A Cooperative Preschool & Kindergarten

NATURE-BASED LEARNING!

At Playschool, the outdoor environment is the foundation for our play-based, child-centered approach. Our morning classes take place both inside and outside, using our extensive wooded play yard and natural materials as the basis for learning. Children have access to our building and our open-air, semi-permanent structures for shelter.  

WHO WE ARE

Charlestown Playhouse is a non-profit, parent-cooperative preschool that emphasizes learning through child-centered play, the importance of supporting social and emotional development in young children, the beauty and value of nature and a strong sense of community.  At Charlestown Playhouse, we believe that it is through play and active involvement with real materials that children learn best about themselves and their world. Founded in 1936, we are licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education as a private academic preschool and kindergarten, and hold a license with the PA Department for Human Services for childcare as well.

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Support 85 Years of Play

Your contribution helps Playschool continue its mission of play based education for another 85 years!

Come on over for children's crafts and games, gifts, music, chili contest and plenty of cheer!

You GAVE so that children can keep learning through PLAY.

The values and skills we highlighted on #GivingTuesday don't go away - our exceptional teachers, parent helpers and students keep playing every day!

You can still support Playschool by #GivingPlay now.

We are very grateful to announce a generous endowment of $50,000 gifted in honor of Marilou Hyson by her husband John, and their sons Jeff and Dan, on the occasion of her 80th birthday. The fund honors Marilou's distinguished career and the transformational role of Playschool.

At Playschool I learned about my own children, about how to be a better parent, about what’s involved in being a great teacher, about how communities can nurture people, and about the lasting importance of early childhood development and education. - Marilou Hyson

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