The Red Balloon Preschool is a cooperative school for children ages 3 and 4, established in 1971. Located in the heart of Carlisle, Massachusetts, the school provides large and inviting classroom areas that are divided into active and quiet learning centers for the children. The Red Balloon Preschool offers a child-centered, developmental program that creates a climate of trust and security, helping children develop self-esteem and a positive attitude toward learning.

The cooperative preschool format allows our caring and well-qualified teachers to provide the children with learning experiences necessary for their social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Meanwhile, the cooperative member families facilitate school management, maintenance, and budgetary activities, as well as assist in the classroom.

Under the supervision of a qualified Teacher/Director, the program is planned in detail, but presented in an informal, flexible atmosphere, allowing children to learn at their own pace. The children are encouraged to pursue a wide variety of activities in a creative and challenging environment. The curriculum incorporates elements of science, art, language arts, math, music, dramatics, and movement. Outdoor play is a daily event in a large, fenced-in, well supervised playground area. An assistant teacher and a parent-assistant are also present in each classroom to support, enrich, and individualize the program.