New Horizons will be closed through April 30 (at least) due to the COVID-19 emergency. After 51 years, we are entering unprecedented territory. We know that we can weather this storm, but as a small non-profit, it will be tough.
To help support our teachers and ongoing operations, we would be grateful for families – who can – to continue paying tuition (or a portion of it) as a tax-deductible donation to New Horizons. We would also be grateful for any community donations.
New Horizons Cooperative Preschool offers a half-day, play-based, bilingual preschool program for children aged 2.5 to 7 years old. Founded in 1968, our goal is to bring together families and children who are traditionally separated by ethnicity, class, race, and culture. For nearly 50 years, New Horizons has continued to operate as a collaborative effort of parents, teachers, and community members to foster diversity and to educate one another.
Located in north Boulder near 19th St. and Upland Ave in quiet and calm neighborhood, the preschool has abundant opportunities and space inside and outside to learn, play and grow. Our large, tree shaded yard is a magical place for children – with play structures to boost gross motor skills, intimate areas for pretend play, friendly next door goats to interact with, a garden to dig in, bikes and trikes for exercise, and sand to boxes to build and dig in.
Play-Based and Child-Centered:
Children are given the freedom to create and discover their own manner of learning and interaction, and teachers respect and build upon the interests of children with themes and activities drawn from observation.
New Horizons is a child-centered school where children are given time to explore their own interests. A rich and varied environment enables children to make choices, creating and discovering their own manner of learning and interaction.
Teachers respect and build upon the interests of children, selecting themes and topics of exploration by observing emerging themes in children’s play, rhythms of nature, and cultural celebrations. Our goal is for children to develop a life-long love for learning through creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving.
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Bilingual Spanish & English:
Our bilingual program creates a unique opportunity for children and families to engage in a cross-cultural journey. Half of our families are Spanish speaking, and all of our activities are presented in English and Spanish.
As a cooperative, all parents participate in all aspects of school operation. This cooperative approach builds a respectful community in which families from diverse backgrounds work, play, and learn together. Parents participate on a rotating basis in their child’s class, contributing not only their time but their language and cultural experience as well. We have two volunteer parent assistants in each class.
The benefits of the a co-op are myriad:
Parents are directly connected to their children’s first school experience, making it an easier transition and setting the stage for a connection throughout their child’s academic career.
Parents can learn from the teachers and each other in ways to engage and educate their own children.
Parents can have fun with the whole class in a dynamic, engaging environment.
Parents grow in their understanding of their children by interacting with them and their peers.
Families learn together through their contact with children and parents of different backgrounds.
Teachers demonstrate the depth of social and conceptual learning that takes place during play.
New Horizons can operate with a ratio of 5:1 (Students:Adults).
Each parent adds their personal touch to the classroom’s day, whether it is in singing a song, making a healthy snack, leading a craft, or just interacting with a small group of students.
Close
Co-op & Parent Involvement:
Our parents are integral to the success of our children. Parents volunteer in the classroom and benefit through the connection to their children’s daily routine. This creates a 4 or 5:1 student to adult ratio.
Parents are important partners in providing the early educational experiences that lay the foundation for success in school and beyond. At New Horizons, all parents assist the teachers in the classroom on a regular basis as “co-opers.” as well as other aspects of the school’s operation.
This cooperative approach builds a respectful community in which families from diverse backgrounds work, play, and learn together. Parents participate on a rotating basis in their child’s class, contributing not only their time but their language and cultural experience as well. We have two volunteer parent assistants in each class.
The benefits of the a co-op are myriad:
Parents are directly connected to their children’s first school experience, making it an easier transition and setting the stage for a connection throughout their child’s academic career.
Parents can learn from the teachers and each other in ways to engage and educate their own children.
Parents can have fun with the whole class in a dynamic, engaging environment.
Parents grow in their understanding of their children by interacting with them and their peers.
Families learn together through their contact with children and parents of different backgrounds.
