Graeagle Schoolhouse Prepares for Preschool and Family Programs
Plans include outdoor learning, flexible schedules, and help with tuition.
3 min read
The McCoy family welcomes visitors for a first look inside the Lost Sierra Kids Learning Center at the Graeagle schoolhouse.
Juli Fair Photography, Reno, Nevada
GRAEAGLE – Local nonprofit Lost Sierra Kids plans to open its Learning Center at the historic Graeagle schoolhouse in January 2027, bringing preschool care for children ages 2–6 along with after-school activities and parent support.
The preschool program will bring together outdoor exploration, music, art, and imaginative play. The schoolhouse has two classrooms designed for younger and older preschoolers and a 3,000-square-foot outdoor play and learning yard.
“We all just want our children to have a wonderful place to learn and grow, and I want their parents to have the support and flexibility to make life here work. Those things naturally belong together,” founder and executive director Stephanie McCoy says.
Stephanie McCoy, founder and executive director of Lost Sierra Kids, inside the Learning Center at the Graeagle schoolhouse.
Juli Fair Photography, Reno, Nevada
The plans extend beyond preschool. A space called Community Commons is planned for after-school math and science tutoring, art workshops, and parenting classes.
Lost Sierra Kids also offers help for people pursuing careers in early childhood education through Rooted to Teach, including training, supervised experience, guidance through credential requirements, and assistance with required costs.
The Learning Center plans to welcome preschoolers on Monday, January 4, 2027, subject to final licensing approval. The nonprofit completed its licensing walkthrough on October 22 and is working with Community Care Licensing to finish the remaining paperwork.
The center is planning for 30 students and is accepting full-time and part-time enrollment. Full-day and half-day options will allow families to build a weekly schedule around their needs.
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The Learning Center’s Trailblazers classroom at the Graeagle schoolhouse is designed for children ages 4–6.
Juli Fair Photography, Reno, Nevada
The Center’s planned hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with early drop-off at 7 AM and pickup as late as 6 PM available by arrangement. A full, 10-hour day costs $90, including meals and snacks, with sliding-scale rates as low as $54 a day for qualifying families.
Tuition help is available through Ready to Rise, the family-assistance branch of the nonprofit’s donor- and grant-supported Rooted to Rise initiative. Ready to Rise aims to help close the gap between what families can afford and the cost of care, particularly for those who do not qualify for assistance through Plumas Rural Services.
Lost Sierra Kids considers household income and size, existing assistance, significant expenses, and caregiving or financial responsibilities beyond the household. Families can discuss those circumstances privately with the nonprofit. “The amount and length of assistance depend on the family’s needs and the funding available,” McCoy says.
The center also accepts Plumas Rural Services assistance payments separately. Parents can ask that agency about its Child Care Payment Program at 530-283-4453 or use the application linked on its website.
Children and adults gather for Lost Sierra Kids’ Halloween playgroup party at the Graeagle schoolhouse.
Courtesy of Lost Sierra Kids
Families interested in enrollment, tuition help, or a visit to the schoolhouse at 7700 Highway 89 can call or text 530-995-8140 or email lostsierrakids@gmail.com. Tours are available by appointment Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 3 PM.