New Horizons Cooperative Preschool

Founded in 1968 by a group of Boulder parents in the wake of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination, New Horizons Cooperative Preschool was created with a bold and enduring mission: to bring together families traditionally divided by race, class, and culture. For more than five decades, that mission has guided everything we do — nurturing young children while building a community rooted in equity, empathy, and shared learning.

At New Horizons, we believe that every child deserves access to a high-quality preschool education, regardless of a family’s financial situation. From the very beginning, we have never turned away a student because of their ability to pay. Our cooperative model — where parents, teachers, and the community work side by side — has allowed us to sustain this promise for generations. Today, we continue that commitment through a mix of family participation, foundation support, and public funding such as Universal Preschool Colorado (UPK).

Our bilingual, play-based program serves children ages 2.5 to 6, helping them grow through curiosity, creativity, and connection. At least two Spanish-speaking teachers are present in every classroom, creating an environment where English- and Spanish-speaking children learn together — and from each other. We’ve also expanded language access to include Nepalese translation, reflecting the evolving diversity of our community.

As a cooperative, parents play an active role in their child’s classroom, contributing their time, talents, and cultural perspectives. We also provide family workshops on topics like bilingual education, child development, and navigating the public school system — ensuring that learning extends beyond the classroom. Our Family Literacy Program, now in its 20th year, brings Spanish-speaking parents and children together monthly to share stories, build language skills, and grow their home libraries.

Each year, more than 65% of our families receive tuition assistance, and about half of our students come from Spanish-speaking or immigrant households. Together, our families form a vibrant and inclusive community where all children — and parents — learn what it means to belong.

Your support helps us sustain this vision. With your generosity, New Horizons can continue to open doors for Boulder’s children and families — creating a foundation for lifelong learning, understanding, and connection.