PORT ORCHARD, Wash. - The sound of children laughing has spelled big trouble for a Montessori preschool.

A Kitsap County hearing examiner has denied a permit for the school near Port Orchard in part because the laughter of children could annoy neighbors in the rural neighborhood.

For the last three years, this Montessori school has been operating without a license. There are 16 kids at the school, and they sometimes squeal with joy - even scream - as they play.

When the school's operator, Annette Weaver, applied for a license, the hearing examiner said "no."

"I was shocked," Weaver said. "I was surprised that someone would deny a permit on the basis of children laughing."

The hearing examiner said every neighbor objected, and kid noise doesn't fit with the rural setting.

"He flat out said, "Denied," Weaver recalls. "I was surprised at that. I anticipated the possibility of having it approved with some conditions."

Parents of the children were dumbfounded at the ruling.

"An environment of happy kids - how does that lower your property value and make your life miserable?" asked one mother, Joella Pettigrew.

Some neighbors of the preschool told KOMO News they don't feel their neighborhood is any place for a business.

But supporters say the noise from the road drowns out the kids, and parents are still holding out hope for a compromise.

"I lose an environmentally based school that my child loves - she talks about it even on the weekends, saying, 'When
do I get to go to school Mama?'" says Rachel Yantzer, parent of another preschooler.

Sharon Williams, another mother, says, "I think I can certainly understand the neighbor's concerns but this is such a wonderful learning community and my daughter has just flourished here, I would hope we can work out a solution that is positive for everyone."

Kitsap County will allow the school to remain open while the hearing examiner's decision is appealed.

The Kitsap County commissioners will make the final decision, perhaps within the next month.