Welcome to Iliff Preschool & Kindergarten

Your Partner in Early Childhood Education

About Us

Founded in 1963 by Harriet and Garwood Andresen, Iliff Preschool, Kindergarten & School-Aged Summer Camp, has been a cornerstone in southeast Denver’s education sector for over six decades. Starting with a small class of 6 children, it has evolved significantly under the guidance of the Andresen family.

The school, which began in a home the Andresen’s purchased, expanded through creative additions like a commercial kitchen, additional classroom spaces, toddler programs, and outdoor play areas. A notable transformation was the incorporation of a DC-7 airplane fuselage as a classroom, reflecting the school’s innovative approach to education.

Managed by Chas and Helen Andresen, the school has consistently enriched its learning environment with unique features such as diverse play yards, toddler programs, and Summer Adventure Day Camp. Iliff’s legacy extends beyond its physical expansions; it’s a beloved institution for multiple generations within the community, celebrating over 60 years of nurturing children’s development and creativity in a dynamic and playful setting.

Charlie 21

We boast a unique kindergarten classroom – “Charlie 21,” a repurposed DC-7 airplane, offers an imaginative learning environment for children. This airplane, originally a United Airlines aircraft, avoided being scrapped and was eventually acquired by the school after a significant effort.

The intricate process of moving Charlie 21 to the school involved removing her wings and tail for transportation through Denver’s streets. This monumental task was carried out under the cover of night, with a crane lifting the airplane over the fence at Stapleton Airport with a procession through the city.

This unusual journey made Charlie 21 an instant local sensation, garnering media attention and publicity. Charlie 21 underwent modifications to serve as an educational space, including temperature adjustments and safety measures. Today, Charlie 21 continues to “fly” in the imaginations of the children she hosts, adding a unique and memorable aspect to their educational experience.

Charlie 21

Iliff’s 5 Tenets of
Whole Child Development

1. Engaged

Iliff students are actively engaged in learning and connected to the school and broader community. Our teacher-facilitated, play-based curriculum embeds inquiry-based, experiential tasks and activities to help all of our children deepen their understanding of what they are learning and why they are learning.

2. Safe

Iliff students learn in an environment that is physically and emotionally safe for everyone. Our physical, emotional, academic, and social school climate is safe, friendly, and student-centered. Our curriculum provides opportunities for children to practice social-emotional skills including effective listening, conflict resolution, problem-solving, self-regulation, personal reflection, and responsibility.

3. Healthy

Our facilities, environment, and culture support and reinforce the health and well-being of each child through lessons in healthy living, nutrition, and exercise. Our curriculum addresses the physical, mental, emotional, and social dimensions of health.

4. Supported

Iliff students are supported by qualified, caring adults to help them to develop to their full potential. Our school welcomes and includes all families as partners in their children’s education to encourage each student’s academic and personal growth.

5. Challenged

Iliff students have access to a comprehensive curriculum that develops the whole child. Our curriculum and instruction provide opportunities for students to develop critical thinking and reasoning skills and problem-solving competencies.

Programs

Our private programs engage children through immersive hands-on experiences rather than scripted curriculum. The classrooms are arranged in centers, giving children the opportunity to make choices, come up with ideas and be creative.

As the children play, our staff members observe, listen, ask questions, and talk with the children. We provide activities and materials that children find engaging and allow the children time to explore, play, and interact. This makes learning fun yet challenging.

Toddlers (1-3yr)

Preschool (2½-4yr)

Pre-kindergarten (4-5yr)

Kindergarten (5-6yr)

Summer Day Camp (Post KG-12)

Toddlers (1-3yr)

Preschool (2½-4yr)

Pre-kindergarten (4-5yr)

Kindergarten (5-6yr)

Summer Day Camp (Post KG-12)

Testimonials

“I can't imagine a better environment for any kiddo. Our child has shown amazing emotional growth and I cannot overstate how lucky we are to attend. We are so happy to be part of the family and recommend Iliff to anyone looking for a safe and nurturing environment.”

“This school is full of people with the biggest hearts. Ms. Abigail is so patient and I truly felt the love she had for my daughter. I watched my daughter truly transform. If you want your child to be loved, respected, and nurtured, this is the place to be.”

“My daughter and son both attended Iliff Preschool in the early 1990s. My daughter is now an accountant, my son is an electrician. Thank you Iliff Preschool.”

“We have been at Iliff for several months now and WE LOVE IT. The teachers have been so wonderful in meeting our daughter where she is developmentally while providing a safe environment to learn new skills and build new friendships. We feel like a part of the community and are looking forward to spending many more years at this school.”

Welcome to Iliff Preschool & Kindergarten

About Us

Charlie 21

Charlie 21

Iliff’s 5 Tenets of Whole Child Development

1. Engaged

2. Safe

3. Healthy

4. Supported

5. Challenged

Programs

Testimonials

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Iliff’s 5 Tenets of
Whole Child Development