Program Overview
Happy Valley Children’s Ranch is a preschool situated on a 2-acre farm in the beautiful foothills of Arvada, CO and has been providing quality education to children since 1961. Our preschool offers part-time half-day educational programs for children ages 3 to 6 years old based on the Colorado Academic Standards for Kindergarten readiness. We are also proud to be participating in the State of Colorado's Universal Preschool Program.
A unique part of our program is our ranch atmosphere. We have farm animals including: miniature horses, sheep, goats, and pigs. Children learn about each one of our animals by interacting with them in the petting pen, in the barn and they get to ride the miniature horses on a pony ring.
We also offer a Summer Camp Program for Children ages 3 to 7 during the months of June-August. They attend two days per week for a three hour session. Families can choose from a 6 week or 4 week session. Registration for our summer camp opens in February.
Our Mission
At Happy Valley Children’s Ranch Preschool, we believe that children learn best through meaningful play experiences both inside the classroom and the outside environment. We provide an atmosphere that is safe, nurturing, respectful, creative and fun. We teach children about the importance of respecting themselves, others, animals and the environment. We help children develop intellectual, social, emotional, and physical skills through developmentally age-appropriate activities.
Happy Valley is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for our students. Our owner/director Julie Bown is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and holds a master degree in special education. Julie believes that all students deserve access to quality education, and is committed to working with families to make as many accommodations as possible so all can have access to our amazing school.
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The Happy Valley Story
Happy Valley Children's Ranch Preschool was founded by Lyla Woodworth. Lyla had always dreamed of providing a ranch type atmosphere for preschool children. In September 1961, Lyla opened Happy Valley Children’s Ranch on Tabor Street with only four students, her two ponies and a variety of other farm animals. In September 1968, the school was moved to the current Quaker Street address where she built the little red schoolhouse and a few animal shelters on the land purchased.
Today Happy Valley Ranch Preschool is operated by Julie Bown and Nichole Miller. There are 240 children that attend every school year as it continues with many of the same traditions as when it began in 1961. We are proud to say we have many third-generation families that attend our preschool.
