To enhance children's cognitive, physical and moral development through early education and play to encourage their creativity and self-expression for language and social/ emotional development. To nurture self-confidence and social skills through positive reinforcement and support from our experienced staff.
For more than 50 years, Peppermint Preschool has been recognized as the Highland Community’s cornerstone Preschool Program. We are located in the south wing of the EvUCC facility, and we provide a nurturing, educational environment for 3-5 year old’s through our Preschool programs. Our talented teachers focus on school readiness, social, emotional and intellectual development and what every child needs – love and care! Our entire facility is licensed by the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS). Hot, healthy lunches from our kitchen are provided for the children who attend our all-day program. We offer a secured facility, accessible by personal security codes, as well as an indoor/outdoor recording camera system to keep our children and families safe. All staff are CPR and First Aid trained as well as professionally background checked. All staff regularly attend professional development training to stay updated on the latest and greatest information concerning children, families, health, and educational needs.
We have had an amazing experience at Peppermint Preschool with both of our children! After our son’s wonderful experience there, we couldn’t wait for our daughter to attend. Ms. Tara’s 3’s class has been the perfect start to her academic journey! She absolutely loves going to school each day to spend time with her friends. The engaging activities in class - like creative arts, hands-on learning, games, songs, and other activities - make every day special and enriching. The early care option is a great flexible option for our family too. We are so grateful for the warm and nurturing environment at Peppermint Preschool and highly recommend it to anyone!
Meghan & Nick Hanna
Our oldest child started Peppermint Preschool last fall, and we have nothing but good things to say! The teachers are all so warm and welcoming to the students each and every morning as they walk in the door, and you can feel that same energy when picking the kids up at the end of the day. Bently has learned so much this year, and continues to do so as the teachers give out new and unique activities and assignments. They even work to challenge him a little bit, which is just what he needs to keep his mind interested in what they are working on! They understand that each child is different and has different needs and they navigate those needs in every way possible. There is no doubt that my other two kiddos will be attending Peppermint Preschool when they come of age, as well.
- Adam & Andrea Niedzwiecki
We have had two kids attend Peppermint Preschool in the 3's room and Almost Kindergarten room and both have loved their experience. The 3's teachers are so wonderful and fun, and we knew our son was loved and cared for there. The Almost Kindergarten (AK) classroom is more structured and was perfect to prepare our daughter for Kindergarten. By the end of the year she was beginning to read and has a good understanding of math. We are very happy with our decision to send our kids here and would recommend it to anyone. All of the teachers, the director, the student teachers and helpers have all been so kind and welcoming to our family. We will miss being a part of Peppermint next year!
-Kyra & Cory Koltveit
Out daughter has had experience both in the Monday, Wednesday, Friday 3's class and the Almost Kindergarten class, and our son is currently enrolled in the MWF 3's class. Both absolutely LOVE Peppermint Preschool! All of the staff are amazing and truly make sending your little ones to school for the first time much easier! We know our kids are being nurtured, loved, and given a wonderful education while also having fun! As parents who have never had to utilize daycare/babysitters, we have never once felt anxious leaving our kids with any of the teachers here. The atmosphere is one of a kind and you can 100% feel the love once you enter the building. We always tell friends and family how much we love it here at Peppermint and are beyond thankful for such a safe, loving environment for our children.
~Taylor & Duncan Holtorf