Here is why families
choose WCP.
We are not the biggest preschool in West Chester. We are the one families talk about for years after their kids graduate. Here is what makes the difference.
Six reasons families pick WCP
These are the things families tell us they wish they had known before they started looking.
You get a front-row seat
Most preschools keep parents at the door. At WCP you are in the classroom. You watch your child make friends, solve problems, and grow in real time.
Tuition that makes sense
Starting at $70 a month, WCP is one of the most affordable preschools in West Chester. The co-op model keeps costs low without cutting corners.
Teachers who actually know your child
Small classes. The same teachers every day. Our staff know every child by name, every quirk, every strength.
A community that sticks around
WCP families do not just know each other at drop-off. They become actual friends who stay in touch long after their kids move on.
Kids leave ready for kindergarten
Our curriculum follows Ohio's Early Learning Content Standards. By the time Pre-K graduates walk into kindergarten, their teachers notice the difference.
55 years of doing this well
WCP has been here since 1969. Families keep coming back - often enrolling a second or third child before the first one has even finished.
Heard directly from our community
Real families. Real words. Not ours.
★★★★★
"My only regret is not finding this place sooner. I have complete confidence that my son is prepared for kindergarten because of his time at WCP."
Alison Blankenship
WCP Parent
Erin McQuillen
WCP Parent
★★★★★
"Mrs. Lisa is so patient and kind. The co-op aspect is a huge positive - I love getting to help in the classroom and be involved in school decisions. We loved it so much we enrolled our second child in the Twos class."
Katherine Oliver
WCP Parent
★★★★★
"I loved the sense of community at WCP. We gained lifelong friends. It was wonderful to take such a hands-on role in my children's first educational experience."
Erin Schmerr
WCP Parent
★★★★★
"I toured a lot of Pre-K programs. Many did not let parents even in the building. When I heard WCP was parent-run, I knew it was the school for us. The teachers are wonderful. The families are wonderful. It is such a unique and special place."
Taylor Dore
WCP Parent
★★★★★
"I was worried about my pandemic baby's socialisation after so much time at home. WCP has done a fantastic job helping him become independent, social, and confident. We are already signed up for the Threes program."
Lauren Lintz
WCP Parent
★★★★★
"It is amazing to watch your child learn and emotionally mature in a safe environment. This type of involvement is only possible at a cooperative school."
Amanda Hackney
WCP Parent
★★★★★
"Being part of their journey gives you a front-row seat to their growth while building your village and connecting with the community. The teachers are truly invested in the kids, and it shows. WCP is one of a kind."
Laura Gilbert
WCP Parent
★★★★★
"Moving to a new area not knowing anyone was overwhelming. Finding WCP gave us an instant community. Having the opportunity to be part of our children's education is a gift I will always cherish."
Valerie Williams
WCP Parent
★★★★★
"It is a place where everyone is on the educational team. My son has grown from the time, attention, and care shown to him. A great balance of learning and play - I would highly recommend it."
Nathan Nixon
WCP Parent
★★★★★
"It has been amazing to see Alexander thrive - making friends, growing in confidence, and forming a great bond with Mrs. Erin. Beyond his experience, I loved being part of the co-op community. Without a doubt, we are sending our youngest here too."
Amber Cron
WCP Parent
★★★★★
"Our first year at WCP has been amazing. My son loves his teacher and his friends. The teachers and parents here are a blessing - I could not recommend this school more."
Meagan Gegner
WCP Parent
★★★★★
"This school cares immensely about its students. My son loves going to school because he has a great time learning through play. The teachers go above and beyond - we could not recommend WCP more."
Erin Millspaw
WCP Parent
★★★★★
"I love being part of my kids' first experience of school. I know all their classmates and have formed real relationships with their parents. This school is a true community."
Daniel Hagedorn
WCP Parent
★★★★★
"A wonderful school where teachers care for each student as an individual and parents get to have direct impact. We loved it so much we signed our daughter up to join her brother next year."
Emily Wilkes
WCP Parent
★★★★★
"I love getting to be involved in the classroom and watch my son blossom. Malcolm loves it here - and since it is a smaller school with involved parents, I get to build real relationships with the other families too."
Jessica Swarr
WCP Parent
★★★★★
"Ms. Erin is a great teacher and our daughter adores her as do all the students. Getting to know the teachers and parents helps not only the kids but us to branch out socially. Your child will have a blast here."
Kayla Moormann
WCP Parent
★★★★★
"Being able to take part in the classroom and see your kid in their environment has been so fun. The teachers and parents are amazing and make it such an easy and fun environment. My four year old loves it."
