Kindergarten 

4 - 5 years old - TK and Kinder

At The Native School, we believe that the natural world is the best classroom for developing confident, resilient, and creative learners. Our Forest Kindergarten offers a unique, nature-based learning experience inspired by Scandinavian forest schools, where children thrive through outdoor exploration, self-directed play, and hands-on learning.

Program Options:

• Partial Week (2 days): Mon/Wed or Tue/Thu

• Full Week (4 days): Mon - Thu

In the Forest Kindergarten, nature is at the core of every lesson. Children are encouraged to explore their surroundings at their own pace, engage in imaginative play, and develop independence. With an emphasis on self-confidence, social-emotional development, and environmental stewardship, our program helps children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and connection to the earth.

Our teachers guide each child’s unique journey by creating an environment that supports individuality, freedom to explore, and opportunities for risky play—critical elements in fostering courage, problem-solving, and resilience.

At The Native School, your child will not only grow academically, but also gain an appreciation for the natural world and develop a lasting commitment to caring for it.

Programs Focus:

• Balancing student freedom with responsibility

• Risky Play

• Focus on Social/Emotional, Cognitive, Language, and Physical Development

• Fostering environmental stewardship in all children

• Practice in real-world skills 

• Inquiry and Project-based learning

• Orton-Gillanham Literacy Instruction