Preschool is the foundation to student success and Gilpin Elementary is committed to their early learners. Providing a safe environment where students learn, play, and grow is always on the minds of the highly qualified staff members.

At Gilpin, families have program choice in their child’s education. We offer two amazing affordable preschool programs, Preschool and a Montessori choice option. Both programs are offered Monday-Thursday from 8 - 11:30 a.m. or 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Our teachers have years of experience as well as their Early Childhood Education Degrees or Specialized Montessori Certificates. We thrive to support the development of the “whole” child which includes activities to develop each preschooler’s social, academic, speech, fine and gross motor skills while also preparing them for a successful kindergarten transition.

The preschool program utilizes the Creative Curriculum. The Creative Curriculum provides lessons and activities that encourage children’s academic and social/emotional development. The preschoolers’ day begins with a group lesson time where new concepts are introduced. During center time, the children are presented with hands-on activities that provide an opportunity for them to practice the new concepts with guidance from their teachers. Preschoolers are encouraged to talk to their peers about what they are learning and grow together. The preschoolers are given time each day to make friends and explore the room at their own pace. The classroom offers a balance of academics, socializing, and independent exploration to meet your child’s developmental needs, as well as, prepare them for future success as they move into the upper grades.

“The love and care provided to both my children in the Gilpin County Traditional Preschool program exceeded my expectations. Both of my kids developed close relationships with their teachers and were excited to spend their days with them. I was blown away by the individualized attention my kids received all while their teachers were providing the same attention to other children and managing a busy classroom.” -Rachel Van Hoose

“Both of our children went through the Gilpin preschool program, starting as 3 year olds. The teachers were all experienced, made school fun and cared deeply for our son and daughter. We feel blessed to have this affordable preschool option right at our local public school. The transition to kindergarten was a breeze for both of them since our kids had already created great relationships with the adults within the community, knew their way around the building and had learned the expectations of being a Gilpin Eagle.”- Derek and Dawn Blake

The Montessori choice Primary program is another option for families. Our preschool teachers help the children learn the skills they need to be successful throughout their Montessori experience. The teacher provides children with individualized and small group lessons for each subject area utilizing Montessori materials. Once your child has been given a lesson, he/she is provided time to work at his/her own pace to master the lesson. Montessori is the ideal setting for independent learners!

“Our child has deeply enjoyed the time in the Montessori Preschool Program. She has been more curious about learning and writing letters of the alphabet, has established loving connections with the teachers and tells us about the relationships with friends and the fun they have playing during recess. As a play therapist, I can see the relational benefits as well as our child feeling more empowered around learning because of the Montessori Program. We are so grateful to have the opportunity to experience this approach to learning!”- Jordan Yost

If you are interested in enrolling your child in preschool at GCSD please contact Codi Ramsey at cramsey@gilpin.k12.co.us or call 303-582-3444 ext. 5051. If you have any questions regarding preschool at Gilpin Elementary, please feel free to contact Beth Worley at bworley@gilpin.k12.co.us or 303-582- 3444 ext. 5046.

We are eagerly awaiting for you to connect with us. We have an upcoming Open House at Gilpin County Schools on April 27 from 5:30-7 p.m. If you are looking for a great school for your family, please join and discover the “Greatness at Gilpin”.