Teachers demonstrate the depth of social and conceptual learning that takes place during play.
New Horizons can operate with a ratio of 5:1 (Students:Adults).
Each parent adds their personal touch to the classroom’s day, whether it is in singing a song, making a healthy snack, leading a craft, or just interacting with a small group of students.
Close
Appreciation of Diversity:
We value diversity in culture, class, language, ethnicity, ability, and individual expression, and believe in an environment where each person is honored and respected for their differences and commonalities.
Our goal is to develop in each child an appreciation of his or her unique voice, as well as a sense of wonder and respect for the beautiful and diverse world in which we live. As our children take their place in our increasingly complex, global world, they will have some deep resources to draw upon, having learned in preschool the importance of respect, kindness and friendship in solving problems of all kinds.
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Classes | Enrollment
We offer 3 classes options ranging from 2 to 5 days a week. Each class has a maximum of 16 students with a goal to equality as it relates to gender and native language. Each class has three teachers and at least one parent volunteer which results in a 4 to 1 student/teacher ratio.
Each class begins with open arts & crafts time, then children, teachers and parents join together during circle time where teachers lead the students through English and Spanish games, songs and activities. This leads to open play in our beautiful outdoor playground and yard where the children explore and learn together or individually. We then gather again for a snack and short quiet time and end the class with an English and Spanish story time.
Class Options
Tuesday | Thursday - Morning
Age: 2.5 – 7 years
Time: 8:30 am to 11:45 am
Tuition: $230*/month ($2,070/school year)
Monday | Wednesday | Friday - Morning
Age: 2.5 – 7 years
Time: 8:30 am to 11:45 am
Tuition: $340*/month ($3,060/school year)
Tuesday to Friday - Afternoon
Age: 4 – 5 years
Time: 1:00 pm to 4 pm
Tuition: $450*/month ($4,050/school year)
* To provide services to children of all socio-economic backgrounds, we offer a tuition assistance program.
Plan a Visit
If you are interested in visiting the school, please request a visit through our contact page. We love to have visitors during our morning or afternoon classes, but prefer to have only one family/visitor per session.
Our Teachers
Isolde Stewart - Director
Isolde received the 2014 Hawkins Lifetime Achievement Award from the Boulder chapter of the CAEYC for her years of exceptional service to children, families and educators. She is a devoted community activist for equity in education. A.A. in Early Childhood Education, Front Range Community College; Director Qualified in Early Childhood Education. Teacher at New Horizons since 1984.
Consuelo Hernandez - Bilingual Teacher
Consuelo has spent the last 14 years working with students, and has found happiness in the diverse, bilingual setting of New Horizons. Her philosophy is that each student is a unique individual who needs a safe and caring environment, and she strives to help each child meet their full potential. She has been the Administrator and Coordinator for The KSA and a YMCA Director for after school programs. She has an Associate’s Degree from Garden City Community College in General Studies, and graduated from Newman University in Wichita with a Degree in Elementary Education. She received The Academic Excellence Award for demonstrating Academic Excellence in all Newman University Elementary Education courses, and has a Degree from Park University in Psychology of the Adolescent.
Laurie Rhoads - Bilingual Teacher
Laurie is passionate about working with a wide range of children and their families and has worked with children in Mexico and Thailand, as well as right here at home. Before coming to New Horizons, she taught bilingual kindergarten and preschool and served as interim director at YWCA Children’s Alley, followed by two years as the early childhood community/family liaison at Columbine Elementary. M.Ed. in Elementary Education, Regis University, with a Colorado professional teaching license, endorsed in Elementary, Early Childhood, Early Childhood Special Education, and Spanish. Director Qualified and bilingual/bi-literate in English and Spanish.
Wendy Chairez - Bilingual Teacher
Wendy is a bilingual, bi-literate, native Spanish speaker, who went to New Horizons as a child. She went on to Uni Hill, Casey, Boulder High, and is now studying Early Childhood Education at Front Range with a plan to complete a four year degree in ECE. Wendy brings a deeply reflective personal experience to her teaching, and is our dream come true, our second alumna to become a teacher at New Horizons.
