✦ Founded 1969 · West Chester, Ohio

Built by parents.
Run by community.

West Chester Preschool has been a cornerstone of this community for over 55 years. We are a parent-run cooperative preschool for children ages 2-5, and there is nothing else quite like us in Cincinnati.

Our Story

Over 55 years and still going strong.

West Chester Preschool was founded in 1969 — originally known as West Chester Cooperative Nursery School — by a group of local parents who believed they could build something better together.

That spirit has never changed. Today WCP is still entirely parent-run. Our teachers are the only paid staff. Every other role — administration, fundraising, classroom support, maintenance, event planning — is handled by the families enrolled.

It sounds like a lot. Families who join almost always say the same thing: it gives back far more than it asks.

WCP Students celebrating graduation by throwing their caps
Our Approach

What we believe about early childhood

Every decision we make comes back to these principles.

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Learning should feel like play

Children learn best through hands-on exploration. Our curriculum is based on Ohio's Early Learning Content Standards and delivered through crafts, music, games, stories, science, and outdoor time.

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Social skills come first

Before letters and numbers, we focus on independence, creativity, self-esteem, and how to treat other people. These are the foundations that make everything else possible.

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Parents belong in the classroom

When parents are present and involved, children feel more secure and school feels less foreign. The co-op model keeps parents close during the years it matters most.

Our Teachers

The people your child will love

Our teachers are certified early childhood professionals with years of experience. They set the tone for everything that happens at WCP.

Ms. Lisa Cortez >

Ms. Lisa Cortez

Pre-K · 10 years at WCP

Lisa brings creativity, curiosity, and genuine warmth to every session. Her classroom is built around hands-on activities that develop social skills, early literacy, math, science, and the arts. Her own kids are WCP alumni.

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Ms. Erin Schmerr >

Ms. Erin Schmerr

Threes and Twos · 3 Years at WCP

Erin is a Cincinnati native with nearly 20 years in education, social work, and childcare. She came to WCP as a parent, fell in love with the school, and never left. She also runs a photography business in her spare time.

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Our Facilities

A space built for little learners

WCP is located inside Crestview Presbyterian Church at 9463 Cincinnati Columbus Rd, West Chester OH 45069. We are not a religious school — we simply rent a wonderful space from great neighbors.

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Dedicated classrooms

Each classroom is designed for hands-on learning, creativity, and small group interaction.

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Full gymnasium

Kids get access to a full gym for movement activities, indoor play, and physical development.

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Expansive outdoor area

A large playground and open field give kids fresh air and space to run, explore, and play every single day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • At WCP, we follow the cooperative preschool model - meaning the school is owned, operated, and supported by the families enrolled. The only paid staff are our amazing and qualified teachers. Each parent plays an active role as a working member, contributing to classroom activities, fundraising, maintenance, decision-making, and more. This shared commitment helps us maintain high standards while keeping tuition affordable. As co-owners, parents have both the responsibility and the rewarding influence that comes with shaping their child’s early learning environment.

  • West Chester Preschool rents its schoolhouse facilities from Crestview Presbyterian Church but operates independently without religious affiliation.

    Both WCP and Crestview Presbyterian Church share a commitment to providing enriching experiences for children. Preschool classes and Crestview Sunday School programs use shared equipment and furnishings, and through collaboration, we’ve been able to provide resources that neither the preschool nor the church could have acquired alone.

    As part of this special partnership, families who are members of Crestview Presbyterian Church receive priority enrollment at WCP. Likewise, WCP families receive priority registration for Crestview events such as Vacation Bible School (VBS), offering additional opportunities for enrichment and engagement.

  • Yes, WCP is fully licensed by the state of Ohio in accordance with Day Care Licensing Code Sec. 201988. We comply with all state health requirements for teachers, parents, and children. WCP welcomes families of all backgrounds and operates on a non-discriminatory basis, regardless of race, religion, sex, or national origin.

  • Your child must turn the respective class age (2 for Twos, 3 for Threes, and 4 for Pre-K) by September 30th of the registration year to be eligible. Reach out to us for more information!

  • WCP provides a vibrant learning environment with a variety of spaces designed to support children’s growth, exploration, and play.

    • Classrooms: Our preschool features two dedicated classrooms, each thoughtfully designed to encourage hands-on learning, creativity, and social interaction.

    • Gymnasium Access: Children also have access to a full gymnasium, giving them plenty of opportunities for movement-based activities, indoor play, and structured physical development.

    • Outdoor Play Areas: WCP is home to an expansive playground and open field, providing children with fresh-air experiences, outdoor learning opportunities, and space to run, explore, and engage in active play.

    These facilities ensure a well-rounded experience, combining structured learning with opportunities for movement, exploration, and fun.

  • As a cooperative preschool, WCP operates with the support of its families - our teachers are the only paid staff, while parents handle all other aspects of running the school. At the beginning of the year, each family is assigned a role, ensuring that all necessary tasks are completed to keep WCP functioning smoothly. Each enrolled student requires a parent-held job, and for families with multiple children, assignments are typically staggered to prevent overlapping busy periods.

    In addition to these responsibilities, parents also participate in the classroom. The number of days you’ll work depends on several factors, including the toddler class level, the number of parents required, and how many children you have enrolled. On average, expect to spend 2-3 days per month per child in the classroom, though this may vary depending on the needs of the school.

  • Yes. Another adult family member—such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or other trusted caregiver—may serve as your classroom helper as long as they meet our safety requirements. All adults working in the classroom must complete the state‑required background check and fingerprinting process before volunteering. If you need a substitute, the school will cover the fingerprinting cost for your designated helper.

    Class Representatives will work with you to front‑load or adjust your scheduled days when possible, especially around major family events like the birth of a new baby. If a substitute steps in for you, please keep your Class Rep informed so they can maintain accurate records of your family’s participation.

  • Parents contribute to various aspects of school operations, including classroom assistance, event planning, fundraising, school maintenance, policy-making, and administrative tasks. Each family is assigned a role that helps WCP run smoothly.

  • We currently allow a caregiver to remain in the building for students enrolled in our twos/threes class if they are not yet fully potty trained. Our Pre-K class does require all children to be potty-trained.

  • At the start of the school year, families choose or are assigned a job based on their availability, interests, and strengths. Efforts are made to match roles to parents’ skills and schedules while ensuring all essential tasks are covered.

  • No formal teaching experience is required - just a willingness to engage with children and support the teachers’ lesson plans. The only hard requirement is a background check. Teachers guide parents on their roles in the classroom, making it a rewarding and collaborative experience.

  • You'll assist teachers with daily activities, help supervise children, support play and learning experiences, and contribute to a warm, engaging environment.

  • Life happens! Parents typically coordinate with each other to swap classroom shifts when needed, ensuring coverage while maintaining flexibility

  • Fundraising efforts help enhance school resources while keeping costs manageable. Parents are encouraged to participate, whether through event planning, outreach, or direct contributions.

Come see it in person.

The best way to know if WCP is right for your family is to walk through the door. Meet the teachers, see the classrooms, and let your child spend some time in the space.

Call (513) 202-6187 or email president@westchesterpreschool.org