Our History

Land as teacher

Over time we went past our outdoor classroom area and extended learning to Highland Recreation Area.
The preschool is part of Highland Recreation Area, giving children access to almost endless natural resources, including a pond, streams, prairie, forest, a variety of wildlife, gardens, bees, birds, and wildlife. Children typically spend about 70% of the day outdoors, playing in one of the two outdoor classrooms, or on nature walks, exploring the 5,000 acres of land that make up the Highland Recreation Area.

The intention and experience vary with each visit to the Recreation Area, as the seasons change and new things happen in the area. Children climb low trees, enjoy a sandy jumping spot, and have space for dramatic play. A teacher will lay out a blanket for observational journal drawing or storytime. Children will use sticks they find in the woods to build shelters. Sometimes, we go on a two-mile hike to our Tree House.

Parents as partners

Parents are involved in many ways in our school. We have volunteer opportunities such as playground clean-up, nature walks, an annual egg hunt, Light at Night, and fundraising. We also host parent workshops on topics such as Balanced and Barefoot, the importance of play, clay play, family picnics, parent night out, and other social gatherings. Classroom visits are encouraged–families often participate in March is Reading Month, family holidays and heritage rituals, and outdoor experiences.