Opinion: I didn’t do it for the money — the doom of community-based preschools in Anchorage

As a leader of a woman-owned small business, I believe in the importance of community over profit. For the last four years, I have had the pleasure of serving as owner and operator of Honeybee Preschool in South Anchorage and have dedicated my time to supporting families and laying a strong education foundation for young children. Our mission has always been about making a positive impact. And I can confidently say that I didn’t choose this business for the money.

I’ve witnessed our community face many challenges — especially struggling through the pandemic. We lost many local preschool programs, leaving families scrambling for resources and staff members pushed toward their limits. At Honeybee, we stayed open, safe and committed — operating at full capacity every year. We’ve been proud to be a reliable part of the community.

But this year, everything changed. Once-full classrooms suddenly became half-empty, and now the survival of small, community-based preschools are at risk. Reaching out to families to understand why they chose not to return, the answer was clear: the Anchorage School District, or ASD, opened preschool rooms.

If you’re thinking, “hasn’t ASD always had preschool classes?” you’re correct. However, this time something significant shifted. The district’s decision to repurpose some sixth-grade classrooms into preschool drastically altered the landscape. While free public preschool may seem like a great option for families, the unintended consequence is the depletion of enrollments at established local, community-based programs. When the alternative is cheaper or free, the choice is painfully obvious.

Our current school board has unilaterally reshaped our city’s educational framework with the stroke of a pen. First, they changed school start times. Next, they redefined middle school attendance. Now, they’re encroaching on preschool programs and have even considered closing successful elementary schools regardless of metrics or community needs — looking at you, Bear Valley. When will enough be enough? When did the school board gain the authority to dictate when and where families and children receive an education?

There was no community survey nor collaboration with local programs. ASD didn’t announce preschool openings beyond the neighborhoods they affected. I’ve seen preschools in Anchorage advertising for enrollments that, until now, didn’t need to. With many families opting for homeschooling or being forced into schools they never chose, when will the school board recognize that this is unacceptable?

Teachers are overworked, underpaid and facing the very real threat of unemployment due to decisions made by the district. When I chose to enroll my own children at Honeybee Preschool, well before I took over as owner, I knew it was the best fit for our family values. I wanted educators who not only possessed the knowledge and skills to guide my children in their early years but who would also provide the love and care I hoped for.

Local preschools like Honeybee offer more than education — they provide personal connections, community support, and values-driven care that larger systems often can’t replicate. Losing these programs doesn’t just hurt small businesses; it impacts families who rely on these trusted spaces for their children’s growth and development.

As a community, we need to find solutions that allow public and private programs to coexist and thrive. Supporting local preschools isn’t just about preserving business — it’s about ensuring families have choices and children have access to the nurturing environments they deserve.

But it’s too late. ASD has already caused so much damage. While small-business preschools shut down, we bid farewell to wonderful programs and their families. It’s a good thing I didn’t do this for the money, because at this rate, there may soon be no part-time preschools left in Anchorage to support.

Talyn Green is the owner of Honeybee Preschool

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