Big learning happens
through play.

A play-based preschool in Portland, OR with exceptional teachers, small classes, and a deeply connected community.

STILL ENROLLING · 2026–2027

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Community, Connection, Creativity, Curiosity. All Built through Play.

Community, Connection, Creativity, Curiosity. All Built through Play.

A Lifelong Love of Learning Starts Here

Youngset offers a flexible two-year preschool program for children ages 3–5, thoughtfully designed around how young children learn best: through play, exploration, relationships, and hands-on experience. Our child-led environment gives children daily opportunities to build language, problem-solving skills, independence, creativity, emotional regulation, social confidence, and both fine and gross motor skills at their own developmental pace.

Youngset is a nonprofit, non-sectarian parent cooperative, creating a close partnership between exceptional teachers and families and a deeply connected community around each child.

  • "My experience with Youngset Preschool has been nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we stepped through the doors, we were enveloped in an atmosphere of love and nurturing. The teachers are truly wonderful - caring, attentive, and dedicated to each child's individual growth and development."

    Raquel L

  • "I cannot speak highly enough of Youngest Preschool in Portland. The care, love and attention that our 3 year old receives is second to none."

    Katie L

  • "Love this school! 3 years in and still loving it! Cooperative school for 3-5 year olds in Goose Hollow area, right near MAX stop, super parent involvement and awesome teachers and curriculum. My kids were ready for kindergarten!"

    Lynn B

  • "After a tough time at another preschool, we found Youngset. The teachers are unicorns (literally all three): they are so qualified, so good at their jobs, and genuinely love the kids. They have a lot of freedom and the result is a pretty magical environment that is hard to find."

    Jessica H

  • "Youngset preschool has been THE BEST early childhood learning environment for my 2 grandchildren. Not only is the curriculum age-appropriate and playful, and the teachers are what make this preschool shine!"

    Kris L

  • "Our 3-year-old daughter started at Youngset in September. The teachers, facility, community of families, and experience have exceeded our expectations."

    Jillian G

  • "I love this school. The community is engaged and the teachers are EXCEPTIONAL."

    Allison M

  • "The best preschool in Portland. Fantastic teachers, amazing environment, and great community. I wouldn't send my kids anywhere else."

    Matthew C

  • "Youngset is so much more than a preschool for our family. As my daughter literally just said today, "[Youngset] preschool is like a home that you don't live in". We have found such a sense of community, belonging, meaning and joy throughout the past year at Youngset."

    Morgan F

  • "We are so glad to be at Youngset for a second year! Being such an integral part of my child's education is just one of the many things I love about this preschool."

    Taylor W

  • "We love Youngset! Our son is finishing his second year there and our daughter is already on the waitlist for when she turns three. We've absolutely loved the teachers and the community."

    Kiera R

  • "The kids thrive in the environment because they’re allowed and encouraged to explore. Couldn’t recommend this place more."

    Molly B

  • "My wife and I have our third child at Youngset, and I cannot say enough good things about the school...We have another kid coming up to Youngset the year after next. Trust me, you don't stay somewhere for four kids unless it is a great place."

    Chris B

  • "My daughter is LOVING her first year at Youngset! Amazing teachers, great play-based curriculum, and an awesome opportunity to be involved in your child's education."

    Sam F

  • "If you're looking for a great preschool, I would highly recommend Youngset Co-op Preschool. We have loved the school for our 2 children! With excellent teachers and a welcoming community, it's a warm and friendly place where kids can play, discover and develop a curiosity and love for school."

    Anna T

Introducing our brand new program…

Colorful sign spelling 'YOUNGSTER' in bright orange, pink, blue, yellow, purple, and orange letters, introducing Youngset's program for toddlers 1.5-2 years old.

Youngsters is a playful parent-and-me program created especially for children ages 18 months to 2 years who are beginning to explore the world of preschool. It offers a gentle, low-pressure introduction to the Youngset classroom, with plenty of time to play, explore, and build comfort in the community alongside a parent or caregiver.

Enroll Now
A woman with gray hair, holding leaves, points to a large tree trunk while a group of young children gather around and look at the tree in an outdoor setting on a sunny day.
Two small children are lying face down on a wooden bench under a tree at the playground at Youngset Preschool, with their heads near the trunk and their bodies stretched out along the bench.
Colorful flowers in a wooden planter box in front of a building with a sloped roof and a covered patio area, with a small child riding a red and blue tricycle in the background.
A young girl with blonde hair in pigtails, wearing a purple shirt, is kneeling on a black surface with her back to the camera, facing a white paper with animal cutouts pinned to a dark wall. She is in a cozy space decorated with multicolored string l
Six children drawing on a blackboard with colorful chalk, standing on a wooden platform in a classroom.
Children playing with a wooden train set on a blue and green table, with some children wearing casual clothes and hats, and a green shaggy rug underneath the table.
A craft resembling a lion's face made from orange modeling clay with pink and white spiral hair, white and black googly eyes, and black nose and mouth, on a wooden surface with a yellow sticky note labeled 'Leo' underneath.
A young boy wearing a baseball cap is sitting on a carpeted floor in front of a wooden toy parking garage with toy cars lined up on the floor leading to the garage.
Children painting with watercolors and drawing tools on paper at a table decorated with fall leaves, a basket of small pumpkins, and art supplies including glue sticks, paint, and glitter.
Child with long blonde hair and pink mask pressing hands onto a colorful abstract painting on an easel in a classroom, with paint buckets underneath, a color chart on the wall, and a window showing trees outside.

Growing Through Curiosity and Play

  • Our goal is to provide a preschool experience that builds on the natural curiosity each child is born with. We foster the learning process by encouraging children to explore their own interests in a warm, caring and child-centered environment. Children are supported as they learn important social skills through play and relationships within the classroom community. It is important to us that we prepare each child with the social, emotional and academic skills to succeed in Kindergarten.

  • A cooperative preschool is a group of families who hire trained teachers and work with them to provide a quality preschool experience for children. Our school asks each family to contribute a certain number of hours in the classroom (see our FAQs for more information on how in class parent helping works). Every family is responsible for one committee job throughout the school year and attendance at two general membership evening meetings, in addition to fund-raising activities.  Involvement by all members helps to create a close-knit community.

  • Member of PCPO – Youngset is a member of the Parent Child Preschools of Oregon (PCPO) which supports developmentally appropriate parent child cooperative preschools in Oregon and Washington.

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View fullsize Is your 2-year-old ready for a little more play, creativity, and community? 🪁🧡 Come spend Tuesday mornings with us at Youngset! Youngsters is our brand new parent-and-me program for toddlers who aren’t quite ready for preschool but are rea
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View fullsize Play is… problem solving, relationship strengthening, curiosity sparking, resilience building magic ✨ Our job is to build the environment, scaffolf the learning and help when needed, but most of all, it’s to get out of the way and give c