Our Story
A tradition of learning, community, and play since 1962.
For more than six decades, Gig Harbor Cooperative Preschool has been a place where children discover the joy of learning through play, families build lasting friendships, and generations of Gig Harbor families have found a community to call their own.
Where It All Began
Gig Harbor Cooperative Preschool was founded in 1962 with a simple but enduring belief: young children learn best through exploration, curiosity, and meaningful relationships.
What began as a small community of families has grown into one of Gig Harbor's longest-standing preschool programs, serving generations of children while remaining true to the values that inspired its founding.
Over the years, thousands of children have taken their first steps into a classroom at GHCP. Many of today's families share stories of parents, grandparents, or relatives who once learned and played here themselves—a legacy we're honored to continue.
A Community That Grows Together
From the very beginning, GHCP has been about more than early childhood education.
We've always believed that preschool should be a place where children feel safe to explore, families feel welcomed and supported, and friendships naturally grow. The relationships built here often extend far beyond the preschool years, creating a community that celebrates milestones, supports one another through life's challenges, and remains connected long after graduation.
For many families, GHCP becomes more than their child's first school—it becomes their first community.
"Children come here to learn and play. Families leave with lifelong friendships."
Our Next Chapter
While our history stretches back more than 60 years, GHCP continues to evolve to meet the needs of today's families.
In 2026, we began an exciting new chapter as an independent nonprofit preschool. While our organizational structure has evolved, our commitment to cooperative learning, parent involvement, and exceptional early childhood education remains unchanged.
As a proud member of the Parent Cooperative Preschools Organization (PCPO), we continue to provide the parent education, community, and support that have been at the heart of our school for generations.
We're incredibly proud of where we've been—and even more excited about where we're going.
How does our story become your child’s story?
Discover how our play-based philosophy comes to life through purposeful learning, outdoor exploration, and meaningful experiences designed to help every child thrive.