PHILOSOPHY

Our Early Childhood program weaves together Waldorf and nature-based education to nurture the whole child. Guided by the gentle rhythms of the day and seasons, we support each child’s physical growth, emotional well-being, and sense of belonging in the world. Through time in nature, the use of natural materials, and the living arts, learning comes alive in every aspect of the child’s experience.

Our Waldorf-inspired, play-based curriculum honors the natural curiosity and learning abilities of each young child. In a loving and nurturing atmosphere, children feel at ease to learn through social interaction and hands-on experiences. With song, story, movement, and music woven into each day, they joyfully strengthen their bodies, senses, and capacities for learning.

We offer one mixed-age class for children ages 2 ½ to 5, with a maximum of 12 students and two devoted teachers. Children must be potty trained to enroll. Together, our experienced Waldorf teachers lovingly guide the class through nourishing seasonal circles, songs, finger plays, puppet stories, and hands-on seasonal activities.

Snack time is a cherished part of our daily rhythm in the Waldorf-inspired early childhood classroom. The children take joy in helping to prepare our organic snacks—chopping vegetables, kneading bread, grinding grain, and setting the table. We gather together to share a warm, wholesome, and nourishing meal, beginning with a simple blessing. In these moments, they not only discover new skills but also a growing sense of pride in being able to contribute.

Our classroom has 2 teachers for up to 12 children. This small class size helps us to give each child dedicated attention and developmental support.

A day in our Little Pond cozy house begins with a movement circle that reflects the seasons and festivals of the year. Then we will transition to indoor creative play with opportunities to chop the vegetables, knead the bread dough, or make seasonal art/ crafts. Afterward, we gather with joy to receive a warm snack that we have prepared together, followed by outdoor time or nature walk. Upon returning from our walk, we will bring a pedagogical puppet story or fairytale after enjoying lunch. Once we finish with the story, children staying for the full day program will have quiet time/art, followed by play and pick-up.

Rhythm stands behind all our lives. We rise with the sun and sleep in the darkness.

For children, rhythm is comforting and strengthening.

The Forest Kindergarten’s unique nature-immersion curriculum, paired with Waldorf early childhood education, offers a beautiful way to support children’s social, emotional, and physical growth while fostering a strong sense of community. In nature, children build resilience, self-confidence, and artistic and musical capacities, all while strengthening their bodies and will forces, preparing them for the joyful transition into first grade.

*We follow a modified traditional school calendar- September through June. All federal holidays, autumn, winter, and spring breaks are honored.

Offering two options for a 5 day a week enrollment: 

Half-day schedule: Monday – Thursday from 9am to 1pm & Friday Nature Day from 9 am to 1 pm

• Total School Year Tuition: $19,000 (10 monthly payments of $1,900)
• One-time, non-refundable Annual School Year Deposit + Materials Fee: $2500 (due upon enrollment)

Full-day schedule: Monday - Thursday from 9 am to 2:30 pm & Friday Nature Day from 9 am to 1 pm 

• Total School Year Tuition: $20,000 (10 monthly payments of $2,000)
• One-time, non-refundable Annual School Year Deposit + Materials Fee: $2500 (due upon enrollment)