Early Morning
Circle TimeEach day begins with a warm welcome as children gather to build a strong sense of community and belonging.
Now Enrolling
Now Hiring
The Leader in Early Education and Care®
Hours & Location
M-F 7:00 am-6:00 pmAccreditation
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Early Education and Care in Fort Collins, CO
Our school is more than a daycare. Through purposeful play and nurturing guidance, we help lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Right down the road from English Ranch Park and Linton Elementary School, we are conveniently located on Bighorn Drive. Come by and see Balanced Learning® in action.
Every Moment Matters
- The components of our Balanced Learning® approach are intentionally aligned to create developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
- Your child will stay engaged all day with the right balance of child-initiated and teacher-guided learning experiences.
- Our students learn the foundational skills to develop Active Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts® that will forge a path to a brighter future.
A Day in The Life at Primrose
Mid-Morning
Noggin Joggin’Through thought-provoking discussions, children are encouraged to wonder, predict and think critically.
Late Morning
Harmony & HeartChildren discover the joy of music, melody and self-expression as they sing, dance and play instruments.
Early Afternoon
Small GroupTeachers build meaningful relationships while offering individualized support, encouragement and challenges.
Early Afternoon
Wonder TimesWonder students explore concepts through hands-on investigations, thoughtful conversations, songs and more.
Mid-Afternoon
Small Group LiteracyVenture students find their voice and express their ideas through drawing, writing, storytelling and bookmaking.
Late-Afternoon
Thumbs Up!Children build coordination, balance and body awareness while practicing teamwork and healthy habits.
Late-Afternoon
Reflections of the DayChildren come together to celebrate their learning, share discoveries and reflect on the day’s experiences.
Franchise Owners
The Mateyka Family
Nikole and Jesse Mateyka are the proud owners of Primrose School of Fort Collins. Their journey with Primrose began as parents when their daughter, Scarlett, attended a Primrose school and thrived through the Balanced Learning® approach. Inspired by the positive impact it had on their family, they chose to bring the Primrose experience to Fort Collins.
Nikole’s background includes supporting children and families through the Department of Human Services in the Child Protective Services branch and Colorado Medicaid programs, while Jesse brings extensive entrepreneurial and leadership experience.
Together, they are passionate about creating a warm, nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
While Nikole is from Maryland, Jesse is a Colorado native. (However, Nikole likes to say she got here as soon as she could.) Nikole finished her master’s program at Colorado State University and has loved Fort Collins ever since. Jesse pursued his college degrees at the University of Colorado in his hometown of Boulder and Metro State University of Denver. While the paths might have been different, they both consider Colorado home. When not at school, they enjoy spending time outdoors with their daughter Scarlett and dog Livia. Whether they’re hiking, skiing, ATVing, or exploring the mountains, they love everything Colorado has to offer.
We are proud to offer the Primrose experience and can’t wait to welcome you to the Primrose community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are all staff members background-checked and CPR/first-aid certified?
Yes. Every Primrose staff member undergoes a thorough background check before joining our school. All staff are also CPR and first–aid certified, so you can feel confident your child is in safe, prepared hands every day.
What curriculum or educational philosophy do you follow?
Our school uses the proprietary Primrose Schools Balanced Learning® curriculum, which is research-informed and designed to nurture the whole child — intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically. We believe in balancing teacher-guided learning with purposeful play to build a strong foundation for the future.
How do you support school readiness and the transition to kindergarten?
All of our programs are designed in age-appropriate ways to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond. We focus on early literacy and numeracy as well as social-emotional skill development — so children arrive at kindergarten confident and ready to thrive. 96% of Primrose Schools Pre-K students met ASQ benchmarks for problem solving.*
What are your hours of operation?
We are open Monday through Friday from 7:00 am-6:00 pm.
How do you keep parents informed about their child's day?
Connecting school to home is one of the ways we help children thrive. We use the Procare app to share daily updates and photos so you stay connected to your child’s joy, learning and special moments
What ages do you serve?
Primrose School of Fort Collins serves children from 6 weeks through school age. Our programs include infant and toddler daycare, early preschool, preschool, pre-kindergarten, and before- and after-school care for elementary-aged children, plus Summer Adventure Club.
What is the staff-to-child ratio?
We maintain low staff-to-child ratios so every child receives the attention and care they deserve. Ratios vary by age group in accordance with Colorado state licensing requirements and Primrose standards.
What security measures are in place at drop-off and pick-up?
The safety of your child is our top priority. Our school uses a secure entry system, and only authorized individuals are permitted to pick up your child.
What are the qualifications and early childhood education backgrounds of your teachers?
Our preschool and daycare teachers in Fort Collins, CO are selected for their passion for early childhood education and must meet our hiring standards. We provide ongoing professional development.
Are meals and snacks provided?
Yes. We provide nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily, prepared on-site, with menus designed around Balanced Learning nutrition guidance.
What is the enrollment process?
Getting started is easy! Simply reach out to schedule a tour, and we’ll walk you through everything — from our programs and classrooms to tuition and next steps. We can’t wait to meet your family.
