About Us
Happy Valley Children’s Ranch is a preschool situated on a 2-acre farm in the beautiful foothills of Arvada,
Colorado 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.
Our Philosophy
We champion children’s learning through meaningful play experiences, fostering a safe, respectful, and creative atmosphere. Our curriculum focuses on instilling values of self-respect, empathy, and environmental responsibility, promoting holistic development.
One of the distinctive features that makes Happy Valley Children’s Ranch stand out is our incorporation of farm animals into the learning experience. Beyond the sheer delight of interacting with ponies, sheep, goats and pigs, these animals play a pivotal role in our curriculum. Measuring out grain for the ponies becomes a lesson in counting, one-to-one correspondence, impulse control, teamwork and patience. Animals become center stage in lessons like hygiene – who knew that Poe, our pig, is the cleanest animal on the ranch and that goats don’t have top teeth? From immersive science lessons about the fundamental needs of all living things to practical skills, our farm animals open up a world of learning possibilities through experiences that are not only educational but deeply enriching as they instill a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of life.
Happy Valley Children’s Ranch is a proud advocate of inclusivity. We foster an environment that celebrates diversity, welcoming and valuing ALL students. While many schools claim inclusivity, they do not have the tools to be truly inclusive. Our director Julie, is a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) and we consult regularly with an occupational therapist, speech therapist, and other professionals who support the growth and development of children. While these types of services are generally only used for children with special needs, we employ them to support and enhance all of the children – and it shows. Classrooms are equipped with the tools for inclusion and are teachers are trained in the techniques of inclusion. This leads to a greater sense of community, empathy, and respect among students which means our students know how to understand and appreciate one another, laying the foundation for a future where diversity is cherished.
Our holistic approach to education goes beyond traditional boundaries. We recognize that a child’s development is multi-faceted, encompassing social, emotional, and physical domains. Our curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to nurture not only academic excellence but also social skills, emotional intelligence, and physical well-being. We aim to shape well-rounded individuals who are poised for success in all aspects of life.
At Happy Valley Children’s Ranch, we view education as a collaborative effort. Teachers, students, and families come together to create a larger support group. We actively involve parents in their child’s educational journey, forging a strong family connection. We then invite families to join with our staff in activities designed to strengthen the community. We honor those who severed our country, assist with the elderly, and support individuals less fortunate than ourselves. This collaboration ensures that the support and guidance our students receive extends seamlessly from home to school, and ultimately into their community creating a holistic and enriching experience for not just the child, but everyone connected to that child.
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.
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.
Our Team
Step into the heart of Happy Valley Children’s Ranch Preschool, where our dedicated team, led by the remarkable Ms. Julie, who brings over 15 years of educational expertise. Our team is not just knowledgeable, but also passionately committed to nurturing emotional intelligence, teaching conflict resolution, and fostering sharing among children. These foundational skills creates an environment where little ones not only thrive academically but also develop essential life skills for lifelong success.
