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Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
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Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
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    • Conservation Philosophy
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    • Reptile Amphibian Conservation Area
    • Birds of Greatest Conservation Need
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    • Meet Our Raptors
    • Support Our Raptors
    • At the Mews
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Prospective Families Schlitz Audubon

For Prospective Families

Schedule a tour by calling Laurie at 414-352-2880 x154!

Our current openings for the 2023/24 school year are in our Monday-Thursday, 4K afternoons, 12:45pm – 3:30pm. To assist with conflicts with pickup time, we have an extended care option from 3:30pm – 4:00pm. Please contact Patti Darby at x153 for more information.

If you are interested in a different offering, please fill out an application to be added to our waitlist.

Our Program

At our Nature Preschool, we follow an emergent curriculum that is based on the seasons and takes into account the children’s interests and needs. In fall, we watch the monarchs migrating, learn why leaves change color, and discover turtles basking on logs. In winter, we follow tracks in the snow and explore the ice-canos on the edge of Lake Michigan. In spring, we tap maple trees and delight in the discovery of new life in our ponds. Children develop and strengthen skills they will need for a successful transition to kindergarten while forming lasting connections to nature.

2023/24 Class Offerings

We offer part-day classes for children ages 3 to 5 by September 1, 2023. Children must also be bathroom proficient and independent (potty trained).

Our school year begins Tuesday, September 5, 2023 and ends Friday, May 31, 2024. We require a commitment to the entire school year. The preschool closes for major holidays, winter break, spring break, and two staff development days.

Classes are composed of mixed age groups of three to five-year-olds and a K4 class is composed of four and five-year-olds. Each class has a maximum child/adult ratio of 8:1 with two teachers per class.

We are offering two “forest classrooms” that will be based almost entirely outdoors. These classes will make minimal use of the building, coming indoors only for hazardous weather.

Two Days per Week Options

  • Tuesday/Thursday mornings: 8:45am – 11:30am
  • Tuesday/Thursday mornings: 9:00am – 11:45am
  • Tuesday/Thursday afternoons: 12:30pm – 3:15pm

Three days per Week Options

  • Monday/Wednesday/Friday mornings: 8:45am – 11:30am
  • Monday/Wednesday/Friday mornings: 9:00am – 11:45am
  • Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday mornings: 8:45am – 11:30am
  • Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday afternoons: 12:45pm – 3:30pm*

* This class follows a “forest classroom” model and will take place almost entirely outdoors

Four Days per Week Options

(Child must be 4 years old by September 1, 2023)

  • Monday through Thursday mornings: 9:00am – 11:45am*
  • Monday through Thursday afternoons: 12:45pm – 3:30pm

* This class follows a “forest classroom” model and will take place almost entirely outdoors

Tuition Rates for the 2023/24 School Year

  • Two days per week program: $3,180
  • Three days per week program: $4,417
  • Four days per week program: $5,229

We offer three tuition payment options: by school year, by trimester, or by month.

Each family enrolled in the preschool will receive an annual family membership to the Center. Membership will be added when you make your first tuition payment in early August. (You will either receive new membership or if you are already a member, a year will be added to your renewal.)

Application Process

Our current openings for the 2023/24 school year are in our Monday-Thursday, 4K afternoons, 12:45pm – 3:30pm. To assist with conflicts with pickup time, we have an extended care option from 3:30pm – 4:00pm. Please contact Patti Darby at x153 for more information.

If you are interested in a different offering, please fill out an application to be added to our waitlist.

Every attempt is made to place children in their preferred class; however, we reserve the right to create optimal learning communities by balancing classes according to gender and age.

General Nature Preschool Information

  • Our Nature Preschool is for children who are at least three years old by September 1st in the year of enrollment and be bathroom proficient and independent.
  • Applications are accepted regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability, political affiliation, and national origin.
  • Preschool classes are offered two, three, or four mornings or afternoons a week.
  • Preschool Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 4:00pm.
  • You can reach the Nature Preschool directly by calling 414-352-2880 x154.

Give Your Child a Nature Preschool Experience.

Apply

Related Articles

November 21, 2022
Nature Preschool, Center News

Nature is Our Classroom

We’re now accepting applications for the 2023/24 school year! Learn more. Schedule a tour by… Read Story >

December 13, 2021
Nature Preschool

The Secret Forest

Just beyond a winding walkway, a patch of green, and an invit­ing teaching teepee, sits… Read Story >

Events

Audubon Babies

Thursday, April 13, 2023
9:45 AM - 11:00 AM

Children are never too young to learn about and enjoy the wonders of nature. Join... Read Story >

Hand in Hand

Friday, April 14, 2023
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Discover nature with your little ones! We will hike, play, do art activities and listen... Read Story >

Hand in Hand

Friday, April 21, 2023
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Discover nature with your little ones! We will hike, play, do art activities and listen... Read Story >

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, our mission is to conserve our land’s diverse habitats on Lake Michigan and provide meaningful experiences and environmental education for all.

Our Location

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
1111 E. Brown Deer Road
Milwaukee, WI 53217
(414) 352-2880

Hours
8:30am – 5:00pm Daily

Admission
Free for members
$8 Adults
$5 Ages 3-17
$5 Active Duty & Veterans

Plan Your Visit
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National Audubon Society
Schlitz Audubon is an independent, locally supported partner of the National Audubon Society.

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