Nature is Our Classroom
Accepting applications for the 2023/24 school year! Learn more. Schedule a tour by calling Patti… Read Story >
For Prospective Families
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
The application process for the 2024/25 school year will begin in late November 2023.
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.
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