Cobble Hill Playschool, Inc.

CHP was established in the early 1970s by a small group of parents who wanted a high quality co-operative preschool. Originally known as “The Co-op,” we incorporated in 1993 as a not-for-profit corporation and became known as the Cobble Hill Playgroup, Inc. We have now changed our name to Cobble Hill Playschool to better represent our commitment to a “play”-based education for preschool children.

During the past four decades, CHP has operated in many locations throughout the neighborhood including storefronts on Court Street and Union Street, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, St. Mary's Star of the Sea School, and St. Paul's Catholic Church. In 2008, we settled into our beautiful, spacious home located at 93 Rapelye Street.

CHP has grown dramatically from its inception, when one hired teacher ran the small program with substantial assistance from parents. Originally serving the needs of a handful of families, we now enroll nearly 100 students. And in 2009, we became an accredited program through NAEYC—The National Association for the Education of Young Children—one of the highest academic standards in early childhood education.

Even as we evolve, we maintain a definable cooperative culture where a vital child-centered, play-based curriculum, and parent involvement coexist. Parent participation not only keeps costs down, but it enriches a child's preschool experience, that of the family, and of our CHP community.

When we first began in the 1970s, we were known as the “granola school,” and the progressive values that gave us that nickname will always be central to our identity. An unsurpassed early-education program provided by the dedication of a talented staff with the support from a parent-driven co-op is the special mix of what families here find truly inspiring... And what ensures that CHP will continue to be a unique part of the local Brooklyn landscape for many years to come.

Additional Information: Years in Operation: 9