Parent's Day Out (PDO)/Toddlers Class: 12 months to 27 months and walking confidently and independently, with a maximum of 4 students per class. MWF & TTH

2s&3s Class: 27 months to 3 years old with a maximum of 8 students per class. MWF & TTH

Pre-K Class: 3 ½ -5 years old with a maximum of 12 students per class. MWF or 5 days

We now offer Extended Day opportunities for our Pre-K and 2s&3s classes!

Our regular class day runs from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Extended Days goes until 2:00 p.m.

Absolutely! We welcome new families year-round. Even though the official school year may have already begun, we continue to accept enrollment as long as space is available and there isn’t a waitlist. If you’re considering joining us, please don’t hesitate to reach out! We’d be delighted to share more about our school, give a tour and see if we’re the right fit for your family.

Play-based learning is an educational approach where children learn by doing—through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences. In this type of environment, play is guided by both the child’s interests and the teacher’s support. While children engage in activities that feel fun and natural, they’re also developing important skills like problem-solving, creativity, communication, and cooperation. Research shows that play-based learning helps young children build strong social, emotional, and academic foundations that prepare them for future learning.

We believe children learn best through play and exploration in a safe, nurturing environment. Our curriculum grows from the interests and needs of the children, blending individual discovery, group collaboration, and hands-on learning experiences.

To learn more about our philosophy and curriculum in detail, please visit our Philosophy & Curriculum page.

Our school is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon. Though, some classes will offer extended days, depending on availability. We follow the Denton Independent School District’s calendar, including school holidays, teacher planning days, and closures for severe weather.

Our little school is a wonderful fit for families who want to be actively involved in their child’s early education. Because we are a cooperative preschool, parents play an important role in the classroom and in the daily life of the school.

Our model works especially well for:

• Parents who enjoy volunteering and being part of a close-knit community

• Families looking for a more affordable preschool option

• Stay-at-home or part-time working parents who want a few hours a week for their child to play, learn, and socialize with others (and possibly get some errands done, child-free!)

• Parents who value hands-on, play-based learning and want to see their child thrive in a nurturing environment

At Cornerstone, parents don’t just drop off—they join in. This involvement creates a strong sense of community while enriching every child’s preschool experience.

While both provide care for young children, a preschool focuses on early learning and development through a structured curriculum. Our play-based program is designed to support children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth in a nurturing classroom environment.

Daycares typically provide more flexible, full-day care with a primary focus on supervision, whereas preschools, like Cornerstone, offer an educational experience that helps prepare children for kindergarten and beyond.

At Cornerstone, sweat equity means the time and effort families contribute to help our school thrive. Because we are a cooperative, parents play an active role in the day-to-day and behind-the-scenes operations of the preschool. This involvement keeps tuition affordable, strengthens our community, and enriches each child’s experience.

Examples of sweat equity: Taking care of an “Adopt-a-Spot” around the school (like mowing the grass, caring for the playground, picking weeds, etc.). Serving on the board or a committee. Bringing supplies to school parties. Pitching in with fundraisers and community events. There are many ways to contribute your time!

10 hours of sweat equity for the FALL semester.

15 hours of sweaty equity for the SPRING/SUMMER semester.

Learn more about Sweat Equity here!

Through our Adopt-A-Spot program, parents sign up for small upkeep tasks around the school. These jobs not only keep our environment fresh and cared for but also count toward your family’s sweat equity.

Some examples of Adopt-A-Spot tasks include:

• Spreading mulch on the playground

• Re-filling the sandbox

• Mowing the grass

• Raking leaves or tidying the porch

• Soft toy and linen laundry

• Changing out air filters

A sign-up list for Adopt-A-Spot opportunities will be available at the beginning of each school year, so families can choose what works best for them. Each family’s contributions, big or small, add up to a clean, safe, and happy space for our children.

At Cornerstone, parents play an active role in the classroom as part of our cooperative model. Families (except in the Toddler program) take turns serving as a “Parent Helper” in their child’s class, usually about once or twice a month.

As a Parent Helper, you’ll spend the day alongside your child—assisting teachers, helping with classroom routines, preparing a snack for your designated classroom, and engaging with the children. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share in your child’s preschool experience, get to know their classmates, and connect with other families.

This active participation is at the heart of what makes Cornerstone special. It strengthens our school community, gives children the joy of seeing their parents involved, and provides valuable support for our teachers.

Snack time is an important part of our daily routine and a chance for children to recharge and share food together.

PDO/Toddlers class: Parents pack and label a snack for their own child each day.

2s &3s and Pre-K classes: On the days when a parent serves as the classroom helper, they provide a snack for the whole class. We keep a list of allergies and dietary needs posted in each classroom to guide safe and inclusive choices. We encourage families to bring nutritious snacks that include at least two food groups. Special treats (like birthday goodies) are welcome, as long as they’re balanced with a healthy option.

This shared snack approach is part of our cooperative model—it helps build community while teaching children about sharing, healthy eating, and caring for one another.

As a cooperative preschool, Cornerstone is overseen by a Parent/Executive Board made up of volunteer parents each year. The Board works in partnership with the Director to guide the school’s operations, support teachers, and ensure our cooperative model runs smoothly.

Board members hold specific roles such as:

President

Secretary

Income & Expense Treasurer

Fundraising Coordinator

Marketing Coordinator

Membership Coordinator

Building Manager

Volunteer Coordinator

Those on the board help with decisions about finances, policies, and events. Serving on the Board is both a responsibility and a rewarding way for families to actively shape the school, share their talents, and strengthen connections within the Cornerstone community.

Unlike the Executive Board, which focuses on governance and decision-making, the Community Board supports the day-to-day needs of the school.

The Community Board consists of:

Special Events Coordinator

Supplies Coordinator

Field Trip Coordinator

Scholastic Coordinator

Webmaster

The Annual Pancake Supper is one of Cornerstone’s longest-running traditions! Families, teachers, alumni, and friends come together to enjoy a yummy pancake dinner while building community and celebrating our cooperative spirit. The event also serves as an important fundraiser, with proceeds helping us keep tuition affordable and support our preschool programs. Along with a delicious meal, families can participate in our online and silent auctions, featuring fun items and experiences donated by local businesses and our school community. It’s a fun, family-friendly evening that blends good food, music, and giving back to our school.

Our preschool strives to provide children with special care needs the accommodations recommended by a health care professional or a qualified professional from the local school district or early childhood intervention program. Because we are a small, closely-staffed preschool, each situation is reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure we can meet a child’s needs safely and effectively. Our goal is to provide a supportive and inclusive environment while making sure every child receives the care and attention they require.

For safety and allergy reasons, Cornerstone staff do not apply sunscreen or bug spray to children. If you’re concerned about sun exposure or bug bites, please apply sunscreen or bug spray to your child before school. If you have additional questions or special concerns, feel free to reach out to the Director.

Cornerstone first opened its doors in 1971, originally known as Little Creek Preschool. It was founded by a group of parents and early-childhood teachers who wanted to create an affordable, play-based preschool where families could be actively involved in their children’s education.

Over the years, the school grew and changed locations, eventually becoming Cornerstone Cooperative Preschool. Today, more than 50 years later, we’re proud to continue that same tradition of play, discovery, and community that our founders envisioned.

We follow the Denton ISD calendar, so we do not hold our regular preschool classes during the summer months. However, we recently began offering a fun and engaging Summer Camp option for enrolled Cornerstone families.

You can find the Parent Handbook on the Enroll page on our website under 'Family Commitment', which includes detailed information about our policies, procedures, and daily routines. We encourage parents to read it carefully and keep it handy as a reference throughout the year. Many families find it helpful to print out a copy so it’s easy to review and refer back to when questions come up. The handbook is a great resource to help you feel confident and informed as part of our cooperative community. If you can’t find the answer you need, please feel free to reach out to the Director with any questions.