Sunflowers

Preschool

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.

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.

  • For Ages 3–5 | Playful Learning Rooted in Nature

    9:00 AM – Arrival & Free Exploration

    • Gentle drop-off and child-led play

    • Opportunities for nature art, mud kitchen, fort building, bug spotting

    • Teachers greet and connect with children one-on-one

    9:30 AM – Morning Circle & Nature Connection

    • Welcome songs, movement, calendar, weather talk

    • Nature sharing (found treasures, stories from home)

    • Overview of the day with visual aids or props

    10:00 AM – Morning Snack

    • Shared snack with handwashing and social routines

    • Gratitude practice or short story

    10:20 AM – Curriculum Block: Thematic Exploration

    • Inquiry-based learning rooted in seasonal themes

    • Rotating focus: Early literacy, early numeracy, science, or SEL

    • Examples:

      • "How do worms help the soil?"

      • "Let’s find the letter B in nature!"

      • “Sorting acorns by size”

      • Building early emotional vocabulary with nature stories

    11:15 AM – Outdoor Free Play & Exploration

    • Unstructured nature play with open-ended tools and loose parts

    • Climbing, digging, storytelling, water play, sensory exploration

    • Teachers support social-emotional development and conflict resolution

    12:00 PM – Lunch

    • Picnic-style lunch together

    • Focus on independence, conversation, and healthy habits

    12:30 PM – Rest & Quiet Time

    • Blankets, hammocks, or forest mats

    • Storytelling, gentle songs, or guided breathing

    • Rest or quiet individual play for those who don’t nap

    1:30 PM – Afternoon Project or Hike

    • Hands-on group activity or nature walk

    • Examples: trail hike, building fairy houses, natural dyes, pond study

    • Encourages teamwork, observation, and wonder

    2:15 PM – Afternoon Snack

    • Slow-paced snack and social reconnection

    • Often paired with a story, poem, or nature journal drawing

    2:45 PM – Choice Time & Imaginative Play

    • Children choose stations or projects: nature art, loose parts play, water table, music

    • Teachers observe and extend learning through play

    3:15 PM – Closing Circle

    • Song, gratitude, or story

    • Sharing highlights of the day and gentle transition to goodbye

    3:30 PM – Dismissal

    • Children head home joyful, grounded, and filled with fresh air and stories

  • Full-Time Programs (Monday–Friday)

    • 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM: $1,550/month

    • 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM: $1,650/month

    • 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM: $1,700/month

    Part-Time Programs

    • 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: $650/month

    • Monday/Wednesday/Friday – 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM: $1,300/month

    • Monday/Wednesday/Friday – 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM: $1,375/month

    Customized Scheduling

    If your family requires a schedule outside the options listed above, we may consider custom arrangements strictly within our standard operating hours of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Please contact us to discuss potential availability.

    Sibling Discount

    We proudly offer a 10% tuition discount for families enrolling a second child.

Your Teachers

  • Miss Savannah

    Lead Teacher

  • Miss Kaiyah

    Assistant Teacher

  • Miss Brooke H.

    Assistant Teacher