Rachel French
Rachel French
Preschool
BA Early Childhood Education, University of Northern Colorado
Preschool Director Certification

I enjoy teaching at Rivendell because of the community! At (most) preschools in town, students leave to go to Kindergarten. At Rivendell, preschoolers get to continue at this school until they are in 5th grade. Watching preschoolers grow into young, independent, compassionate people is the best thing to watch!

I was born and raised in Fort Collins, and went to local schools here in town. I have experience as a camp counselor, aftercare provider, birthday party host for kids, and coached many sports to kids. I have also taught art, cooking, yoga, rock climbing, and dance to preschoolers through 12 years of age.

I am the director of preschool, and also a preschool teacher at Rivendell. In my role, I aim to engage and inspire a love for learning in the youngest kids at Rivendell, while working alongside children and their families in engaging and fun ways. I believe that cultivating kindness starts in a classroom, and to become a successful and compassionate friend is part of my teaching philosophy. I love the quote “play is the highest form of research,” and with that, I get to learn with preschoolers, too!

When away from the classroom, I enjoy camping, paddle boarding, yoga, painting, bike riding, scary movies, pizza, fuzzy socks, my cat, and all that Fort Collins has to offer (New West Fest, Old Town, Horsetooth, etc.).