Tucson Community School is a child-centered preschool and kindergarten located in central Tucson, Arizona. As a parent cooperative, TCS was created, built, and maintained by dedicated mothers and fathers who wanted to actively participate in their child’s education.

Philosophy and Mission Statement

The school maintains a consistent, child-centered program with developmentally-appropriate practices. The focus is learning through play both indoors and outdoors with an approach that promotes a positive self-concept.

TCS strives to be a safe place where children can learn to be creative independent, problem-solving individuals. Its goal is to lay the foundation for the inner strength and resilience necessary for each child to meet the demands of his or her world.

Tucson Community School’s mission is to provide a creative learning experience emphasizing outdoor play and family participation in a safe environment which respects each child’s uniqueness and individual learning style.

Children playing with sand table Our famous climber is a hit among all preschool and kindergarteners Silk worms are studied in the A2 class Our kids love painting hula hoops build skills and friends wood working is introduced at a young age Block building is fun for all just a hop skip and a jump away gardening is taught from an early age The mud kitchen is always a hit Drawing tools are always available

The Child

Children are the focus at TCS. Teachers help each child feel capable and confident while stimulating his or her widening curiosity in a non-competitive environment. TCS believes it is the right of every child to be respected and treated as an individual. With mutual respect, children learn to share in group responsibility and develop self-discipline.

Children explore the world by working with natural materials, caring for animals and planting gardens. Creativity is developed through pretend play, music, painting, dancing, and block building. Understanding of numbers and words is incorporated in hands-on daily activities.

Large motor proficiency is acquired from biking, climbing, and running. Small motor skills are developed with puzzles, sewing and drawing. Interpersonal skills are built by children being encouraged to resolve conflicts themselves in a positive and constructive way and by making friendships with children of diverse backgrounds.

Activities are open-ended; children work at their own pace and learn in the manner in which they are best suited. Active play is balanced with quiet play; routines are balanced with new experiences.

The Parent’s Role

TCS offers the Tucson community a unique experience by providing a early childhood learning opportunity school where parents and children learn together. Parents are intricately involved in the workings of the program and assisting the classroom teachers with daily operations.  At TCS, we are honored to partner with parents in their role as their child’s first teacher. The many opportunities for parents to participate in their child’s preschool experience are far reaching and long lasting.

We are a parent cooperative, which means you have the opportunity to learn and grow with your child as you make life long friends, and contribute to a dynamic learning community that continues to provide the very best early childhood program to the children of Tucson.