Lawrence Arts Center

For families in Lawrence, KS, and indeed across the broader Kansas region, the Lawrence Arts Center is much more than just a building; it's a vibrant cornerstone of the community, offering a rich tapestry of arts experiences for all ages. While it is renowned for its diverse classes, exhibitions, and performances, it also houses a truly unique and impactful arts- and play-based preschool and kindergarten program. This makes it an exceptional choice for local parents seeking an early childhood education that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love for learning through the power of the arts.

The Lawrence Arts Center’s Early Childhood Arts program is built on the philosophy that children thrive when given opportunities to play, explore, create, and learn together. Their innovative curriculum is purposefully curated to encourage problem-solving, skill mastering, and imaginative thinking, setting a strong foundation for future academic success. Unlike traditional preschools, the Arts Center integrates art, dramatic play, dance, and music into daily learning, understanding that these activities foster self-esteem, confidence, and expression across all developmental domains.

For over two decades, the Lawrence Arts Center has been a beloved "gem" of the community, as expressed by many patrons. It offers "something for everyone, just about every day of the week," from adult art classes to youth theatre and mesmerizing performances. This expansive reach contributes to a dynamic environment where young preschool and kindergarten students can be exposed to a world of artistic endeavors, learning directly from qualified and dedicated teachers who are trained in early childhood education, child development, or art.

It is important for prospective families to be aware of operational aspects that affect the daily experience. One review highlighted challenges with the pick-up process for children, noting excessive waiting times. The Lawrence Arts Center's Preschool Handbook does outline specific pick-up procedures, emphasizing timely pick-up and adult escort. Open communication with the staff and familiarity with their policies, available in their handbooks, can help navigate these daily logistics effectively. Despite this, the overall sentiment points to a high-quality program that delivers unique experiences not found elsewhere, providing a well-rounded and engaging start to a child's educational journey.

The Lawrence Arts Center is ideally situated at 940 New Hampshire St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA, right in the heart of downtown Lawrence. This prime location makes it incredibly accessible for families residing within the city and those traveling from surrounding communities across the wider Kansas region. Being in downtown Lawrence, the Arts Center is within walking distance of many local businesses, restaurants, and other cultural attractions, allowing for easy integration into daily routines.

Accessibility is a key advantage of this location. The Arts Center is equipped with a state-of-the-art modern building, designed to accommodate a variety of programs and visitors. For those driving, free two-hour parking is typically available on the lower two floors of the parking garage located directly across the street from the Lawrence Arts Center. Metered street parking is also available on New Hampshire Street, along with a 15-minute loading zone for quick drop-offs and pick-ups. Lawrence’s public transportation system also provides convenient routes to the downtown area. This central and well-connected location ensures that families from all over Kansas can easily access the diverse offerings of the Lawrence Arts Center, including its early childhood programs.

• School Year Preschool & Kindergarten: Innovative, creative, arts- and play-based early learning experiences for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners.
• Before and After-School Care: Extended care options for enrolled preschool and kindergarten students.
• Early Learning Experiences: Programs designed for infants and toddlers that encourage play, exploration, and creativity.
• School of Dance: Comprehensive dance education from early childhood through adult, including ballet, modern, hip hop, jazz, tap, and more.
• School of Theatre and Music: Classes in acting, improv, musical theatre, and music for various age groups.
• Visual Arts Classes: Extensive offerings in ceramics, sculpture, drawing, painting, printmaking, digital media, fibers, and mixed media for youth and adults.
• Contemporary Exhibitions: Features 20-25 exhibitions annually from diverse artists, ranging from local children to internationally known artists, free and open to the public.
• Performances: A robust schedule of theatrical productions, dance concerts, and musical performances in their 300-seat theater and black box theater.
• Film Programs: Includes the Free State Festival, a celebration of film, music, art, and ideas, and programming at their microcinema at 10th & Mass Studios.
• Financial Aid: Available on a sliding scale based on household income and other circumstances to ensure accessibility for all families.
• Facility Rentals: Offers rental of performance spaces, studios, and classrooms for events and activities.

• Arts- and Play-Based Curriculum: A unique educational philosophy that integrates various art forms (art, dramatic play, dance, music) into daily learning to foster creativity and holistic development.
• Qualified, Dedicated Teachers: Faculty are trained in early childhood education, child development, or art, and are committed to providing high-quality, developmentally appropriate programs.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: A 40,000-square-foot modern building featuring classrooms, studios, two theaters, four exhibition galleries, a digital media lab, and dedicated outdoor play spaces for early childhood programs.
• Comprehensive Arts Offerings: A "gem" of Lawrence with "something for everyone," including a wide array of classes, exhibitions, and performances for all ages and interests.
• Community Engagement: Deeply involved in the Lawrence community, offering free events, partnering with local organizations, and fostering a supportive artistic environment.
• Financial Accessibility: Committed to ensuring art is for everyone, offering financial aid based on a sliding scale to support families in need.
• Well-Rounded Development Focus: Helps children develop 21st-century skills, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a lifelong love of learning through creative engagement.
• "Free State Festival": Creator and host of a signature annual event celebrating film, music, art, and ideas, attracting visitors across Kansas and the Midwest.

Address: 940 New Hampshire St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA

Phone: (785) 843-2787

Mobile Phone: +1 785-843-2787

For families across Lawrence, KS, and the wider Kansas region, the Lawrence Arts Center offers an exceptionally suitable and enriching option for early childhood education through its arts- and play-based preschool and kindergarten programs. Its unique approach, coupled with its central role in the community, makes it an outstanding choice for locals.

Firstly, its prime location in downtown Lawrence ensures convenient accessibility for residents. The availability of nearby parking and its integration within a vibrant city center mean that families can easily incorporate drop-offs and pick-ups into their daily routines, reducing logistical stress. This local presence is a significant advantage for Kansas parents seeking quality educational opportunities close to home.

The core suitability of the Lawrence Arts Center's preschool lies in its innovative curriculum. Unlike many traditional programs, it leverages the power of the arts—dance, music, visual art, and dramatic play—to foster comprehensive development. This approach not only makes learning fun and engaging but also cultivates essential 21st-century skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and self-expression. For parents who believe in a holistic education that goes beyond rote memorization, this arts-integrated method is incredibly appealing and sets a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Furthermore, the entire Lawrence Arts Center is a hub of cultural activity, meaning children in the preschool program are constantly exposed to a broader artistic environment. They are surrounded by various art forms, exhibitions, and performances, fostering an early appreciation for the arts that can grow with them. The availability of financial aid further underscores the Arts Center's commitment to making quality education accessible to all local families, regardless of economic background.

While one review mentioned challenges with pick-up procedures, the Arts Center's dedication to clear policies and an overall positive learning environment, as evidenced by its long-standing reputation and the breadth of its offerings, suggests that any minor operational issues can be managed through good communication. Choosing the Lawrence Arts Center for preschool means providing your child with a unique, creative, and community-connected start to their educational journey right here in Lawrence, Kansas.

Lawrence Arts Center

940 New Hampshire St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA