This month, we want to share the joy and wonder of Nature School! Our preschool and kindergarten program serves children ages 3.5 to 5 years old in a fully outdoor, play-based environment. Running from September through June (weather permitting), Nature School provides young learners with the time, space, and support to explore the natural world as their classroom.
At Nature School, our curriculum is learner-led, embodied, and emergent—rooted in the rhythms of nature and the innate curiosity of children. Through hands-on experiences, we help build resilience, communication, motor skills, social-emotional development, self-awareness, and nature connection.
It is well-documented across cultures that time spent outdoors fosters well-being. From boosting mental health and immunity to improving focus, stress regulation, and even eyesight, nature is an essential part of a thriving childhood.
There is a saying in early childhood education: “The curriculum should come out of the children.”
This time of year, we see that principle in action as children follow their own play-driven learning. Breaking ice in frozen puddles, building nests in the forest, crawling like kittens, or running through the trees—each child moves in the direction their instincts lead them.
At Nature School, we embrace this self-directed exploration, allowing children to pursue their own “curriculum” within the ever-changing landscape of nature. Their play fuels their learning, guiding them to discover, problem-solve, and grow in ways that feel natural and meaningful.
Of course, not every day is easy. Conflicts arise, but each challenge is an opportunity to learn. Human connection—like nature itself—is both messy and beautiful. Just as we celebrate the sunny days, we welcome the rain, understanding that both are essential.
If you’re looking for a nurturing, play-based learning environment where your child can thrive in nature, we invite you to explore Nature School!
