FPI is an asset to the Fredericksburg community. It offers a hands on, close knit environment for families who want to actively participate in their child's preschool education. What attracted me the most to FPI was that it is a non-denominational preschool, with no affiliation to church. This was very important to me, as I was looking for a school that did not provide religious education, but rather curriculum geared toward Kindergarten readiness, social skills and learning through play. I highly recommend Fredericksburg Cooperative Preschool.

This preschool has been the perfect environment for my once shy 3 year old. As the school year has progressed, I have been increasingly impressed with the quality and versatility of the classroom materials as well as the variety of experiences the children are given. My daughter loves going to school and I know she is well taken care of by gentle, nurturing, teachers who understand exactly where a 3 year old's developmental levels are and how to help the children foster a love of learning.

The foundation my children are learning at FPI is so important and powerful--kindness, community, and commitment. Mrs. Cannon, Mrs. Viverette, and Mrs. Michel are all incredibly patient, organized, and dedicated to the school and every child and family in it, and they give 100% of their caring energy. It's a shame that two individuals went on a mission to smear the school and discourage others from discovering it, but I am positive that intelligent people will not take the bait. I feel incredibly lucky to have found this sweet little nurturing school for my children, and I recommend it to anyone who would love to take an active role in their child's first school experience.

I love this school! My nieces attended years ago (the oldest now in 6th grade) and their experience was so positive I enrolled my daughter. The same teachers provide enriching, caring instruction today. My daughter loves going to school, the "learning through play" philosophy of the school is amazing. She enjoys the various field trips and special visitors in the classroom. I especially enjoy being able to participate, spending time in the classroom and taking part in her first school experience. The school is a true co-operative; including meetings and participation in the running of the preschool. This model may not suit all, but for those interested in a very hands on experience this is a wonderful opportunity to be involved in your child's education.

All three of my children attended this amazing little preschool and we loved it! I especially enjoyed being an active participant in their first educational experience.The teachers are very well qualified and do a fantastic job creating a nurturing environment that allows each child to explore and learn through centers. The cooperative method is not for everyone as it entails teamwork and lots of hands on participation. When personalities clash it can cause some difficulty but otherwise this is a finely tuned organization that my family misses greatly!

This preschool has been a very positive experience for us. The teachers are supportive and obviously care about the children's needs. They provide a variety of puzzles and activities that change weekly to stimulate their minds. The teachers also plan exciting and hands-on field trips that keep the students motivate to learn about the world. We love it!

I am a Mother of Four all of whom are proud FPI alumni. 8 years at the school for our family and it was the best way to start our children’s education. To this day, each child fondly remembers their time at FPI and each of them has a special place in their heart for their dear teachers. While accreditation and titles have changed over the years, the heart of the school has not, nor has the underlying principal and mission of the school – to teach children in a learn through play environment. The Learn through Play curriculum amazed me. Neither my husband, nor myself are educators and the many activities that they kids did which were actually “pre-reading” and “pre-math” skills was amazing. I thought they were playing but everything they did was teaching them something. The teachers taught me right along with my kids. During our 8 years with the school, I was on the board for 6 of those years and know firsthand the interactions between teachers and parents. It is a parent run school if there ever was one. If you don’t mind the extra time that a cooperative requires of your family, FPI is a wonderful choice and was the best choice for our family. Tour the school, ask questions and make an informed decision. And always remember, don’t rule any school out based on negative reviews online….get a firsthand look at any school you are considering for your child.

Both my children attended this preshool and both of them thrived there. The foundation provided by FPI has led them to amazing success in elementary school, where they both have won multiple awards for reading, math, citizenship etc... The FPTI teachers are caring, patient, loving and intelligent women who take the time to work with each child. Do they perhaps get to know some parents better than others? Sure! They knew me better the 2nd time around, too. Might some make friendships outside the classroom? Why not? That is ok too. As long as the kids are learning and growing, and treated fairly, that is the important thing, and that ALWAYS happens @ FPI. As for the negative reviews below, the parents do vary each year, and some years are better than others within this regard. I do find it interesting that the detractors are anonymous while those of us who like FPI are willing to share out names. This speaks volumes. If you want a great experience for your kids, at a convenient location and reasonable price, I certainly recommend FPI.

Wow! Both of my children attended this preschool, both while Wendy, the 4 year old teacher, and director worked there. I honestly almost fell over reading the 2 negative reviews above. I cannot disagree more. I was part of the board of directors when we decided to drop the accreditation, and it for very good reasons. Our school is a small, family oriented preschool, not a mass operation, which NAEYC is geared to. It took the board and parental VOTE and took over 2 years (which is over 90 votes) and massive research to decide this! My family even left for one year (we traveled over 25 miles each way to attend this school) in effort to find one a bit closer, but ended up back at FPI for 2 more years despite my commute. I honestly believe in this school and trust these teachers more than any other I have ever met. I have also never met a more caring, passionate group of parents that are dedicated to their child's education and well being. Some of the best people I have ever met have come from this school, and also believe as strongly as I do in FPI and the teachers!

Fredericksburg Cooperative Preschool is the best preschool! All 3 of my children attended this school and we had a wonderful experience. Wendy Cannon is a great teacher and wonderful person. The reason why I loved the coop preschool so much is because it is a close knit school. The people who made the statements that she does not do her job are wrong! The school has not changed. Not only did my 3 kids go through the school but most of my nieces and nephews and they all had a wonderful experience. The philosophy of the school has always been learning through play and it contines to be that way. I highly recommened this school to everyone!

This is the best preschool I have seen. My mother has a PhD in Early Childhood development and has sat in classes for both the 3's and 4's and was very impressed. It is sad that NAEYC no longer allows facilities without ADA accommodations to apply for or maintain their accreditation. However being involved in the school when this change was made, it was clear the philosophy and the teaching did not change. As far as Wendy Cannon, the Director of the preschool, 4's teacher, and previous member of the coop; she was a fabulous teacher to my son and daughter. They have very different personalities and learning styles. She provided both of them all the support they needed and the freedom to learn through play.

Big disappointment. Supposedly a cooperative school, but one of the teachers interferes with the running of the school. She makes friends with some of the parents instead of doing what she's there to do-teach. This is all in an effort to control how the school operates and who is elected to the board of directors. This really detracts from the school's professionalism and makes it impossible for parents to do their jobs. Several families have left the school for this very reason. Focus should be on teaching preschoolers. Here it is not. I strongly recommend passing on this preschool, which used to be accredited. How unfortunate.....

My three children attended Fredericksburg Cooperative Preschool when it was an accredited preschool with qualified teachers. The licensing of the school now states it is a "day center." The three year old teacher has a teaching degree but the four year old teacher is a college graduate without a degree in education. Her last job was as a parole officer. The school used to be run by the parents now it has a director which is the four year old teacher. This day center is not the "Fredericksburg Cooperative Preschool" my children attended - it has changed. I am saddened!