Founded in 1940, the C-W Parent Co-op is Clark County’s oldest continuously-operating preschool.
About Us
The Camas-Washougal Parent Co-op is a cooperative preschool located in Camas, Washington. The preschool is run by an Executive Board and by a Parent Board, which is made up by the parents of our enrolled students. All administrative and maintenance tasks are completed by the Parent and Executive Boards. The teachers are the only paid employees. Each family donates their time and skills in different ways to help the school run. When you are a part of the CW Co-op, it really is YOUR school.
Attending the C-W Parent Co-Op is a privilege made possible by the efforts and dedication of the parents and families of our students. The hard work of our fantastic educators and the parts played by each family in the school come together to maintain our excellent and long standing reputation within the community.
Our School’s History
The Camas-Washougal Parent Co-op Preschool was formed by Mrs. Jerry Clary in 1940. This first nursery school in the Camas-Washougal area was a project of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). For the first few years, the members’ children met in private homes.
As the school continued to grow, they began to meet at the Camas Methodist Church. Enrollment gradually was broadened to include children of non-AAUW women and the school became a community preschool with the AAUW relinquishing control to a board of parents.
In October 1986, the school moved to Helen Baller Early Childhood Education Center. After three years, it moved to St. Thomas Aquinas Religious Education Center where it remained a secular public preschool.
In 1999, the school moved to its present location at St. John’s Presbyterian Church.
While the school is located in the lower level of St. John’s Presbyterian Church, it is in no way church affiliated.
Our Families Say It Best
“¨It has been a great time being with my child in the classroom getting to know the kids and the families in the community. I not only feel connected to my child’s education but also the community as a whole!¨”
“¨We have had a great experience. We feel confident in the level of teaching at the school and look forward to a successful 1st year of elementary school thanks to the curriculum and outstanding socialization.¨”
“¨It’s hard to put into words but when I attended my first parent open house I just got ´that feeling.´ After hearing the board and teachers speak I just knew it was the place for my kids.¨”