Arisa LaFond - Bilingual Teacher
Arisa a Boulder native, speaking Spanish fluently, she has lived in several latin america countries teaching and learning. She went to New Horizons as a child and grew up in Boulder. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from CU in International Affairs, and is Licensed as a holistic body-mind practitioner as well as studying yoga and dance for several years. She continues to balance working in the healing arts with working with young children, most recently in a Montessori school. She believes that children as the wave of the next generation must have a safe and enriching environment to grow, learn and thrive.
“I found compassionate teachers, a diverse community and a passion to teach all children at New Horizons Cooperative Preschool. My two kids loved it.” – Kim Decker
“A wonderful and unique preschool experience.” -Aaryn Kay
“New Horizon’s Co-op was like family for our daughter, she felt comfortable to be herself and explore her surroundings in a natural way. We will never forget our experience here and suggest it to anyone looking for something down to earth and family based.” - Helen Joffe
“We are so grateful to have found New Horizons Cooperative Preschool in Boulder. Our son thrived in this environment. We are continually impressed by the teacher’s creativity and energy. As parents, it’s been exciting to participate in our child’s education and feel a part of a diverse community.” - Dave Rosenberg
“We wanted our daughter to have an opportunity to learn & play alongside children from a diverse background and begin her education at a magical place. We found this at New Horizons Cooperative Preschool and love being part of this community.” - Kevin Hill
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New Horizons Covid-19 Fund
New Horizons will be closed through April 30 (at least) due to the COVID-19 emergency. After 51 years, we are entering unprecedented territory. We know that we can weather this storm, but as a small non-profit, it will be tough.
To help support our teachers and ongoing operations, we would be grateful for families – who can – to continue paying tuition (or a portion of it) as a tax-deductible donation to New Horizons. We would also be grateful for any community donations.
ABOUT US
New Horizons Cooperative Preschool offers a half-day, play-based, bilingual preschool program for children aged 2.5 to 7 years old. Founded in 1968, our goal is to bring together families and children who are traditionally separated by ethnicity, class, race, and culture. For nearly 50 years, New Horizons has continued to operate as a collaborative effort of parents, teachers, and community members to foster diversity and to educate one another.
Located in north Boulder near 19th St. and Upland Ave in quiet and calm neighborhood, the preschool has abundant opportunities and space inside and outside to learn, play and grow. Our large, tree shaded yard is a magical place for children – with play structures to boost gross motor skills, intimate areas for pretend play, friendly next door goats to interact with, a garden to dig in, bikes and trikes for exercise, and sand to boxes to build and dig in.
Play-Based and Child-Centered:
Children are given the freedom to create and discover their own manner of learning and interaction, and teachers respect and build upon the interests of children with themes and activities drawn from observation.
Bilingual Spanish & English:
Our bilingual program creates a unique opportunity for children and families to engage in a cross-cultural journey. Half of our families are Spanish speaking, and all of our activities are presented in English and Spanish.
Co-op & Parent Involvement:
Our parents are integral to the success of our children. Parents volunteer in the classroom and benefit through the connection to their children’s daily routine. This creates a 4 or 5:1 student to adult ratio.
Appreciation of Diversity:
We value diversity in culture, class, language, ethnicity, ability, and individual expression, and believe in an environment where each person is honored and respected for their differences and commonalities.
Classes | Enrollment
We offer 3 classes options ranging from 2 to 5 days a week. Each class has a maximum of 16 students with a goal to equality as it relates to gender and native language. Each class has three teachers and at least one parent volunteer which results in a 4 to 1 student/teacher ratio.
Each class begins with open arts & crafts time, then children, teachers and parents join together during circle time where teachers lead the students through English and Spanish games, songs and activities. This leads to open play in our beautiful outdoor playground and yard where the children explore and learn together or individually. We then gather again for a snack and short quiet time and end the class with an English and Spanish story time.
