North Tacoma Cooperative Preschool was founded as the Grant Co-op in 1997 by a small group of families seeking a warm preschool community for two- to five-year-old children. Today, NTCP serves over 40 students and their families while continuing to foster a close-knit school community.

In the summer of 2025, NTCP relocated from Hoyt Early Learning Center to Mason United Methodist Church, located at 2710 N Madison St. The NTCP classrooms are in the “Education Wing” at Mason and have their own separate entrance, classroom, and bathrooms. Mason is our landlord and that is where our affiliation ends. Our space includes two large classrooms, access to a conference room, and a fantastic playground designed for preschoolers!

At NTCP, children ages 2-5 learn through hands-on experiences, explore through imaginary play, and grow in independence, confidence and self-esteem in a positive, safe environment. In addition, parents explore, discover and create with their children, learn more about child development and helping their children develop their potential, and gain support from a community of parents and support members.

As a non-profit cooperative preschool, we are entirely run and supported by parents and volunteers. Two or three parents join our teacher during every class to engage children in playing and learning and to help manage the classroom. We also plan fundraising activities and special events that bring us together as a community. NTCP is also a Parent Participation Program coordinated by the Child Studies Department of Bates Technical College. Our association with Bates provides opportunities for parents to learn and share in the many resources that Bates has to offer. For more information on parent responsibilities, please visit New Parents & Students.

We offer three programs from Late September to May: 2s class, 3s class and Pre-K class.

Interested in finding out more? Visit New Parents & Students, or contact Sidney Nelson, Membership Chair, at membership@northtacomacoop.org.