Little Paws Preschool at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
A Forest School, Emergent Curriculum Approach
At Little Paws Preschool at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, we believe that children learn best when they are given the freedom to learn through curiosity, exploration, imagination and deep connections with the natural world. Our philosophy blends the principles of Forest School education with an emergent curriculum, creating a dynamic and meaningful learning environment.
Outdoor Play with Purpose
Play is the foundation of early learning. Through open-ended outdoor play our explorers develop essential life skills tailored for success in a modern world:
• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Collaboration and social communication
• Emotional intelligence and resilience
• Love of lifelong learning
• Creativity and innovation
• Global mindset
• A Community of Care and Responsibility
We emphasize compassion and respect for all living things. Our explorers learn to care for animals, respect global cultures and make choices that positively impact the world around them. This fosters empathy, responsibility, and a sense of guardianship for the natural world.
MISSION STATEMENT
A leader in conservation, captive breeding and animal care, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo connects people with wildlife and wild places through experiences that inspire action.
VISION STATEMENT
Every Kid. Every Time. Goosebumps!
Every kid, of any age, will have an experience of a lifetime with every visit.
A Balanced Rhythm to Learning
Our days flow with a gentle, predictable rhythm that supports our explorer’s well-being while allowing flexibility for extended exploration.
We strive to strike a balance between:
– Outdoor adventures
– Nature-based learning
– Hands-on science and animal inquiry
– Creative arts inspired by the environment
– Rest, nourishment, and quiet reflection
This rhythm provides children with security while honoring their need for creative freedom.
Tuition
| CLASSROOM COMMUNITIES | DAYS PER WEEK & TIMES | TUITION |
|---|---|---|
| Threes | 2 Days - T & TH, 9 a,m. - 12 p.m. | $ 220.75 per month |
| Fours & Fives | 3 Days - M, W, F, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. | $ 460.75 per month |
Program Information
Enrollment
• Students must be at least 3 years old by the first day of the school year and no older than 5 years old by the first day of school.
• All students must be independently toileting and dressing by the first day of school.
School Calendar
We follow the Cheyenne Mountain School District 12 calendar.
Priority for Admission
Little Paws Preschool at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo strives to maintain fairness and consistency in its enrollment process. When the number of applicants exceeds available spaces, admission will be offered according to the following priorities:
1. Children of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo staff
2. Children currently enrolled
3. Siblings of children currently enrolled
4. Children on the waitlist
Waitlist
When the number of applicants exceeds available spaces, Little Paws Preschool at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will maintain a waitlist for families who wish to be considered if an opening becomes available. Families are placed on the waitlist in the order in which their completed waitlist application was received and after priority admissions have been applied. Placement on the waitlist does not guarantee future enrollment. When a space becomes available, families will be contacted in order of their position on the waitlist. Families will be given a specified time frame to accept or decline the offered space. The waitlist does not automatically carry over from one school year to the next. Families who wish to remain on the waitlist must submit a new application for the following school year.