Hawthorne Family Playschool

My son has been at HFP for 6 months now and I can say with confidence that it has been the best thing I have done for/​with him. The teacher at HFP is incredibly skilled, kind, compassionate, playful and inspiring. There is strong anti-​bias curriculum which means that big questions regarding race, gender, orientation, able-​ism, etc. are explored, dialogues are facilitated and children are given a caring place to navigate their thoughts and feelings.
The parent involvement, while substantial, is what makes this community so amazing! I feel as I did not just gained a fantastic place for my child to grow and learn but also a whole village !!! I have toured lots of places and none matches HFP!!! If you think a coop is the right answer for your family you should certainly check HFP out, it’s a wonderful place to be in.

HFP is an outstanding cooperative preschool! The teacher/​director is exceptionally skilled with the children and parents. She respects and honors each child as an individual. The anti-​bias, play-​based, nature-​inspired curriculum is wonderful, and is constantly developing. There is a beautiful nature playground, and the children get outside every single day, rain or shine. I would highly recommend this program to any family with the time to commit to a co-​op.

We are beyond lucky to have found a community as tightly woven as HFP. We are a diverse group of families coming together with a common goal, nurturing our children through what is the first school experience for many, laying a positive foundation for the journey beyond. Our community is strongly led by Susan who’s passion and wisdom benefits both the children and their families. Co-​ops can require a big investment of time and energy but the reward is so great. To all the families currently enrolled and to those who have come before us, thank you for your contributions in making HFP a rich community.

HFP is a fantastic place for families with preschool age children! It has somehow always felt like a hidden gem and I wish more people in Portland knew about it.
Both of our children attended HFP and I’m so very glad they did. It was a big part of our lives for four years as our preschool and an amazing community of parents and children whom we connected with both in and out of school.
Teacher Susan is amazing with preschoolers. I was really drawn to the school with its natural playscape and emphasis on nature and healthy food, but it was Susan’s philosophy and teaching style that really drew me in. She truly understands the mind and development of 3 and 4 year olds and what brings them joy as well as how to empower them to problem solve and connect with others — which is such a huge part of their development at that age.
Being in a co-​op was an incredibly satisfying experience and well worth the time investment. I wrote an article about the experience for our newsletter a couple of years ago. You can read this article here:
I encourage you to check out the school yourself and to talk to other parents within the HFP community.
Shannon Rhoads
former HFP parent