A Cooperative Preschool & Kindergarten Since 1936

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.

Charlestown Playhouse, founded in 1936, is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education as a private academic preschool and kindergarten. We are a non-profit, parent-cooperative 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.

PLEASE NOTE: AT THIS TIME CHARLESTOWN PLAYHOUSE IS NOT ACCEPTING DONATIONS FOR OUR SPRING SALE. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE BAGS OF DONATIONS OUTSIDE OF THE SCHOOL. PLEASE DO NOT BRING DONATIONS INTO THE SCHOOL. THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING, STAY WELL FRIENDS!

“I feel as though the fabric of my entire adult life has been woven together with Charlestown Playschool. Our children and then our grandchildren were Playschool graduates; I have no doubt that this experience made them more intellectually curious, creative, and caring people. Besides this personal connection, my years as a Playschool parent helper motivated me to pursue a career in early childhood development and education. At Playschool, I became convinced that—as NAEYC says—“the early years are learning years” with unique importance for later development. Later as a graduate student, I found strong research support for Playschool’s approach to early childhood education. In my university teaching, writing, and presentations I have often referred to Playschool as a shining example of how to nurture the growth of young children and their families.”

Marilou Hyson, Ph.D.
National and International Consultant, Early Childhood Development and Education