Our Mission & Story: Helping Families Soar to New Heights
For the first 15 years, the Andresen seniors managed Iliff Play School. Chas and Helen Andresen took over from the founders, focusing on providing a rich early learning environment, and restructuring the business as Iliff Preschool, Kindergarten, and School-Age Summer Camp. They expanded the offerings to include programs for toddlers and a summer camp for children up to 12 years. The school is known for its creative play areas, including a boat on a sandy beach, a mining camp-themed tunnel yard, and various imaginative play spaces.
Iliff Preschool has a rich history of over 60 years of providing innovative and nurturing educational experiences for children in southeast Denver. Now catering to multiple generations of families, Iliff values its long-standing community ties. Helen Andresen, with over 55 years in education, significantly contributed to early childhood education, both in practical and policy-making capacities. Chas Andresen, an engineer, used his skills to enhance the school’s learning environments, creating engaging and educational play areas for children, both indoors and out.
Excellence in Early Childhood Education since 1963. Iliff Preschool, Kindergarten & School-Age Summer Camp was founded with the belief that an early learning environment should be rooted in play and enrichment, as well as guided instruction. Bringing the indoor classroom environment outdoors, and the outdoors into the classroom, children get a one-of-a-kind education through self-discovery, social-emotional development, and a teacher-facilitated, play-based curriculum.
If you’ve driven south down Ash Street past Iliff Preschool, you’ve probably seen it: Charlie 21 is our one-of-a-kind kindergarten classroom.
Purchased in 1954 by United Airlines, Charlie, originally identified as “C-0921,” flew numerous overseas flights before being sold to Dooley Aircraft Company. Though eventually decommissioned and repurposed for parts, she retained a special quality.
Extensive research, particularly by aviation historian Paul Filmer, uncovered Charlie’s rich history. She had transported notable figures like Ronald Reagan and sports teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers and The Oakland Raiders. This investigation filled in many gaps about her past.
In a dramatic overnight operation in 1971, Charlie was transported to Iliff Play School. Her journey through Denver’s streets, with wings and tail removed, attracted attention and surprise from onlookers. Neighbour Frank Herrman experienced a startling awakening when Charlie was hoisted over his house during the move. This unusual event became a memorable story in the community. Charlie’s arrival at Iliff Play School generated significant media attention, receiving nationwide coverage and inadvertently providing free advertising for the school.
Converted into a classroom, Charlie was adapted to accommodate temperature fluctuations and safety requirements. Featuring a stage, heating, plumbing, and original cockpit elements, she transformed into a creative learning space for kindergarteners. Now, Charlie hosts up to 15 kindergarten students daily, fostering creativity and imagination. Each year, she ‘graduates’ students in a unique ceremony, symbolizing her continued ‘flights’ through the imaginations of children.
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