"Play is the brain's favorite way of learning.”  ​Diane Ackerman

Indoors and out, all year round, in all our programs, learning through play is the Girassol way! 

​Thanks so much for your interest in Girassol Preschool. We are open year-round and are licensed as a childcare center by the State of Alaska. Our program serves children from the age of 3 through age 5. We are now accepting new students who will be at least 3 years old by December 1, 2026. Download an application here.

Our curriculum is influenced by two highly regarded education philosophies: the Reggio Emilia Approach and the Montessori Method. Both emphasize learning through play in a setting where children are free to create and discover, build relationships with peers, and become confident learners.  Learn more about our program here. 

We are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday - Friday. Our daily schedule is structured to include planned activities, snack and lunch times, outdoor play, and, for full-day students, a two-hour period during which the children should not require one-on-one attention in order to nap, rest, or play alone quietly. 

school calendar

Girassol means "sunflower" in Portuguese, the language of Brazil. The word is  pronounced  jih·ruh·sol. 
​Sunflowers bring warmth, light, and happiness to all who look at them, just like children! On cloudy days, sunflowers turn to face each other, to give each other energy. This is the Girassol way! Click on the YouTube video to hear a beautiful Portuguese song about girassols! ​

---