Welcome to Mulberry School
Mulberry School is a warm, welcoming, and parent-led cooperative preschool that has proudly served the Bloomington-Normal community since 1971. For more than 50 years, we’ve been dedicated to providing a nurturing, play-based environment where children ages 2–5 can thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally. Our goal is to spark a lifelong love of learning in every child through creativity, exploration, and meaningful connections.
What We Offer
At Mulberry, we understand that every child is unique, and we offer a range of programs designed to meet children where they are developmentally, helping them grow with confidence and joy. Our school offers:
- Morning Classes for 2-Year-Olds – A gentle introduction to school with a focus on socialization and sensory play.
- Preschool for Ages 3–4 – Flexible full-day and half-day options that foster imagination, communication, and collaboration.
- Junior Kindergarten & Kindergarten – A full-day, developmentally appropriate curriculum that balances academic readiness with creativity and problem-solving
- Enrichment through Art, Music, and Spanish – Weekly activities that nurture expression, rhythm, and early language learning.
- Before & After School Care – A safe and fun environment for extended learning and play outside of class hours.
- Summer Camp – A continuation of our joyful learning approach during the summer months, filled with outdoor exploration, crafts, and friendships.
- Low Student-to-Teacher Ratio – With approximately 10:1 ratios, our teachers are able to give each child the attention and guidance they need to grow confidently.
Our Philosophy
At the heart of Mulberry is a commitment to helping children become enthusiastic, capable, and self-directed learners. Drawing inspiration from the British Infant School model, our philosophy centers on teaching how to learn, not just what to learn.
Our curriculum blends structured learning with child-led discovery. Children are encouraged to explore, ask questions, make choices, and take ownership of their learning process. By doing so, they develop essential life skills like independence, responsibility, and confidence. We align with the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards while remaining flexible to honor the natural pace and rhythm of each child’s development.
A True Parent Partnership
Mulberry is more than just a preschool—it’s a vibrant, cooperative community where families are deeply involved in every aspect of school life. As a parent-led organization, we believe that education is most powerful when families and educators work together.
Each family contributes 35 volunteer hours per school year, helping with classroom support, maintenance, committee work, and special events. This active involvement not only strengthens the school but also builds lasting friendships and a strong sense of ownership and belonging.
Parents at Mulberry are not bystanders—they are partners, collaborators, and co-creators of their child’s early education experience.
Why Families Love Mulberry
Families choose Mulberry not just for what we teach, but for how we make children and parents feel. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Over 50 Years of Excellence – A long-standing legacy of child-centered, play-based learning
- Experienced, Certified Teachers – Passionate educators who understand the developmental needs of young children
- Strong Family Involvement – A community where parents are seen, heard, and valued
- Inclusive and Welcoming Environment – We celebrate diversity and foster belonging for every family
- Joyful, Engaged Learning – Classrooms full of wonder, laughter, and discovery
Join us at Mulberry School
Whether you’re just beginning your educational journey or looking for a preschool that feels like home, we invite you to discover the Mulberry difference. Here, learning is a shared journey—rooted in curiosity, guided by compassion, and enriched by community.
Come grow with us at Mulberry School—where children are celebrated, families are connected, and learning is full of joy.