A Child's Song : Music Education & Movement Programs

Hope Montessori Academy is a private, not-for-profit, co-educational Montessori preschool and child care program, and in Thornton we run an Infant Toddler House and a Primary program. We care for and teach children from 6 weeks old through kindergarten, and our summer program welcomes children from preschool to age 12. Our preschool classrooms use the materials Dr. Montessori designed and are arranged in five areas: practical life, language, sensorial, cultural studies, and math. Lead teachers hold Montessori certification, and assistant teachers have degrees and experience in early childhood education. We pair the Montessori approach with NAEYC's developmentally appropriate practices, and our teacher-to-child ratios and group sizes exceed state licensing requirements. We are licensed by the Colorado Department of Human Services and are members of the American Montessori Society. Families can choose full-time or part-time care between 6:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays. Weekly dance, aerobics, music, and foreign language classes are available for an added monthly fee, and character education and family involvement are built into our curriculum.

Karter School of Thornton is one of the Karter Schools campuses in Colorado and Virginia. Our Thornton campus at East 128th Avenue serves infants from birth to 16 months, toddlers from 16 to 36 months, and pre-primary and primary children ages 3 to 5. Our Montessori-inspired classrooms pair hands-on Montessori materials with a STEAM curriculum. Each week children have music, foreign language, art, science and robotics, culinary and sports classes taught by subject specialists who hold a bachelor's or master's degree in the subject they teach. Language classes include Mandarin and Spanish, and our culinary program plans meals and snacks around the day's learning. Thornton is the Karter campus that offers Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK), which gives all Colorado children up to 15 hours a week of free preschool in the year before kindergarten.

Little Lights Christian Early Learning Center (ELC) has been a cherished part of the community since 2003, dedicated to nurturing children's academic and social readiness for kindergarten. This preschool serves children aged 2 to 5 years, including those with diverse learning needs, and emphasizes a holistic approach to early education. The core mission is to foster curiosity and love for learning while instilling values through the teachings of Jesus. The school offers a range of programs, including morning Pre-Kindergarten classes for 4- and 5-year-olds, as well as preschool classes for younger children. Each class is designed with tailored learning experiences that promote physical and cognitive development through small group interactions. Teachers employ various engaging methods to support individual growth in areas such as math, literacy, and social skills, ensuring that each child receives personalized attention. What sets Little Lights apart is its commitment to creating an inclusive environment characterized by low student-teacher ratios and strong family partnerships. The school also incorporates where children learn about faith through songs, visuals, and Bible verses. Unique summer sessions provide an opportunity for relaxed exploration and creativity, making Little Lights not just a place of learning but a community where every child can thrive.