Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is launching a state-accredited, nature-based outdoor preschool called Little Paws Preschool, with its inaugural class beginning Monday, August 24, 2026. Registration is open now, and class sizes are capped at approximately 15 students — meaning spots will fill quickly as August approaches.

The program serves children ages 3 through 5. It is accredited by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood and follows the Cheyenne Mountain School District 12 calendar. Teachers are state-licensed early childhood professionals who meet Colorado director-qualified standards through the Department of Early Childhood.

What Makes It Different

There is no other preschool in the Colorado Springs area that operates on the grounds of a zoo. The nature-based approach means children spend meaningful time outdoors — exploring, observing, and learning in direct contact with their environment rather than through a classroom window. Research on nature-based early childhood education consistently points to benefits for attention, physical development, and curiosity-driven learning.

CMZoo's campus provides an unusual backdrop for that model. The zoo's animal care staff, wildlife habitats, and curated natural environments create an educational setting that a traditional preschool building cannot replicate.

Schedule and Tuition

For 3-year-olds, classes run two days a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon, at a monthly tuition of $220.75. For children who are 4 or 5, classes meet three days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at $460.75 per month.

This is a private program, so tuition does apply. Colorado Springs families exploring preschool options should weigh the cost alongside the setting and program quality — both class options provide a substantially shorter daily schedule than a full-day care program.

The Little Paws calendar mirrors Cheyenne Mountain School District 12's academic calendar, which means holiday breaks and teacher in-service days align with D12's schedule rather than D11 or D49.

How to Apply

Interested families should email littlepawspreschool@cmzoo.org to receive initial information and a program application. Given the class size cap of approximately 15 students and the August 24 start date, families interested in fall enrollment should reach out soon.

Teachers are early childhood professionals whose credentials meet state licensure requirements and who are director-qualified through the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. The accreditation means the program meets state standards for curriculum, teacher qualifications, health and safety, and program administration.

What's Next

Little Paws Preschool opens its first class on August 24, 2026 — the same Monday that Cheyenne Mountain School District 12 begins its academic year. Families interested in learning more or securing a spot should email littlepawspreschool@cmzoo.org as soon as possible. COS Parenting will follow up with more information as the school year approaches.