The Secret Forest
Just beyond a winding walkway, a patch of green, and an inviting teaching teepee, sits… Read Story >
For Prospective Families
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.
2022/23 Class Offerings
We offer part-day classes for children ages three-to-five by September 1, 2022. Children must be fully toilet trained.
Our school year begins Tuesday, September 6, 2022 and ends Friday, June 2, 2023. 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.
Beginning in 2022-23, we are offering two “forest classrooms” that will be based almost entirely outdoors, regardless of where things stand with the pandemic. 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: 12:30pm – 3:15pm*
* 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, 2022)
- Monday through Thursday mornings: 8:45am – 11:30am*
- 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 2022/23 School Year
- Two days per week program $3,120
- Three days per week program $4,310
- Four days per week program $5,100
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
There is a non-refundable $45 application fee.
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
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Schlitz Audubon Member Priority Registration
Monday, January 24, 2022
Non-Member Registration
Monday, January 31, 2022
Notification
Families are notified of their placement by the end of February. We require a non-refundable $250 deposit within ten days of acceptance in order to secure your spot. This deposit will be applied toward tuition.
Give Your Child a Nature Preschool Experience.
ApplyRelated Articles
Preschool Urban Outreach
Nature can provide children with some of their most profound formative experiences. From learning about… Read Story >