Welcome To

Children's Discovery Ranch

An exploration based, early childhood center in Salida, Colorado

 

Explore, Discover, Grow

See the School

There are so many things that make our school unique, our location is a big one. In 2015, one of the homes on the Historic Hutchinson Ranch was converted into our school providing a home-like, welcoming environment for our students, teachers, and families. Being on a ranch provides us with outstanding discovery & learning opportunities. We would love for you to come see the school!

Give us a call at (719) 207.3778

Learn By Doing

We have a very hands on approach to learning. Days at Children’s Discovery Ranch are spent developing the skills of young learners through experiential growth. Being creative, innovative, and curious is always encouraged. We incorporate daily opportunities for our students to expand their minds. In addition, our enrichment program includes Spanish with Maria, visiting local artists, music & movement, outdoor adventures around the ranch & so much more!

Mission & Vision

Children’s Discovery Ranch, in Salida Colorado, provides a holistic preschool approach for young children in Chaffee County. Located on the Historic Hutchinson Ranch, CDR started with humble roots as Two’s Early Learning in 2004. In 2015 we moved & expanded our program to the ranch to provide more nature and exploratory experiences to children . Our mission is to provide a center for early learning & care with an environment that feels like a home away from home. We fully embrace the motto “it takes a village” by creating a collaborative experience with our teachers, parents and children to provide a nurturing, safe & caring school family. We love sunflowers, exploring, creating, getting messy, & discovering the world around us.

A Word

From Our Founder

”  I feel truly blessed to have played an important role in the lives of so many children in their early years. I am incredibly grateful for the teachers of CDR who give so much of themselves to love and care for each child and make our school a truly unique place. “

– Kathi Wardlow

Core Values

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Testimonials

What Parents are Saying

The Discovery Ranch is such a special place for our boy to spend his days. The teachers are thoughtful and creative and make a special effort to understand his needs and create activities that help him thrive. His days are full of adventure when they explore the property, he comes home with all sorts of craft projects that he is so proud to share with us and has learned so many songs, games and stories. The Ranch has been an amazing place for him to learn to play compassionately with others and it has been wonderful to watch his personality blossom. We are so happy he has had the opportunity to grow and learn at this exceptional school. We are forever thankful! 

-The Chernofsky Family

Finley LOVES going to school at the ranch. He always tells me he misses school over breaks and holidays and has even shed some tears about not being able to go to school over the holidays. He says his favorite part of school is “playing with his friends” which is a huge deal for our once reserved and shy little guy. He comes home telling us about all of his adventures looking for crystals, splashing in puddles, exploring by the creek, and discovering cool outdoor tunnels. He enjoys his teachers and can now speak more Spanish than we can thanks to the regular Spanish lessons. We love all of the creative art projects he has come home with and how his teachers foster his unique interests like crystal hunting and making many “presents” with lots of tape.

-The Echols Family

Students

After School programs

Faculty

Years Established

Get In Touch

Location: 9104 W Hwy 50 Hutchinson Ranch Salida, CO

Telephone: (719) 207-3778

Email: childrensdiscoveryranch@gmail.com

School Hours: M-Th: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm