Sunday, January 30, 2011

Nature Preschools in the Seattle Area

I've spent a lot of time reading about early-childhood education and have formed some fairly specific opinions on the matter. I was very inspired when I read Last Child in the Woods a year or so ago.  I became intrigued in the idea of outdoor classrooms and their affect on learning.  I searched for programs in our area, but most were not that close. I really would love to see a preschool that embraces the outdoor philosophy nearby. In the meantime here is a list I have compiled of nature preschools in the greater Seattle area (*Edited: It has been great to see that more programs have opened over the years).
*If you know of any others please let me know and I will add them to the list.


Here are some general links about nature and child development and particular nature classrooms:
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12 comments:

  1. Renee KDecember 31, 2011 at 8:34:00 PM PST

    Looking for a nature preschool for my son! I had seen a couple of these but not all... thanks :)

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  2. OlgaFebruary 4, 2012 at 2:13:00 PM PST

    I am so glad that there are a few outdoor preschools in the area. We lived in Denmark for 3 years and they always had outdoor preschool from around 9:30 to 2:00 everyday. I live in Sammamish, and the commute is tough, but I know it would be worth it. Maybe, I will have to start my own in a couple of years. Thanks for the post.

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  3. ErinMay 18, 2012 at 10:04:00 PM PDT

    I thought I'd let you know I run "Froggy Holler Outdoor School" through the parks department in Shoreline! :)

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  4. ErinMay 18, 2012 at 10:06:00 PM PDT

    Oh and I can totally help you if you'd like any tips on getting started in your local park!

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  5. Fox-FyrFebruary 2, 2013 at 2:16:00 PM PST

    There is also the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation Curious By Nature preschool in Gig Harbor, WA.

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  6. UnknownFebruary 22, 2013 at 5:46:00 PM PST

    Thank you for this article! I have been looking for a daycare in Tacoma and I think an natural daycare would be a great idea!

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  7. Susan MMay 25, 2013 at 12:20:00 PM PDT

    The Clearwater School - http://clearwaterschool.com/?page_id=56 - I think this wonderful school is a nature preschool even though that is not their primary focus, because preschoolers though high school age students can spend as much of their day outdoors as they choose to. They offer free weekly playdays for parents with 0-4 year old children.

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  8. AnonymousJuly 8, 2013 at 6:27:00 PM PDT

    I really like this idea for a preschool! I don't live in your area, but my neice does and she's been looking for a preschool in Tacoma, WA for her son to attend.

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  9. EvaOctober 15, 2013 at 10:36:00 PM PDT

    Here's another one! The Village School (a K-2 coopeative school in West Seattle) created a partnership with Vashon Wilderness Program just this year. There is one outdoor day per week that lasts 4 hours rain or shine. We meet at various parks around Seattle. The other three days are held inside on the campus of South Seattle Community College. My son loves it and we are both so happy we found out about this new school! For more info, you can contact: info@vcoop.org

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  10. ChristinaDecember 14, 2013 at 4:54:00 PM PST

    My son is attending his first year at the Polliwog Nature Preschool in Bellevue (run through the Pacific Science Center). It's been a lovely experience so far. Does anyone know of any nature elementary schools in the area?

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  11. Doug K.May 26, 2014 at 3:35:00 PM PDT

    If you are in the Woodinville/Duvall area check out Woodinville Family Preschool. They have a great outdoor play space and are a certified Nature Explore preschool. Students are outside each day regardless of weather, grow food for snacks in the garden and study themes such as the marine environment and the northwest forest environment. Parent Education programs are designed for families with children from prenatal through pre-k. http://www.woodinvillefamilypreschool.org/

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  12. AshwiniFebruary 25, 2016 at 7:48:00 AM PST

    I love the idea! I have looked at natural start preschool. Any review for that school? Thank you.

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