Welcome to Augustana Early Learning Center!
We are proud to be a Colorado SHINES Level 4 Program!
This rating isn't just a number—it’s the state’s official confirmation that we provide a high-quality early learning environment where your child can thrive.
Learn more about the impact of a level 4 rating!
Our Philosophy of Education: The Importance of PLAY!
At Augustana Early Learning Center, we believe children learn best through play. Play is an essential foundation for their holistic development, laying the foundation for physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Through play, children embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploration, and learning. Our teachers have the critical role of helping to facilitate play, and supporting children through problem solving, asking thoughtful questions and encouraging curiosity.
Our School’s History & Partnership with
Augustana Lutheran Church
We opened our doors in 1971 and operate as a mission of Augustana Lutheran Church. Our programming & curriculum are not religious in nature but we receive ongoing support from the Church through shared services that help to offset many of the costs of operating our Center, including: shared billing & finance departments, maintenance staff, tech/IT support and building space. We are grateful to the Church for their sustained commitment to our school and community!
Our son just finished up preschool at AELC and we couldn’t be happier with the choice to have him spend the last few years here! We have had nothing but positive experiences. My son was surrounded by positive role models from the administrative staff, kitchen staff and custodians- he knew all their names and was always excited to give them high-fives and say goodbye at the end of the day! He loved his teachers Mr.Greg, Ms.Kate, and Ms.Dianne- they created a safe, structured and fun environment for him to learn and make friends. The school tuition is very reasonable for Denver and all lunches/snacks were included. We will truly miss being apart of this school heading to kindergarten in the fall. -Christine
The teachers and staff are thoughtful, kind, and creative in their activity planning and care for both my son (3.5 - preschool) and my daughter (6 - after-care program). AELC is a warm and welcoming place that we love being a part of! -Kendall
We love AELC! We have two kids (2 1/2 and 4) who have been attending for a couple years. The staff is super engaged, caring, and consistent. The admins are very organized and have great communication. They ensure the safety of the children is priority, while managing to create a warm and encouraging environment built for inclusivity and learning! -MaryKate
Wonderful school with caring teachers and staff. Our son has been there for more than 4 years. He loves the fairy garden and playground. We feel he is well prepared to enter kindergarten. -Ian
The current director taught both of my children as a teacher and led the center for my younger child’s last year. I think she is fantastic--I have total confidence in her as a director and educator. She has a great sense of appropriate child development; a solid commitment to leadership and staff development; and is kind, compassionate, and competent. -Kara
Both of our daughters attend AELC, and we’ve had a wonderful experience. The teachers are caring, attentive, and genuinely invested in the kids’ growth and happiness. The staff is always friendly, welcoming, and communicative, which gives us great peace of mind as parents. Our girls love going every day, and we’re grateful for the safe, nurturing, and fun environment they provide. We highly recommend this daycare to any family looking for quality childcare! -Nik
I’ve had two children attend AELC. My family and I have felt so supported by this school- the amount of communication and opportunities for parent involvement are amazing. Our children have become more confident, strong, and learned an incredible amount. They do a great job of setting kiddos up for long term success. -Kacy
There's a combination of tenured teachers who have been there for years, and newer faces who just joined this year. All of the teachers are kind and loving to the kids and genuinely want to enrich their development and social skills. We are happy with our decision to be a part of this center! -Lydia
Kudos to the teachers and administrative staff at Augustana Early Learning Center. I am a grandparent of a granddaughter who attended the school for three years and a grandson who is in his third year of preschool there. We are involved in dropping off and picking up the kids and have a lot of contact with the teachers and staff. We have been so impressed with the quality of the teachers and the welcoming and competent administrative staff. Our grandchildren do not want to leave when we come to pick them up. They have made good friends at the Center and the teachers are very warm and loving to the children. The children know how to follow directions and the rules in the classroom. We have watched them mature and learn how to be kind, generous and capable children. The Center is a clean and safe place and our grandchildren are so happy there which makes us very happy. -Kathryn
Augustana is a full-time, year-round Toddler & Preschool Program.
Fireflies: Ages 12 months to 24 months old
Dragonflies: Ages 18 months to 30 months old
Bumblebees: Ages 2 to 3 years old
Ladybugs: Ages 2.5 to 3.5 years old
Butterflies: Ages 3 to 4 years old
Crickets: Ages 4 to 5 years old
Come Visit Us!
We offer tours every Tuesday & Thursday from 10:00AM-11:30AM.
Tours are by appointment only.
NOTE: If the waitlist fee will cause financial hardship, please contact our team at aelcadmin@augustanadenver.org and we will discuss options!
Colorado Shines
Denver Preschool Program
Colorado Child Care Assistance Program For Families
Universal Preschool (UPK) Colorado