Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) will reopen the former Interlochen Community School to offer early childhood education programming, with the building to now be called the Interlochen Early Childhood Center & Interlochen Innovation Center. In addition to housing Great Start Readiness Program classrooms, the building is also being explored to host "innovative opportunities for the greater community," according to a TCAPS announcement Thursday.

The Early Childhood Center center of the building will open first. "The building has the potential to occupy a network of services and preschool options," according to the release. "To coincide with the opportunity, TCAPS is exploring possible extended hours for families who qualify to address the critical need and shortage of childcare in the area."

According to TCAPS Superintendent Dr. John VanWagoner, "early childhood education is a critical component to ensuring all children are ready for kindergarten. By investing in our youngest learners now, we are initiating a successful academic journey and building a future of college and workforce ready graduates. This is a win for students, and a win for the future growth and development of our greater community.” 

The former Interlochen Community School has been used for a variety of purposes in recent years, including a testing center, athletic events, community programming, and community meetings. It will now return to a daily educational facility.