We strive to keep our class size small. We believe the classroom is most enjoyable when our teachers can work as a team. There will be at least two teachers per class.

We cap our Tadpoles class at 12 students and strive for a ratio of 1 teacher per 4 students, not to exceed 1:6.

We cap our Frogs class at 16 students, and strive for ratio of 1 teacher per 6 students, not to exceed 1:8.

These ratios are far below the state standard of

We accept children 2.5 to 5 years old. We have two classes. Our mixed age preschool for 2.5 to 4 year olds (tadpoles), and our pre-kindergarten class for 4 to 5 year olds (frogs).

Our unique vision combines the best practices of early childhood education, drawing inspiration from Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, nature-based, STEM, child-led, and play-based learning.

Please go to our Curriculum page to read a comprehensive explanation of our curriculum.

At Pixie Hill, we understand the importance of accommodating the diverse needs and schedules of our families. Our current four-hour morning program, from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, is designed to provide a convenient option for families on Mercer Island and surrounding areas, allowing enough time to drop off older children at elementary school before bringing preschoolers to Pixie Hill. We've found that scheduling preschool drop-off after big kid drop-off works well for many families and helps streamline their morning routines.

At our preschool, we prioritize creating opportunities for families to connect, socialize, and build community. Our doors open shortly before 9:30 am, allowing families to drop off their children and engage in morning activities. After pick-up, at 1:30 pm, we invite children and parents/caregivers to stay and play until 2:00 pm, fostering an extended sense of community beyond regular school hours.

This post-pick-up playtime provides families with a valuable opportunity to socialize, get to know each other, and build connections within our preschool community. It's a great chance for children to continue their social interactions, engage in cooperative play, and develop friendships. Additionally, parents/caregivers can exchange ideas, share experiences, and support one another in their parenting journey.

We encourage families to take advantage of this time to arrange playdates, coordinate activities, and strengthen relationships with fellow preschool families. Whether it's exploring our outdoor play areas, participating in organized activities, or briefly chatting with our teachers, our extended hours offer a warm and welcoming environment for families to come together and create lasting memories.

Pixie Hill highly values time spent outdoors and learning through play! We play outside rain or shine for at least 60 minutes everyday. When weather allows we shift activities outdoors. Outdoor play and learning are integral parts of our curriculum. We believe in the importance of outdoor exploration for children's physical, cognitive, and emotional development, and provide ample opportunities for outdoor play, nature scavenger hunts, gardening activities, and plant/bug identification. Every spring each Pixie brings a flower to plant in the garden on Earth Day and starts a bean sprout to take home.

We work closely with families to support children in their potty training journey, providing guidance, encouragement, and consistent routines to promote success. Our experienced teachers are trained to assist children at various stages of potty training readiness.

Yes, parents are welcome to visit and observe our classes by appointment (to avoid a disruption to students). Additionally, parents are invited to come facilitate an activity with the children, such as yoga or finger knitting. We believe in fostering open communication and collaboration between parents and teachers to support children's learning and development.

The following safety measures are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that our preschool remains a safe and secure environment for all children, staff, and visitors.

Secure Facility: Our facility is equipped with secure entry systems and monitored access points to prevent unauthorized entry.

Emergency Procedures: We have established emergency procedures and protocols, including fire drills, lockdown drills, and evacuation plans, which are regularly practiced to ensure preparedness in any situation.

Staff Training: Our staff members undergo thorough training in CPR, first aid, and child safety protocols. They are also trained to recognize and respond to signs of potential hazards or emergencies.

Health and Hygiene Practices: We maintain strict hygiene practices, including regular handwashing routines, sanitation of toys and equipment, and adherence to health guidelines to prevent the spread of illnesses.

Safety Equipment: We have safety equipment such as first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and emergency supplies readily available on-site.

Supervision: Our teachers and staff provide constant supervision and vigilant monitoring of children during all activities to ensure their safety and well-being.

Parent Communication: We maintain open communication with parents regarding safety protocols, emergency procedures, and any relevant updates or concerns.

Collaboration with Authorities: We collaborate with local authorities, emergency services, and relevant agencies to continuously assess and improve our safety measures based on best practices and recommendations.

At our preschool, we believe in fostering positive behavior and promoting a supportive learning environment where children feel respected, valued, and empowered to make positive choices. Our approach to discipline and behavior management is rooted in positive guidance techniques that focus on teaching appropriate behavior, problem-solving skills, and emotional regulation.

Positive Reinforcement: We emphasize positive reinforcement and praise to encourage and reinforce desired behaviors. Children are acknowledged and celebrated for demonstrating kindness, cooperation, and other positive behaviors.

Clear Expectations: We establish clear expectations for behavior and classroom rules, which are communicated consistently to all children. This helps create a structured and predictable environment where children understand the boundaries and know what is expected of them.

Conflict Resolution: We teach children conflict resolution skills and provide guidance on how to communicate effectively, express emotions appropriately, and resolve conflicts peacefully. Teachers facilitate discussions and problem-solving sessions to help children navigate conflicts and find mutually satisfactory solutions.

Modeling Behavior: Teachers model positive behavior and interpersonal skills, serving as role models for children to emulate. Through their actions and interactions, teachers demonstrate respect, empathy, and kindness, fostering a positive classroom culture.

Redirecting Behavior: In situations where inappropriate behavior occurs, we use gentle redirection and guidance to help children understand the impact of their actions and redirect their behavior towards more appropriate alternatives.

Individualized Support: We recognize that each child is unique and may have different needs and challenges. Our teachers provide individualized support and encouragement, tailoring their approach to address specific behavior concerns and support children's social-emotional development.

Collaboration with Parents: We maintain open communication with parents regarding their child's behavior, sharing observations, insights, and strategies for promoting positive behavior both at school and at home. We value parents as partners in supporting children's growth and development.

Professional Development: Our teachers receive ongoing training and professional development in positive guidance techniques, behavior management strategies, and child development principles to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to support children's social-emotional well-being.

By fostering a nurturing and supportive learning environment and implementing proactive and positive behavior management strategies, we strive to create a classroom where all children feel safe, respected, and empowered to thrive.

Our Tadpoles class tuition is $475 per month for 2 days a week and $725 per month for 3 days a week. For our Pre-K Frogs class, tuition is $650 per month for 3 days a week, $865 per month for 4 days a week, and $1100 per month for 5 days a week. Additionally, we charge a one-time registration fee of $100 and a one-time materials fee ranging from $150 to $300, depending on the frequency of your child's attendance.