Nature is Our Classroom
At Schlitz Audubon Nature Preschool, the natural world is our classroom, and the sticks, pebbles,… Read Story >
For Prospective Families
We are no longer accepting applications for the 2021/22 school year.
We understand that young children learn best through in-person, play-based experiences. We also understand that due to COVID-19, outside is currently safer than inside. We have been teaching outdoors since our preschool was founded in 2003. We now divide our days between our four outdoor classrooms and the beautiful surrounding nature trails.
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.
2021/22 Class Offerings
We offer part-day classes for three to five-year-olds. Children must be three years old by September 1, 2021 and must be fully toilet trained. Our school year begins Tuesday, September 7, 2021 and ends Friday, June 3, 2022. We require a commitment to the entire school year. The Preschool is closed for major holidays, winter break, and spring break. Classes are composed of mixed age groups of three to five-year-olds as well as a K4 class composed of four and five-year-olds. Each class has a maximum child/adult ratio of 8:1 with two teachers per class.
Two Days per Week Options
- Monday/Wednesday mornings: 8:45am – 11:30am
- 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
Four Days per Week Options
(K4 option – Child must be 4 years old by September 1, 2021)
- Monday through Thursday afternoons: 12:45pm – 3:30pm
Tuition Rates for the 2021/22 School Year
- Two days per week program $3,044
- Three days per week program $4,207
- Four days per week program $4,993
Each family enrolled in the Preschool will receive an annual family membership to the Center. We offer three tuition payment options: by school year, by trimester, or by month.
Application and Selection Process
We are no longer accepting applications for the 2021/22 school year.
At the time of each date listed below, applications are pulled in random order for that group. Children are then placed in classes according to the preferred days and times listed on the application. When all classes are full, remaining applications are kept on file and used to fill unexpected openings. 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.
Registration and Notification Dates
Returning Students/Alumni Priority Registration
Monday, January 18, 2021
Schlitz Audubon Member Priority Registration
Monday, January 25, 2021
Non-Member Registration
Monday, February 1, 2021
Notification
Families are notified of their placement by the end of February. We require a $250 deposit within ten days of acceptance. This amount is then applied to future tuition payments on a pro-rated basis. Please note that both the deposit and tuition fees are non-refundable.
Related Articles
Making Nature Salads
Our Nature Preschool staff have been sharing ideas for our families to stay engaged with… Read Story >