ABOUT WOODLAWN
Our Mission
Woodlawn Preschool strives to develop creative thinking skills and a lasting love of learning by fulfilling the unique and individual needs of each student at his or her stage of development.
We provide a caring atmosphere of learning in which capable, compassionate staff members positively facilitate social, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth, enhance self-esteem and prepare students for future learning.
Woodlawn's History
70 years plus and still continuing to thrive!!!
In the fall of 1951 Roberta Beaver opened Woodlawn Preschool. She was hired by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) to launch a program for children ages 3-5 to further their development before they enter the regular school aged system. She believed in quality education for all and wanted to extend the training of life to all ages outside of the home.
After Ms. Beaver retired in 1967, the Director role was handed over to the next best fit and has continued to be passed down and supported by those we have been fortunate enough to bring aboard. The school was and is governed by a volunteer board and continues its ongoing relationship with the AAUW.
In 1981, on the 30th anniversary of the school, classes were held in a private home at the end of 300 Fremont Street, but eventually had to be torn down to make way for the KCC college expansion. It was then that the school was moved to its main present location of 1175 W. Territorial Rd.
In 1964, two offices were made into classroom space as the school’s enrollment grew. At the time it was the largest preschool in the state of Michigan with 210 students and a waiting list for enrollment. In 1991, on the 40th anniversary of the school, there were two pine trees dedicated to one of its directors, Vi Beg, and its founder, Roberta Beaver. The trees are still here.
Woodlawn prides itself on being a non-profit school for any child to attend no matter the child's background. Students learn social skills, love of learning, how to get along with others, and develop fine and gross motor skills.
In 1983, written in a brochure from the school, the following poem:
To Parents:
You will be pleased with the Nursery School when you see that your child has improved attitudes in his ability to:
Explore and run
Share his fun
Finish what’s begun
Demand less “all or none”
Restrict his “no”
Let his mother go
Accept what’s so.