Columbia Kids Preschool

Did you know that Columbia Kids and Sprouting Seeds School is a co-op?

For families this means a very rich education for a fraction of the cost of what standard drop-off programs charge. In exchange for accessible tuition, parents contribute their hard work, time, energy, ideas and love.

On an organizational level it means we have to make up those funds through fundraising. Without support from our donors we just simply wouldn't be able to make this program work.

Who We Are

• We are two programs, one mission. Columbia Kids Preschool serves children ages 3-5 with a play-based learning community where the whole person is honored. Sprouting Seeds School welcomes older children (K-6 / middle school) into an after-school enrichment space focused on child-led, immersive experience.

• We are cooperative. Families, teachers, and children. Each one contributes time, energy, ideas, love. We believe that when families are partners in education, learning takes root more deeply.

Why This Program Is So Vital

• Accessible Excellence. Because we operate as a co-op, we offer deeply meaningful, high-quality educational experiences at a fraction of the cost of traditional drop-off models. But affordability means we rely on donor generosity.

• Whole-child Learning. From art, song, and imaginative play in the preschool, to immersive, experience-based learning in Sprouting Seeds, children don’t just memorize. They explore, make, wonder, and grow.

• Community That Lasts. Over decades, relationships have blossomed between children, parents, teachers, and across generations. Lifelong friendships and strong family bonds are among what our cooperative makes possible.

The Legacy of 40+ Years

Virginia Triplett has been a teacher at Columbia Kids and Sprouting Seeds for more than 40 years. She also served as a Clark College affiliated parent educator, guiding families through the challenging and rewarding work of raising creative, curious, responsible citizens. Over the decades, hundreds of families have benefited from her invaluable support.

Today, Virginia continues to co-teach alongside Janine Carr, leading meaningful, hands-on projects with children and facilitating parent discussions. The parent education courses built on Virginia’s teachings remain a vital part of our programming at Columbia Kids, ensuring her impact continues to shape families and children for generations to come.

What Your Gift Can Do

• Keep tuition accessible so that no child is shut out due to cost.

• Enrich our learning spaces: art, nature, tools, playgrounds. Everything that nurtures discovery.

• Support our cooperative model, including teacher professional development, parent engagement, and facilities for both preschool and after-school programs to flourish.

We are deeply grateful for your time and consideration. Every gift, large or small, helps us continue this important work with children and families. 

Thank you.