Edwin Pratt Early Learning Center is open for business

Photos courtesy Shoreline Schools

The Edwin Pratt Early Learning Center opened its doors to 400 of Shoreline Public Schools’ youngest learners on Monday, January 7.

The new 55,000 square foot facility at 1900 N 170th St is now home to all of the school district’s preschool programs. Those programs include Shoreline Children’s Center tuition-based preschool, Head Start and Early Childhood Education.

Parents and kids chatting with Supt. Miner

The open, bright and modern spaces are a big change from the Shoreline Children’s Center that was originally built in 1957. The original building was home to Meridian Elementary until it became the Shoreline Children’s Center in 1985.

Outdoor play area

“This has really been worth the wait,” said Director of Early Learning Hillery Clark. “Our staff, students and families are incredibly excited for this amazing place to instill a lifelong love of learning in our students and help prepare them for success in elementary school.”

Classroom

Construction on the new facility began just over a year ago and was funded through a $250 million school construction bond approved by 73 percent of voters in February 2017. That bond is also funding construction of new Einstein and Kellogg Middle Schools and a new Parkwood Elementary.

Classroom

“We are very fortunate to work, live and learn in a community that has such an amazing history of investing in and supporting our schools, students and staff,” said Superintendent Rebecca Miner. 

“This new facility is a shining example of that commitment to the transformative power of public education. It will serve as the foundation for the success of a new generation of students who will walk through its doors and for that we are incredibly grateful.”

The total estimated cost for design and construction of the Edwin Pratt Early Learning Center is $35,800,000. The architect for the project is Mahlum Architects and the contractor is BNBuilders.

Wall art

The Edwin Pratt Early Learning Center is named after Edwin Pratt, a local civil rights leader who was assassinated in front of his home in Shoreline on January 26, 1969 at the age of 38.

A formal dedication date has not been announced, but district officials expect it to be sometime in March to give student and staff time to settle in as well as have more daylight available for touring the outdoor spaces at the school.