Nature school—sometimes called forest school—is more than an early education program. It’s a warm, loving invitation for children to build meaningful relationships with the earth, with others, and with themselves. Grounded in the belief that children thrive through freedom, play, and unhurried exploration, nature preschool offers a world far from the pressures of overstimulation and rigid structure. We are 100% play-based! Children can be found riding their bikes on the trails, collecting shells, climbing trees, engaging in supported risk-taking activities, creating nature inspired art, and SO MUCH MORE! 

 

Here, learning takes place among forests, beaches, open skies, and muddy trails—natural spaces that soothe the nervous system, awaken curiosity, and provide a safe environment for children to learn at their own rhythm. Our emergent curriculum follows the child’s interests, always rooted in nature. One week we may learn about local plants and flowers and study seeds, another week we might learn about tide pools and study crustaceans, while yet another week we may learn about trail safety and study basic first aid. Occasional special events enrich children's learning with activities like pony rides, wild animal presentations, and visits from guest artists, musicians, and storytellers. Our students are curious, adventurous and value independence!

 

Being outdoors fosters a deep connection with life in all its forms—plants, animals, seasons, and shifting weather. Children grow to care for the world not because they’re told to, but because they’ve come to love it. This early bond with nature lays the foundation for a lifelong sense of stewardship, wonder, and peace.

 

In a fast-paced, noisy world, nature school offers something rare and deeply needed: a quiet, compassionate space where children are free to be themselves—curious, wild, sensitive, joyful—and where learning unfolds naturally, with love at its heart.

 

With locations in San Rafael at China Camp State Park and at Roy's Redwoods in the San Geronimo Valley, our nature school, Snails & Turkey Tails, is a nurturing haven for children ages 2-6. Our 2's class is especially tailored to meet the needs of our youngest students while our main class is a mixed-ages group for ages 3-6. There are so many wonderful benefits of a mixed-age classroom and these are just a few - 

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• Peer Learning: Older children naturally take on mentoring roles, while younger ones learn by observing and interacting with older peers.

• Social Development: Children develop empathy, leadership, and cooperation skills more organically.

• Flexible Curriculum: Nature-based programs tend to be experience- and inquiry-driven, which works well across a wide age range.

• Less Pressure: Younger kids can explore without being pushed academically, while older kids reinforce their learning by helping others.

 

We believe the best classroom has no walls. Surrounded by trees and trails, children are invited to explore, discover, and grow. We honor each child's innate curiosity and joy, nurturing resilience, creativity, and empathy through hands-on experiences in nature.

 

With love and compassion at the center of all we do, we gently guide children into community, helping them grow a deep sense of belonging—to themselves, to others, and to the world around them.