Lexington Friends Preschool

Lexington Friends Preschool is a nonprofit, nature-based preschool in Lexington, Kentucky, serving children from 12 months to six years old through three distinct programs: Tulip for infants and toddlers, Poppy for toddlers, and Sunflower for primary-age children. Rooted in a child-led, hands-on approach inspired by Montessori principles, the school emphasizes exploration, creativity, and outdoor learning. Programs integrate language, math, science, cultural studies, and practical life skills, with weekly enrichment classes and consistent all-weather outdoor play. The school is dedicated to fostering compassionate, environmentally conscious, and diverse-minded learners and welcomes families regardless of background. It holds a Three Star rating from the Kentucky All STARS Quality Rating System and maintains a 5.00 rating based on customer reviews.

Founded in 2015 by Chapi Johnson and Emily Webb, Lexington Friends Preschool began as a vision to blend Montessori-inspired education with deep environmental engagement and imaginative play. After navigating the challenges of the pandemic, the school reemerged under new leadership, maintaining its commitment to outdoor learning and community-driven growth. Its curriculum reflects Quaker values such as peace, integrity, and stewardship, while remaining secular and inclusive. Teachers tailor instruction to each child’s developmental stage and interests, encouraging independent choice and collaborative discovery. The school’s staff, including lead and assistant teachers across all classrooms, support a nurturing, responsive learning environment.

Located on Price Avenue, the preschool sits about a third of a mile from Coolavin Park and slightly more than a quarter mile from Elsmere Park, nestled within a residential neighborhood near North Broadway and West Loudon Avenue. The nearby Waste Knot public artwork marks a short walk from the campus, adding to the neighborhood’s cultural presence.

Lexington Friends Preschool stands out for its strong reputation in early childhood education, supported by a clean, accessible website and consistently detailed public information. Families consistently choose the school through word-of-mouth, reflecting deep trust in its mission and practices. The school’s long-standing commitment to quality, inclusivity, and nature-based learning has solidified its standing as a trusted leader in Lexington’s preschool community.

As a cornerstone of early education in Lexington, Lexington Friends Preschool nurtures young minds through curiosity, connection, and care, grounded in the natural world and the values of community.