About

The History of Sunshine Preschool

Brentwood Sunshine Preschool was founded in 1941. Since then, the school has thrived as one of Brentwood’s most desirable preschools. In the 1980’s, the school was bought by Ms. Rita Cornyn. Her three children now own the school.

Sunshine 1980

Sunshine 1985

1941

Brentwood Sunshine Preschool was founded, and the extraordinary home was converted into a school. While the original owner of the school is unknown, in the 1940s Sunshine Preschool stood alone with it’s only neighbors being the cows in the surrounding field.

1956

Ms. Crombe was the second owner and director of Sunshine. She built an impeccable reputation in the then small Brentwood community.

1976

Ms. Rita Cornyn discovered Brentwood Sunshine Preschool and fell in love with the house and yard. It was serendipitous that Ms. Crombe was interested in selling the school after 20 wonderful years. Within a few days, Rita became the owner. When Rita first started, she often thought, “How could anyone do this for 20 years?” This perspective has shifted after 38 years.

2020

In 2020, Rita welcomed Sophie Robertson to the Sunshine family. Sophie joined Sunshine with over 10 years of experience in early childhood education on the Westside. She grew up in England, has a B.A. with honors in Music, and received her Master’s Degree in Education. Sophie plays the flute and has a passion for the humanities as well as the visual and performing arts. Like both Rita and Mrs. Crombe, Sophie fell in love with the colonial house and huge yard that is the home of Sunshine and the preschool program that launches young learners who love to be at school.

In the fall of 2020, Rita passed away. Her three children, Alison, Erin and John, now own the school.