About Whittier Heights Preschool Inc.
Our History
Whittier Heights Preschool Inc. was founded in 2004 with the mission of providing high-quality early childhood education to the local community. Since then, we have become one of the most respected preschools in the area.
While WHP began as a modified co-op, with Teacher Claire joining me as a full-time lead teacher in 2024, we have dropped parent help requirements. This doesn't mean we discourage parents from staying to observe what's happening at preschool, parents are welcome anytime! We believe flexibility is absolutely necessary at any age.
WHP partially occupies the daylight basement of a house in NE Ballard with a secure, separate walkway and entrance. A screened-in outdoor classroom was constructed at the beginning of the pandemic which continues to be a highly utilized area regardless of weather conditions. Children are allowed to play on our large and secure playground anytime during free-play periods. Good rain pants (rain suits are cumbersome for potty times), boots, and jackets are recommended.
Our Curriculum
Whittier Heights Preschool Inc. offers your child a curriculum with a unique mix of play, art, and nature based learning with a focus on early literacy, math, and natural science concepts, while honoring self expression, learning styles and exploring emerging interests. The emphasis is on learning through art, music, stories, building, sensory and dramatic play, games, and lots of outdoor play, rain or shine! WHP continues to use the open-air classroom built during the pandemic, in addition to indoor space so children have options to learn and play.
Our program is designed to encourage children’s active exploration with other children and materials, where children experience freedom within limits and are free to follow their own interests. We believe that learning is done best by interacting and collaborating with others and through the investment of hands-on, minds-on inquiry. Our goal is to develop kind, curious and independent individuals and inspire learning, encourage problem solving, and teach responsibility while preparing them for their post preschool educational experiences.
WHP is open from mid-September through mid-June and follows the Seattle Public School calendar for breaks and holidays. Week long themed camps are offered during the summer.
In an effort to keep the immunocompromised in our community safe - students, infant siblings, and sick family members who cannot be vaccinated - we require that children at WHP are up to date on immunizations and children and parents are vaccinated against Covid.
Classes at WHP
Thrilling Threes (turning four)
Let's explore the alphabet, the world around us, and the joys of learning together. Our child to teacher ratio is a maximum of 7:1.
Fabulous Fours/Fives Pre-K
Dedicated to kindergarten readiness for four year old's turning five and children needing an extra year, in a fun and nurturing environment.
Our child to teacher ratio is a maximum of 7:1.