Nature/Outdoor Preschool

Monday through Thursday 8:45am–1:00pm, Friday 8:45am–12:00pm

Our program for 4-year-olds and older 3-year-olds can be summed up by this beautiful quote from Maria Montessori: “A child, more than anyone else, is a spontaneous observer of nature.” Children naturally explore the world around them and communicate their discoveries using different mediums. The Nature/Outdoor preschool program builds on these curiosities by using a balance of child- and teacher-directed activities to foster social, physical, cognitive, and language development. The J.F. Hall Trail, creeks, and wooded areas surrounding the Lab School as well as the indoor Atelier (art studio) are ideal venues for scientific observations and discoveries. Nature-based activities integrate science, math, literacy, and the arts while encouraging cooperative learning and social skills.

Our nature-based curriculum encourages children to explore forest and wetland habitats, developing a deep love for nature while strengthening the skills necessary to articulate their findings. Building a sense of community is at the center of all we do. Relationships between the teacher, children, and families begin prior to the school year starting. This reciprocal relationship continues to grow like a seed sprouting. Friendships that have been cultivated continue to blossom and bloom long after the school year ends.