Kirkland Co-Op Preschool Celebrating 65 Years

-- started in a former chicken coop on Rose Hill in 1947 -- is celebrating its 65th anniversary by inviting current, alumni and interested families to a picnic Thursday from 5-7 p.m.

The picnic will feature a balloon man, face-painting, games and, of course, cupcakes for the birthday party.

Now housed in Rose Hill’s (7525 132nd Avenue NE), the highly regarded preschool began in Paul Hayden Kirk’s chicken coop in a 7’x20’ room with only seven kids and their moms. It is now a non-profit preschool affiliated with Lake Washington Institute of Technology.

In Kirkland Patch’s hotly contested last March, Kirkland Co-op earned 25 votes and several sterling comments, such as this:

“I've sent all three of my children to the Kirkland Co-operative Preschool--I feel so fortunate that we stumbled on it when we first moved to Kirkland. Our three teachers are unparalleled, and the school's philosophy (that children learn best through play) is spot on, I think. And because we are co-operative, the families in our school become very close, and we're able to keep our tuition incredibly low. I'll be quite sad when my youngest graduates from KCP: we love our little school!”

The theme for the picnic and is “65 Reasons why we love KCP,” which will be on display. “We are inviting alumni families to contribute their reasons to the list and why this little school has such a legacy,” said Janna Snider, a parent and publicity chair for the preschool.

The picnic will be a potluck, with hot dogs, hamburgers salads and and finger foods. For more information, call 425-867-0818.