Class Options
Tuesday | Thursday - Morning
Monday | Wednesday | Friday - Morning
Tuesday to Friday - Afternoon
* To provide services to children of all socio-economic backgrounds, we offer a tuition assistance program.
Plan a Visit
If you are interested in visiting the school, please request a visit through our contact page. We love to have visitors during our morning or afternoon classes, but prefer to have only one family/visitor per session.
Our Teachers
Isolde Stewart - Director
Isolde received the 2014 Hawkins Lifetime Achievement Award from the Boulder chapter of the CAEYC for her years of exceptional service to children, families and educators. She is a devoted community activist for equity in education. A.A. in Early Childhood Education, Front Range Community College; Director Qualified in Early Childhood Education. Teacher at New Horizons since 1984.
Consuelo Hernandez - Bilingual Teacher
Consuelo has spent the last 14 years working with students, and has found happiness in the diverse, bilingual setting of New Horizons. Her philosophy is that each student is a unique individual who needs a safe and caring environment, and she strives to help each child meet their full potential. She has been the Administrator and Coordinator for The KSA and a YMCA Director for after school programs. She has an Associate’s Degree from Garden City Community College in General Studies, and graduated from Newman University in Wichita with a Degree in Elementary Education. She received The Academic Excellence Award for demonstrating Academic Excellence in all Newman University Elementary Education courses, and has a Degree from Park University in Psychology of the Adolescent.
Laurie Rhoads - Bilingual Teacher
Laurie is passionate about working with a wide range of children and their families and has worked with children in Mexico and Thailand, as well as right here at home. Before coming to New Horizons, she taught bilingual kindergarten and preschool and served as interim director at YWCA Children’s Alley, followed by two years as the early childhood community/family liaison at Columbine Elementary. M.Ed. in Elementary Education, Regis University, with a Colorado professional teaching license, endorsed in Elementary, Early Childhood, Early Childhood Special Education, and Spanish. Director Qualified and bilingual/bi-literate in English and Spanish.
Wendy Chairez - Bilingual Teacher
Wendy is a bilingual, bi-literate, native Spanish speaker, who went to New Horizons as a child. She went on to Uni Hill, Casey, Boulder High, and is now studying Early Childhood Education at Front Range with a plan to complete a four year degree in ECE. Wendy brings a deeply reflective personal experience to her teaching, and is our dream come true, our second alumna to become a teacher at New Horizons.
Arisa LaFond - Bilingual Teacher
Arisa a Boulder native, speaking Spanish fluently, she has lived in several latin america countries teaching and learning. She went to New Horizons as a child and grew up in Boulder. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from CU in International Affairs, and is Licensed as a holistic body-mind practitioner as well as studying yoga and dance for several years. She continues to balance working in the healing arts with working with young children, most recently in a Montessori school. She believes that children as the wave of the next generation must have a safe and enriching environment to grow, learn and thrive.
“I found compassionate teachers, a diverse community and a passion to teach all children at New Horizons Cooperative Preschool. My two kids loved it.” – Kim Decker
“A wonderful and unique preschool experience.” -Aaryn Kay
“New Horizon’s Co-op was like family for our daughter, she felt comfortable to be herself and explore her surroundings in a natural way. We will never forget our experience here and suggest it to anyone looking for something down to earth and family based.” - Helen Joffe
“We are so grateful to have found New Horizons Cooperative Preschool in Boulder. Our son thrived in this environment. We are continually impressed by the teacher’s creativity and energy. As parents, it’s been exciting to participate in our child’s education and feel a part of a diverse community.” - Dave Rosenberg
“We wanted our daughter to have an opportunity to learn & play alongside children from a diverse background and begin her education at a magical place. We found this at New Horizons Cooperative Preschool and love being part of this community.” - Kevin Hill
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