
Nature is Our Classroom
Accepting applications for the 2023/24 school year! Learn more. Schedule a tour by calling Patti… Read Story >
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.
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.
* This class follows a “forest classroom” model and will take place almost entirely outdoors
(Child must be 4 years old by September 1, 2023)
* This class follows a “forest classroom” model and will take place almost entirely outdoors
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.)
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.