Play-based learning with a focus on connection

Three children playing on bikes waving at the camera

Snow Lion Preschool is a first-school experience for families. We prioritize children’s social-emotional development through deep connection and play.

Play. Connection. Compassion.

At Snow Lion we support families in their children’s first preschool experiences. We guide families as they navigate the process of separation and the journey of parenting, creating a community of trust and openness, curiosity and learning.

Snow Lion Preschool focuses on experiential, play-based learning that fosters connection and nurtures self-discovery, curiosity and loving kindness towards self and others. Founded in 1995 as a small playgroup, we have grown into a vibrant community of hundreds of families. We celebrate diversity, inside and out.

“The goal of education is not to increase the amount of knowledge, but to create the possibilities for the child to create and discover.”
- Jean Piaget

Three children in pink shirts standing on a wooden play structure
A small table and play kitchen on a round purple rug with colorful curtains

Our Space

Snow Lion moved to North Boulder 25 years ago to be part of the local neighborhood. Some families walk or bike to us each morning! Since our building was originally a house, the space is welcoming to young children who have not yet experienced traditional school classrooms. We split children aged 16 months to 5 years into two, mixed-age settings (Cubs and Lions) with low student-to-teacher ratios.

    • Ages 17-27 months (at the start of the school year)

    • Student-to-teacher ratios: 4:1

    • Flexible attendance options. M-F, MWF, TTh, etc.

    • Classes are available in both half-day and full day formats.

      • Half-day: 8:30am-12:30pm

      • Full-day: 8:30am-3:15pm (Fridays available as half day only)

    • Ages 2.5-5.5 years (at the start of the school year)

    • Student-to-teacher ratios: 7:1

    • Flexible attendance options. M-F, MWF, TTh, etc.

    • Classes are available in both half-day and full day formats.

      • Half-day: 8:30am-12:30pm

      • Full-day: 8:30am-3:15pm

Meet the Team

  • Rachel Flax Kaplan

    Rachel Flax Kaplan

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • Nicole Ann Vollmerhausen

    ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

  • Connie Aizeki

    CUBS CLASS COORDINATOR

  • Lauren Pilling

    LEAD TEACHER

  • Heidi Violett

    TEACHER

  • Jessica Deerman

    TEACHER

Learn About Us

  • From the moment you step through the door, it's clear that this isn’t just a preschool – it’s a nurturing, inspiring, and safe haven for children to thrive.

    KERRY, PARENT OF ALUM

  • What I love about school is playing with my friends.

    CN, I’m five years old. I turned five already!

  • The teachers go above and beyond to care for each student and each parent.

    NIKKI, PARENT OF ALUM

  • What I love about school is everything! But also the long time to play.

    OMH, I’m five and a half years old

  • "We love and miss you and all that is SL. Thanks for the many magical preschool years."

    ALLISON, PARENT OF ALUMNI

  • What I love about school is that there is a sandbox, and fairies come here and leave us beads.

    LG, I’m four and a half years old, almost five. Can you believe it?

  • The community built around this school truly feels like family.

    WHITNEY S.

  • What I love about school is that it’s magical.

    AB, I’m five years old. I turned five already!

  • Snow Lion Preschool is not just a school, but an extension of home for our son.

    JOEY W, PARENT OF ALUM

  • What I love about school is the pretty crystals on the window.

    GG, I’m five

  • The teachers love all the children for their own unique little personalities.

    DANIELA

  • We love and miss you and all that is Snow Lion. Thanks for the many magical preschool years.

    ALLISON D.

  • What I don’t love about school is nothing.

    HH, I’m five