Happy Valley Children's Ranch Preschool

Happy Valley Children's Ranch Preschool is a preschool in Arvada, CO. It has provided education to children since 1961 on a 2-acre farm in the foothills of Arvada. The school serves children ages 3 to 6 with part-time and half-day programs, including Preschool for 3-year-olds, Pre-Kindergarten for 4-year-olds, and a half-day Kindergarten class for 5-year-olds. It also offers a Summer Camp for ages 3 to 10. The school participates in the State of Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program and aligns its curriculum with the Colorado Academic Standards for Kindergarten Readiness.

The educational approach centers on meaningful play, exploration, and hands-on experiences within a safe and creative atmosphere. A distinctive feature of the curriculum is the integration of farm animals, including ponies, sheep, goats, and pigs. These animals are used to teach practical skills such as counting, one-to-one correspondence, impulse control, teamwork, and patience through daily tasks like measuring out grain. The school emphasizes core values of inclusivity, excellence, holistic development, and connection, fostering self-respect, empathy, and environmental responsibility. The leadership team includes an Owner/Director, an Assistant Director and Curriculum Coordinator, and an Office Manager. The teaching staff consists of lead qualified teachers, lead teachers, assistant teachers, and a substitute teacher. Specialty support staff on site includes an Occupational Therapist, a Speech Language Pathologist, and an Animal Instructor.

The location sits on Quaker St in Arvada. It is about 0.3 miles from Church Ditch, a canal. Quaker Acres Park is 0.7 miles away. West Woods Elementary School is 0.8 miles from the ranch. The Cold War Horse public artwork, Daybreak Park, and Leyden Lake are all located 1 mile away.

The business holds a rating of 4.80 from customers who have reviewed it. It stands out in Arvada for its long history of service and its unique farm-based learning environment.