WELCOME TO GRANT PARK COOPERATIVE PRESCHOOL!
Community. Cooperation. Inclusion. Diversity.
Grant Park Cooperative Preschool (GPCP) is a Reggio Emilia-inspired cooperative preschool serving a passionate and diverse community of children, families, and educators in the Grant Park area of Atlanta. We run on a truly cooperative model where parents, educators, and children are all stakeholders in the school. Run by a parent-led volunteer Board of Directors, GPCP focuses on the education of the whole child in an environment where their voice always matters.
Founded in 2000, Grant Park Cooperative Preschool is a learning community of children, parents, educators and members of the greater community serving the diverse populations of historic in-town Atlanta neighborhoods. Situated in the Grant Park neighborhood, just blocks from historic Grant Park and Zoo Atlanta, our school is distinct as a cooperative that values parent participation. Our experience with young children is influenced by the Reggio Emilia approach. This hands-on, child-centered learning style allows us to focus on the unique needs of the whole child and incorporates a distinct focus on the natural world.
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About Us
GPCP’s identity is framed by our commitment to offering a high quality education and nurturing a joyful childhood. We are committed to advocating for all children’s rights since we know that racial, gender identity, and class disparities persist in early childhood education. We embrace diversity and full inclusion as not just values but also strengths. GPCP fosters an atmosphere of mutual respect in a rich and inclusive learning environment, facilitated by Reggio Emilia practicing educators with participation by families. GPCP operates as a cooperative because we believe that the contributions of all members of our community enhance the experiences of children. It is our belief that social transformation is achieved by raising bold and empathetic children who are empowered to advocate for themselves and others to create a future of racial justice and equity.
Our Mission
108
FAMILIES ENROLLED EVERY YEAR
An estimated 108 in-town families choose GPCP every year for their child’s first educational experience. We believe a smaller number of enrolled students ensures that children get enough personalized attention, every day.
25
YEARS SERVING OUR COMMUNITY
Our school opened in 2000 in the downstairs of St. Pauls United Methodist Church in Grant Park, Atlanta. We are surrounded by local families who want to actively participate in their children’s growth and educational experience.
1,238
GPCP CHILDREN GRADUATED
Each year in May, we host a beautiful ceremony in Grant Park, celebrating all of our little graduates and their journey. Grandparents are welcome to join us and bring your tissues.
Our Programs
PRESCHOOL MORNING PROGRAM
Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Our program allows for a flexible schedule and offers families 5-day, 3-day, and 2-day per-week options. As a school, we follow the Atlanta Public School schedule for holidays, breaks, snow days, and educator planning days. The Preschool program is designed to encourage the development of the child’s self-respect and inner discipline. Primary importance is placed on creating opportunities for children to satisfy their natural curiosity and to find fulfilling outlets through music, art, literature, Spanish, language, drama, and other forms of free play.
EXTENDED DAY
Monday - Friday from 12:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.
This program is open to children enrolled in the morning program. There are options for pick-up times at 3:30, 4:30, and 5:30.
EARLY ARRIVAL
Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 8:30 a.m.
Some families need child-care before our Morning Program begins. This program is open to children enrolled in the morning program.
FARM-TO-SCHOOL INITIATIVE
Our Farm-to-School lunch program is designed to support awareness of where our food comes from, seasonal cycles, and allergy safety. All children will enjoy a healthy and nutritious vegetarian lunch each day prepared by the school’s chef.
“GPCP creates a nurturing environment that allows children to be excited to learning experiment every day”
Susannah Darrow / Parent 2015-2020
APPLY FOR ENROLLMENT
Children can be enrolled at GPCP from three months old.
MAKE A DONATION
Donations help us make the Preschool a vital and growing operation.