The Nature Preschool

Our programs take place outdoors on Irvine’s 211-acre property and in our Montessori and Reggio-inspired classrooms. Our incredible early childhood educators facilitate play-filled days in our outdoor Class Groves and on the trail that focus on child-led experiences. The Nature Preschool is designed to help your child develop cognitive and problem-solving skills, while cultivating social skills and building their confidence through nature play and exploration.

While teachers plan some activities (including animal encounters, process art experiences, sensory play investigations, building provocations, stream explorations and more), children are encouraged and expected to completely change the focus of an activity based on their interest.

We embrace adventurous play, teaching children how to assess risk by listening to their body and inner voice. We celebrate Nature in all its beauty and weather, and our place in it.

LICENSING & ACCREDITATION

Our program is licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education and participates in MD EXCELS at a level 1. We are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

2023/2024 CLASS SCHEDULEs:

We know every family is unique, and each has its own schedules and needs. As a result, The Nature Preschool has both full-day and half-day classes, to fit your family’s needs, with Before and AfterCare available.

Full days: 9:00am – 2:00pm

5 Days, Monday through Friday (a combination of two full-day classes – Maples and Walnuts)
Maples and Oaks: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Walnuts: Tuesday, Thursday

Mornings: 9:00am – noon

Sycamores: Tuesday, Thursday

BEFORE AND AFTERCARE

Early Bird Care is available 8:30-9 for families that need an earlier drop-off. Full-day students may extend their day with Fern Club AfterCare from 2-5pm. This program runs Monday-Friday, except for the first week of school and occasional Mondays or Tuesdays for staff meetings.

ENROLLMENT

We are fully enrolled for the current school year. Enrollment for the 2023-24 school year begins in January with returning students receiving priority. Families interested in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years are encouraged to apply now as we accept applications on a rolling basis.

For tuition pricing, please click the “Apply Now” button below.

Children must be 3 years old and potty-trained to attend.

WONDERING IF IRVINE NATURE PRESCHOOL IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Prospective families are invited to join us for a tour and observe a class with our Nature Preschool Director to see firsthand our child-led, play-based, almost exclusively outdoors program. Tours are good for anyone considering enrollment for school years 2023-24, 2024-25, and beyond.

Hosted the 2nd Thursday of every month at 9:30AM – Learn More

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILIES:

The Nature Preschool at Irvine Nature Center believes that all children have a right to learn and play through first-hand experiences in the natural world. Friends of The Nature Preschool agree and have donated generously to create the Woodpecker Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) to offset the cost of tuition and any extended day options for Baltimore families. This assistance is up to 40% of full tuition after the security deposit. Applications are accepted in-person and by post.