Our Preschool
At our school, children learn and grow in a variety of different spaces that nurture curiosity and connection.
Our Preschool Environment
We’re fortunate that our school is in Cherry Lawn Park, a beautiful natural space owned by the town of Darien. When exploring the park’s pond, forest, garden, and fields, we observe a variety of wildlife, including a diverse range of trees and plants, insects, and seasonal changes, creating a rich experience for our students. The children have many questions about what they see, and our teachers are always ready to guide them towards answers.
Our classes involve a variety of activities, including science experiments, games, artifacts, and art projects using natural materials. Children can freely choose which activities they would like to try, or select free play, as each classroom is equipped with Tuff Trays, mud kitchens, and sandboxes, encouraging cooperative and imaginative play.
All of our classes have their own outdoor classroom, which offers room to run, dig, climb, build, and discover the wonders of nature first-hand.
Our indoor classrooms offer a warm and welcoming space for learning and play, providing a safe haven when inclement weather makes outdoor learning and exploration challenging.
Unique to our preschool are our fascinating and friendly animal ambassadors. Most children feel a natural connection to animals; therefore, we incorporate them in all we do. Learning what makes each animal unique and understanding their role in nature promotes empathy and care for all living things.
School Safety
We are unwavering in our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of every child in our care, providing parents with peace of mind and confidence in our school.
We maintain low class sizes, so every child receives personal attention and care.
Our teachers are trained to handle any emergency, and all are certified in CPR and First Aid.
Our teachers carry a backpack at all times, with first aid essentials and a walkie-talkie for immediate communication with the office from anywhere in the park.
We conduct regular safety drills to ensure staff know exactly what to do in any situation.
We have transitioned employ electronic attendance, so we know exactly which children are in our care at any moment, and students are only released to authorized individuals.
Student-Teacher Ratio
Nature Time for Twos: Two teachers per six or seven students
Nature's Playroom: Two teachers per nine students
Sample Daily Schedule
9:15AM-9:45AM: Activities in outdoor classrooms
9:45AM-10:00AM: Bathroom, wash hands, snack
10:00AM-10:15AM: Circle time, song, story, or experiment
10:15AM-10:30AM: Animal Encounter
10:30AM-11:45AM: Nature Walk in Cherry Lawn Park
What our families say about us...

