Rare opportunity to lease a fully equipped childcare and educational facility in one of Tompkins County's most desirable locations. Situated on more than 3 acres along highly visible Route 96, approximately one mile north of Cayuga Medical Center and conveniently located between Ithaca and Trumansburg, this property offers an exceptional opportunity for an educator, entrepreneur, childcare provider, nonprofit organization, or business owner seeking a unique and highly adaptable facility.
The property is currently licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) for up to 33 children and has successfully operated as a childcare center for many years. Facilities that are already configured and licensed for childcare use are becoming increasingly difficult to find, making this a rare opportunity to significantly reduce startup costs, avoid extensive renovations, and accelerate the timeline to opening.
The approximately 2,600-square-foot building was purposefully designed for childcare and educational programming. The facility includes two large classrooms, each with child-sized bathrooms and dedicated food preparation areas featuring sinks, refrigerators, and countertop workspace. Additional interior spaces include an office, employee break room, adult bathroom, storage areas, and flexible space that can support a variety of educational, therapeutic, recreational, or business activities.
The building has successfully passed required health, fire, and safety inspections associated with childcare operations. The property is served by municipal water, and the septic system has been recently tested. A paved driveway and parking area provide space for more than 20 vehicles, creating convenient access for staff, families, clients, and visitors.
One of the property's most distinctive features is its expansive outdoor environment. The site includes two large fenced playgrounds, an outdoor classroom courtyard, community garden space, open grassy play areas, and a small barn and paddock currently housing goats and sheep. The combination of indoor learning space and outdoor educational environments creates opportunities that are difficult and expensive to replicate elsewhere.
This setting is particularly attractive for Montessori schools, nature-based preschools, forest schools, agricultural education programs, homeschool cooperatives, camps, and experiential learning programs. The existing infrastructure also lends itself well to therapy practices, wellness programs, arts education, recreational businesses, and community organizations seeking a unique destination property.
A complete package of furniture, equipment, and educational materials is available separately for $18,000. A new operator can begin serving families quickly without making the substantial investment normally required to outfit an educational facility from scratch.
Potential uses include:
• Montessori School
• Traditional Childcare Center
• Preschool Program
• Nature-Based or Forest School
• Afterschool Program
• Summer Camp Operation
• Homeschool Cooperative
• Educational Enrichment Center
• Occupational, Physical, or Speech Therapy Practice
• Yoga Studio
• Music or Dance Studio
• Art or Craft Studio
• Indoor Play Space
• Children's Party Venue
• Wellness or Community Center
• Retail or Other Commercial Use
Lease Terms:
• Rent: $3,600 per month
• Modified commercial lease
• Equipment and materials package available for purchase: $18,000

Whether you are expanding an existing program or launching a new venture, this facility provides an opportunity to establish operations in a highly desirable location without the significant expense and delay of building from the ground up.
Qualified inquiries are welcome. Schedule a tour to explore the possibilities this unique educational campus has to offer.