The Rookery at Gustavus

About Us

The Gustavus Children's Enhancement Program (GCEP) is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) established in 2007.   GCEP was organized exclusively for charitable, scientific and educational purposes, more specifically to house The Rookery at Gustavus, which holds a child care center license for the Preschool Program and the Child Care Program and other childhood development programs.  

Mission Statement

The Rookery fosters learning for all ages through play-based exploration, rooted in outdoor engagement, drawing inspiration from Waldorf, Classical, and Unschooling Education models, offering programming for young children, support for homeschoolers, and additional opportunities for public school students.

Vision Statement 

We envision opportunities for children, families, staff, and community to grow and learn in a safe, nurturing environment with secure emotional attachments, nourishing foods prepared by ourselves, and ample opportunities and resources to inspire creativity, wonder, and joy, indoors and out.

“Undistracted time to study what is most worthwhile, usually with good friends, in a beautiful place, with nourishment.” -Aristotle

Tagline

Wilderness and Wonder

Survey 

Attention Gustavus parents! The Rookery is soliciting input from local families as we plan our programming for spring and summer 2025. Do you need child care? After school programming? Summer camp? Opportunities for homeschoolers? Fill out this 3-minute survey to let us know! (https://forms.gle/LrWdfBpGHE6o1a7N7)