Mercer Island Preschool PTA

Mission Statement:  The Mercer Island Preschool Association, established in 1937, is a private, nonprofit organization of volunteers dedicated to enhancing the lives of children from newborn through Kindergarten in Mercer Island and the community at large.

History:  Mercer Island has a rich legacy of providing for the youngest members of its community.  The first nursery school on the Island was established in the 1920s.  In 1937, Katharine MacGilvra hosted the first meeting of what would become the Mercer Island Preschool Association.

Times have changed since then, but the guiding principles of MIPA remain the same --- a strong commitment to the education and well-being of children from birth through Kindergarten on Mercer Island and in other communities.

In the 1940s, MIPA started Island nursery school programs, established the first cooperative preschool on Mercer Island and was instrumental in bringing Kindergarten to the Island elementary school.  MIPA continued to bring early childhood educational experiences to Island children in the decades to follow, sponsoring dance classes, "Spanish for the small fry", educational field trips and other opportunities as the needs and desires of the community changed.

Over the years, MIPA has been a key part of community life on the Island.  MIPA was a driving force behind bringing a King County library to the Island in 1945.  In the 1950s, the Preschool Association sponsored a disadvantaged, rural school in Kentucky through the Save the Children Foundation.   MIPA members donated time and talent to create the Mercer Island Children's Park in 1962, with the addition of the beloved dragon in 1966.

Through the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, MIPA has continued the tradition of bringing families and young children together for education and socializing.  We  hope to continue this tradition for many years into the new millennium.

Click here to visit Mercer Island Preschool Association's official website