Community School
For children ages 18 months - 5 years
Our Community School exists to build the world we want, right here and right now, by nourishing caring and compassionate growth for children.
We are more than just a school. We are on a mission to provide play-based education that builds the conditions humans need to thrive.
Children’s education at Wheelhouse is filled with joy and curiosity. Whether in our cozy classrooms or in the natural world where you’ll often find us, learning is sparked by the real world. Learning at Community School unfolds organically, holistically, and in community, laying the crucial social-emotional foundations for effective communication.
Our anti-oppressive pedagogy:
Prioritizes play and self-directed learning
Is free-thinking, responsive, creative, and non-dogmatic
Integrates academics into project-based inquiry projects
Engages with real-world issues and community partnerships
Holds space for children as inventors and creators
Is holistic and hands-on
Programs & Schedules
The Green Room:
Playful exploration for 18 months - 2 years, 9 months
Half-day Option: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Full-day Option: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Extended Day add-on is available beginning Fall 2026 from 3 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
5-day schedule, 3-day schedule (MTW), or 2-day schedule (ThF) available
The Blue Room
A gently structured preschool experience for ages 2.9 - 4 years
Full-day Option only: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Extended Day add-on is available from 3 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
5-day schedule, 3-day schedule (MTW), or 2-day schedule (ThF) available
The Yellow Room
Play-based literacy, math, and multidisciplinary learning for children 4 - 5 years
(who have not previously been enrolled in elementary school)
Full-day Option only: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Extended Day add-on is available from 3 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
5-day Schedule Only
Extended Day Aftercare
Our Extended Day Program is open to children ages 2 years, 9 months - 5. We also offer an after school program for children ages 6 - 12 who attend other schools.
We may offer an Extended Day group for children between the ages of 18 months - 2 years, 9 months, pending interest.
Extended Day Aftercare runs from 3 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. on Monday - Thursday. There is no Aftercare on Fridays, as we hold staff meetings at that time.
Tuition
Families may register for the full year, by the month, or on a drop-in basis.
Full Year Tuition: $ 2,400 (or pro-rated for partial-week enrollment)
Monthly Tuition: $250/month (or pro-rated for partial-week enrollment)
Drop-in Tuition: $28/session
Tuition
2026 - 2027 Academic Year
Through our sliding scale, work exchange program, and participation in New York State’s Childcare Assistance Program, we strive to create a community that is accessible and inclusive. This is a work in progress and a huge challenge, as expenses in early childhood education are high, and we operate on a razor-thin margin.
Tier 1 tuition rates reflect payments that are lower than the actual cost of our program per child, and are subsidized by our general operational budget through fundraising and sponsors.
Tier 2 tuition rates reflect the actual cost of our program per child.
Tier 3 & 4 rates assist us in developing a fund to address needed building repairs as they arise, and to help us develop a financial assistance fund.
If the tuition rates listed below are not possible for your family, please contact us to learn more about our work exchange program and the Childcare Assistance Program.
Monthly Tuition Rates - Community School
| 5 half days | 3 half days | 2 half days | 5 full days | 3 full days | 2 full days | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 (household income below $80,000) | $963-1,082 | $578-649 | $385-432 | $1,400-1,574 | $840-944 | $560-629 |
| Tier 2 (household income between $80 - 150,000) | $1,083-1,298 | $650-778 | $433-520 | $1,575-1,889 | $945-1,133 | $630-756 |
| Tier 3 (household income above $150,000) | $1,299-1,443 | $779-865 | $521-578 | $1,890-2,100 | $1,134-1,260 | $756-840 |
| Tier 4 (voluntary opt-in rate for financial sponsorship) | $1,444-2525 | $866-1,515 | $579-1,010 | $2,101-3675 | $1,261-2,205 | $840 - 1,470 |
Extended Day Aftercare Tuition:
Annual Rate (10-month school year): $2,400 (or pro-rated for partial week attendance)
Monthly Rate: $250 (or pro-rated for partial-week attendance)
Drop-in Daily Rate: $28
Slots are offered in the order that applications are received on a first come, first served basis, with the exception that priority is given to siblings of currently enrolled children.