Sunflowers
Preschool and Pre-k
Our preschool program offers an enriching experience entirely outdoors, designed specifically for young learners ages 3–4. Blending a nurturing, play-based approach with a thoughtfully designed early childhood curriculum, we support the whole child—socially, emotionally, physically, and academically.
Children spend their days immersed in the natural world, where curiosity leads the way. Foundational skills are introduced through hands-on exploration, stories, songs, nature-based projects, and sensory-rich play. Our curriculum aligns with early learning standards while honoring the rhythms of childhood and the seasons.
From counting pinecones to storytelling in the forest, each day is filled with wonder, movement, and meaningful connection. Daily routines include nature walks, themed activities, free play, shared meals, and rest time—all supported by caring teachers who guide children with intention and heart.
This program lays a strong foundation for future learning while allowing childhood to unfold as it should: full of joy, imagination, discovery, and muddy boots.
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For Ages 3–5 | Playful Learning Rooted in Nature
Morning Session | 9am-12:00pm
9:00 AM - Arrival and Free Exploration
Gentle drop-off and connection with teachers
Child-led play: nature art, mud kitchen, fort building, bug spotting
9:30 AM - Morning Snack
Shared snack time with handwashing and social routines
Gratitude practice, finger rhymes, or a short story
10:00 AM - Nature Circle & Thematic Exploration
Welcome songs, movement, weather, and visual overview of the day
Seasonal, inquiry-based learning (including intro to literacy, math, science)
11:00 AM - Lunch
Picnic style lunch outdoors
Emphasis on independence, conversation, and healthy habits
11:30 AM Outdoor Play & Discovery
Unstructured nature play with open ended tools and loose parts
Climbing, water play, sensory experiences
Teachers support social-emotional growth and conflict resolution
12:00 PM - Dismissal
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Afternoon Session | 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
12:30 PM - Arrival & Gentle Welcome
Child led exploration and settling in
Connection time with teachers and peers
1:00 PM - Project Work or Nature Walk
Group project, nature inquiry, or sensory hike
1:45-2:00 PM - Afternoon Snack
Relaxed snack paired with a poem, story, or nature journaling
2:15 PM - Choice Time & Imaginative Play
Children choose stations: nature art, music, loose parts, water table
Teachers observe and extend learning through play
3:15 PM - Closing Circle
Song, reflection, gratitude, or group story
Gentle transition to goodbye
3:30 PM - Dismissal
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Flexible Scheduling to Support Families
Our outdoor nature school offers both morning and afternoon sessions to meet a variety of scheduling needs. While we maintain a consistent structure for the benefit of our students, we also understand that every family’s schedule is unique. We do our best to accommodate individual needs with flexibility whenever possible—because supporting families is part of our mission.Morning Sessions
Monday/Wednesday - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM: $500/Month
Tuesday/Thursday - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM: $500/Month
Monday/Wednesday/Friday - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM: $750/Month
Monday-Thursday - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM: $950/Month (5% built-in discount)
Monday-Friday - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM: $1,125/Month (10% built-in discount)
Afternoon Sessions
Monday/Wednesday - 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM: $500/Month
Tuesday/Thursday - 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM: $500/Month
Monday/Wednesday/Friday - 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM: $750/Month
Monday-Thursday - 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM: $950/Month (5% built-in discount)
Monday-Friday - 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM: $1,125/Month (10% built-in discount)
Curriculum
Hidden Trails proudly incorporates Treehouse Nature Study curriculum as a foundation for our seasonal, nature-based learning. Thoughtfully designed for child-led exploration, this curriculum blends outdoor discovery with meaningful academic enrichment. Children engage in nature notebooking, hands-on projects, and “beauty subjects” such as poetry, picture study, and music—all rooted in the rhythm of the seasons.
Treehouse Nature Study is ideal for mixed-age learning, making it a perfect fit for our nature school community. Whether your child is in preschool or upper elementary, this curriculum invites them to slow down, connect deeply with the natural world, and grow through joyful, curiosity-driven learning.
Meet Your Teachers