Lisa T.
WCP Parent
★★★★★
"Our first year at this school and we have registered for a 2nd year. Our child loves it and so do we. Staff and parents are great."
Lexie Lenavitt
WCP Parent
★★★★★
"This school is truly our second home. I have absolutely loved being able to be in the class with my kids, meeting their friends and their friends' parents, and watching them grow in such a loving environment."
Anita Shrestha
WCP Parent
★★★★★
"This preschool has been a wonderful place for my two daughters. The teachers are loving, supportive, and truly care about the children. My shy little girl has grown so much - she now looks forward to coming to school every day."
Sara Jane Nixon
WCP Parent
★★★★★
"Our son has been at WCP for 2 years and it has been amazing to see him thrive through making friends, growing in confidence, and forming a great bond with his teacher, Ms. Erin."
Courtney Marquart
WCP Parent
★★★★★
"We LOVE WCP! Our daughter has been here for going on 3 years now. We've fostered friendships as parents. We love the connections, the events, the teachers. Everything!"
Teresa Vasquez
WCP Parent
★★★★★
"I'm so grateful we found WCP. My little one has grown so much, learned so much, and loves his teachers. I love that I get to know them too, and get to know all the friends in class. The parents are so involved and dedicated, and for the teachers it is obviously their passion. We really could not have asked for a better experience - I only wish it was for more years."
Renee Ross
WCP Parent
★★★★★
"We love the community feel and how we get to be as involved as we want in our daughter's classroom and the school itself. The teachers are incredible and truly care for each student."
You will always know how your child is doing.
WCP takes parent communication seriously. Between ClassDojo updates, your own classroom helper days, and formal conferences, you will never feel out of the loop.
Annual parent-teacher conferences
Threes and Pre-K families receive a formal conference each year where the teacher reviews your child's development in detail. You can also request a conference at any time — no waiting for a scheduled slot.
Early Pre-K conferences
Pre-K conferences are scheduled early in the year specifically to help families make informed decisions about kindergarten readiness or whether an additional Pre-K year would benefit their child.
You see it yourself
Because you help in the classroom 1-3 times a month, you do not have to wait for a conference to know how your child is doing. You watch them learn, grow, and make friends in real time.
A year full of things to look forward to
WCP is not just classes. The school year is packed with events, celebrations, and community moments that families talk about long after their kids graduate.
September — Start of School Picnic
Kick off the year with a community picnic. Families meet, kids run around, and the school year starts on the best possible note.
October — Fall Parties
Costumes, crafts, and classroom celebrations. One of the most anticipated events of the fall semester.
November — Thanksgiving Sharing
A chance for children to practice gratitude and share something meaningful with their class community.
December — Holiday Party
Seasonal crafts, songs, and celebrations to close out the first semester together as a class.
February — Valentine's Party
Cards, treats, and a morning focused on kindness and friendship — a highlight for three and four-year-olds especially.
April — Easter Egg Hunt
A WCP tradition. Kids hunt eggs on the playground and the whole school feels like spring has arrived.
May — Class Graduations
Pre-K graduation is a proper celebration. Caps, certificates, and a room full of proud parents who have watched their kids grow all year.
All Year — Enrichment Program
Optional extracurricular activities led by WCP teachers or qualified instructors. A chance for kids to explore new interests beyond the regular class schedule.
Years in West Chester
Founded in 1969 and still going strong. One of the longest-running preschools in the area.
Classes for ages 2-5
Twos, Threes, Pre-K AM, and Pre-K PM - a class for every age and every schedule.
Tuition from per month
Co-ops share the load. That keeps our tuition low without cutting corners on quality.
Ohio licensed
Fully licensed and non-discriminatory. Every family is welcome here, no exceptions. We are a licensed child care center and regulated by ODJFS
WCP vs a traditional preschool
An honest look at what makes the co-op model different.
| Feature | WCP | Typical Preschool |
|---|---|---|
| Parent involvement in classroom | Yes - 1-3x per month | Rarely or never |
| Monthly tuition (4-year-old) | From $175-$200 | Often $500-$1,500+ |
| Class size | Small, intentional | Varies, often larger |
| Know every classmate's family | Yes | Unlikely |
| Curriculum basis | Ohio Early Learning Standards | Varies by school |
| Parent community | Built in by design | Up to you to find |
| State licensed | Yes, by ODJFS | Varies |
| Non-discriminatory | Yes, always | Varies |