
Pre-Kindergarten – 3-day program – Full Day
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:00 – 3:00 PM
Pre-Kindergarten – 5-day program – Full Day
Monday through Friday 8:00 – 3:00 PM
Testimonial: "We continually choose Assumption because our boys thrive here. The teachers and staff are a branch of our family in that they're helping us guide our kids to be kind, respectful, faith-filled people of character while offering them an exceptional education. We believe the decision to have them grow up at ACS is the best one we'll ever make for them". – ACS parents Kyle & Dayna
(360) 734-2770
Location:
Trinity Lutheran Preschool
119 Texas Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
Program Offered:
Pre-K– 3 Day (Mon/Wed/Fri) & 5-day Options
Preschool (3.5+ & potty trained)-Tuesday & Thursday
All classes are 9:00 am to 12:30pm
Testimonial: "My girls have loved going to Trinity Lutheran Preschool! The teachers are very experienced and have a good mix of academic, practical skills, and fun. The class sizes have been great and my kids have made some good friends each year!" –Brittany, parent.
WCC-Affiliated Cooperative Preschools
Children’s Coop Preschool
Bellingham Family Partnership Program
1409 18th St.
Bellingham, WA 98225
https://ChildrensCoopPreschool.com
Lakeside Cooperative Preschool
Silver Beach Elementary School
4101 Academy St.
Bellingham, WA 98226
https://LakesideCoop.com
United Methodist Church
500 N. 14th St.
Lynden, WA 98264
www.LyndenCo-opPreschool.com
Whatcom Family Cooperative Preschool (2 locations!)
Wade King Elementary School
2155 Yew Street Rd.
Bellingham, WA 98229
Whatcom Community College
Kelly Hall
237 W. Kellogg Rd.
Bellingham, WA 98226
https://www.WhatcomFamilyPreschool.org
Programs offered
Programs and schedules vary by location and include toddler & parent/caregiver, preschool, multi-age preschool, and pre-kindergarten. Check each preschool’s website or visit whatcom.edu/pared for details.
Overview
Based on the belief that parents are the first and most important teachers of their children, cooperative preschools offer an educational experience for both parents and children.
Parents/caregivers enroll in a 3-credit Whatcom Community College parent education class and a child is enrolled in one of four WCC-affiliated preschools in Bellingham or Lynden. Children attend preschool 2-4 days a week and parents/caregivers actively participate in the running of the cooperative preschool and may complete a certificate in parenting education after two years of enrollment.
“Parenting education students play an important role in running each preschool, acting as teaching assistants and performing a variety of preschool support roles, whilst their children receive quality education led by experienced teachers. WCC parenting education faculty advise teachers and provide resources and tools to support families. A successful community-building program for the past 50 years! – Carolina Olza-Kelsh, WCC’s Parenting Education Program Coordinator
567 E. Kellogg Road
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 733-7303
Programs Offered:
P-3: Students who are 3 years old and fully potty trained (independent) by August 31st may enroll in 2-day Preschool on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 3 hours. 9:00 AM-12:00 PM, drop off starts at 8:45 AM.
P-4: Students who are 4 years old and fully potty trained (independent) by August 31st may enroll in 3-day Preschool on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for 3 hours. 9:00 AM-12:00 PM, drop off starts at 8:45 AM.
- Testimonials: "Our family has absolutely loved BCS. Christian is full of joy as he enters the building. He has attended other schools, but has never had such affection for his teachers as he does here. We are so incredibly grateful to have him there." BCS Parent"We love everything. Both girls love it at BCS and are really thriving there. Both girls' teachers are amazing and I really feel you all selected the perfect teacher for each of them. They are really truly amazing!" BCS Parent
NORTH CASCADES CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
3800 Dana Road
Bellingham, WA 98226
(360) 856-1861
They also have a preschool in Sedro Woolley
Programs Offered: Toddler ProgramPreschool ProgramAges: 12months to 5 years
Toddler Curriculum & Activities (ages 12mo-29mo)
Our curriculum is theme-based and developmentally appropriate focusing on biblical concepts and values as well as following Washington State Kindergarten readiness learning targets. NCCDC uses several curriculums to create our well-rounded program including Creating God’s World, Second Step, and Woven Word as well as never overlooking the importance of child-led play.
We begin teaching toddlers by exposing them to books, singing songs, playing games, and helping them reach early milestones. We prepare our toddlers for preschool by introducing them to the preschool curriculum. Toddlers enjoy a daily group time that focuses on reading stories and learning colors, shapes, numbers, and letters.
Preschool Curriculum & Activities (ages 2 1/2-5 years)
Our mission is to provide a safe and loving Christ-centered environment for children to develop academic kindergarten readiness skills and tools for a lifelong love of learning.
Preschool classes are divided into learning centers in which children explore, learn, and play. Some of the subjects they study include bible story concepts, language and development, phonics, reading, writing, numbers, art, and dramatic play.
Ask about their school-age programs.
2215 D Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 739-9365
Half Days
2 half days, T/TH, 8:30am - 11:30am
3 half days, M/W/F, 8:30am - 11:30am
5 half days, M-F, 8:30am - 11:30am
Full Days
2 full days, T/Th, 8:30am - 3pm
3 full days, M/W/F, 8:30am - 3pm
5 full days , M-F, 8:30 am - 3pm
GABRIEL'S ART KIDS Preschool is a vibrant time of play, learning, and exploration for young children. At our heart, we believe in nurturing this journey through a play-based, art-integrated approach.
Our program is meticulously designed to foster social-emotional skills and independence in children aged 2.5 to 4 years. By weaving art, movement, music, and sensory activities into the fabric of our curriculum, we offer students a rich tapestry of experiences that enhance development across all areas—emphasizing fine and gross motor skills as well as self-regulation.
At the core of our philosophy is the belief in the power of the arts as a tool for personal expression and the building of self-confidence. To this end, we provide an introductory education in the arts, laying a foundation for a lifetime of creativity and exploration.
Enhanced Learning Opportunities: Our preschoolers also have access to specialty classes designed to broaden their horizons. These include:
Music: Exploring rhythms, melodies, and the joy of sound.
Spanish Language: Opening doors to new linguistic landscapes.
Theatre: Encouraging imagination and storytelling.
Dance: Celebrating movement and impressionists.
Preschools in Bellingham
Preschools in Blaine
Preschools in Deming
Preschools in Ferndale
Preschools in Lynden
Washington State Programs & Special Needs
The Washington State Department of Early Learning focuses on providing information and resources to parents in Washington State. Their website contains contact information to assist you in locating licensed childcare in your community. It also provides information on assistance programs such as Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) and Head Start. ECEAP is funded by Washington State and includes preschool education, health services coordination and family support services. Head Start is funded by the federal government to essentially provide those services also.
