Nature School in Marin County | Snails & Turkey Tails

NATURE SCHOOL

6-week Spring session in April & May
Ages: 2-4
T/TH: $900
M/W/F: $1,350
M-F: $2,250
Stolte Grove in Mill Valley

At Snails & Turkey Tails Nature School nature is our classroom and curiosity leads the way. Our nature-based, early childhood program for children ages 2-4, invites young learners to observe, discover, and adventure at their own pace. Each day is filled with rich sensory experiences, hands-on exploration, shared laughter, and quiet moments of awareness and connection.

Children take part in scavenger hunts to gather materials for crafting, as well as repurpose items that might otherwise end up in the landfill. Creativity is always unfolding, and students surprise us daily with their imaginative ideas and unique creations. They try new challenges like balancing on a slackline, build skills like working with hammers and handsaws, make blackberry paint with a mortar and pestle, and prepare imaginative dishes in the mud kitchen.

Mornings are spent following animal tracks, climbing logs, splashing in puddles, and creating with natural materials. We read stories, observe seasonal changes, and learn through play guided by imagination, collaboration, and a sense of adventure.

Learning at nature preschool happens organically. Children practice early literacy and language skills through storytelling and conversation, explore math by counting treasures and measuring sticks, and build science knowledge by watching bugs, tracking weather, and noticing how the world changes through the seasons. Just as importantly, they learn how to take turns, solve problems together, regulate emotions, and care for one another and the land.

Our program is a wonderful complement to a preschool or homeschool schedule, offering rich outdoor experiences and small-group learning. Sessions run from September through May. We offer summer camps from June-August, as well as seasonal camps throughout the year.

Logistics

AGES: 2-4

Location: Stolte Grove in Mill Valley

Class Size: 6 children (with a 1:3 teacher/child ratio)

CHOOSE YOUR SCHEDULE -

T/TH: $600/month

M/W/F: $900/month

Monday through Friday: $1,500/month

Join our founding class this Spring! We will be meeting for 6 weeks in April and May. Classes pick up again in September, after our summer camp season, and will be offered on a semester basis. We intentionally keep our group small—up to 6 children per session—to foster strong relationships, meaningful play, and a calm, connected learning environment.

INTERESTED IN JOINING US?

Please take a few minutes to complete our application form so we can learn more about your family. Click on the link below to get things started.

Semester 1: September - December

Semester 2: January - May

Come wander, wonder, and grow with us. Join Snails & Turkey Tails Nature School—where curious kids learn by getting a little wild.

Why Go With a Nature-Based Program?

Because the best classroom doesn’t have walls—it has trees!

Big Learning for Growing Humans

Nature lets kids use their whole bodies and whole hearts while they learn.

Climbing logs, balancing on rocks, digging in dirt = strong bodies
Tiny hands working with leaves, sticks, and tools = skillful fingers
Real experiences help thinking, feeling, and doing click together naturally

Curiosity Comes Standard

Outdoors, learning happens by accident—and that’s the best kind.

Open-ended materials spark creativity and problem-solving
Bugs, clouds, and plants turn into science lessons on the spot
Every “What’s that?” and “Why does it do that?” builds critical thinking

Better Focus (Without Sitting Still)

Nature helps kids slow down and tune in.

Longer attention spans
Less stress and big feelings
More self-control and emotional balance

Social Skills, Naturally

When kids play outside, cooperation just… happens.

They make rules, change rules, and solve problems together
Mixed play builds empathy, communication, and patience
Less competition, more collaboration

Language Grows Here Too

Nature gives kids something worth talking about.

New words for plants, animals, textures, and weather
Storytelling inspired by real adventures
Richer conversations with friends and teachers

Confidence You Can See

With safe boundaries and gentle guidance, kids learn to trust themselves.

Trying new challenges like climbing or balancing
Making choices about how and what to explore
Building resilience, independence, and pride

Calm Minds, Happy Hearts

Nature has a grounding effect you can feel.

Less overwhelm and anxiety
More space to process emotions
A sense of belonging in the world

Yes, It Still Meets Learning Standards

Nature-based doesn’t mean “no structure”—it means learning comes alive.

Math: counting stones, measuring sticks
Literacy: storytelling, journaling, shared discoveries
Science: seasons, life cycles, cause and effect
Social-emotional learning woven through it all

Have questions? Our FAQ page is a great place to start—and we’re always happy to chat.