About Us

With a history of over 24 years in the Colorado Springs community, School Crossing and Toy Station strives to offer the highest quality toys and teaching tools to our Colorado Springs community and beyond.

In May of 1996, Sherrie and Ralph Antes opened School Crossing. Sherrie, a teacher, and Ralph, an engineer ready for entrepreneurship, saw the need for a teacher store in the Colorado Springs community. With a quick and successful start, the pair built a new location for the store with a whopping 10,000 sq. feet as compared to their 2,500 sq. foot beginnings. Little did they know, there were big plans waiting to unfold for the then, little store.

10 years into the small business journey, there was a new niche for the beloved teacher store; toys. Taking the risk, the couple expanded the footprint another 5,000 sq. feet. The new addition housed specialty toys and games. But that’s not all; they also added a coffee shop serving lattes, ice cream, sandwiches, and more - SWEETENING the shopping experience! They also added family events and birthday parties to the mix making the business a true local treasure for families.

2016 through 2019 were nothing short of eventful. Due to the climb in ecommerce, the brick and mortar retail landscape showed drastic changes. Yet the challenges of staying afloat did not extinguish their passion; rather it inspired a greater commitment to fight for the business. Within three years, Ralph & Sherrie completed three moves; one for their home, and two for the business. 

In August of 2019, the Antes’ took a leap of faith and moved the business to a permanent location at 4262 Royal Pine Drive. Nestled in the growing part of Colorado Springs and surrounded by four different neighborhoods, it is the hope that business remains a local treasure…

That brings us to where we are now. In our new location, we have constructed a 1,600 sq. foot indoor imaginative play center, The Play Kingdom. This is something Sherrie has dreamt of doing for many years. Working with a local contractor, each structure has been custom built. In fact, countertops throughout the play center and the retail space were made from trees in Black Forest. We invite you to come and be a part of this special story.

Throughout our existence, supporting teachers, parents, and children in the local community has been a key part of the store’s mission. Whether it be through providing quality toys and teaching tools, hosting childrens’ birthday parties and events, or working with local non-profits the store will always be proud to be apart of the Colorado Springs community. We are passionate about offering a tangible and memorable retail experience. An experience that is encouraging and uplifting. 

We invite you to visit our physical location or shop local online with us! Our knowledgeable and friendly staff would be honored to work with you. We carry products from top educational and specialty toy brands. We are grateful for the opportunity to charge forward in Colorado Springs as your neighborhood teacher and toy store.