Frequently asked questions

What ages do you accept at Oak Ridge Nature School?

Our preschool program accepts children ages 18 months to 5 years old. Our mixed-age group model supports individualized learning and social development. Children over age 5 are invited to join our seasonal Homeschool Enrichment Sessions.

Is your program outdoors in all weather?

Yes! We spend 50-80% of our time outdoors (closer to 50% in the winter months). Rain, snow, or sunshine - children dress appropriately and experience the seasons firsthand. We believe all weather offers valuable learning opportunities. All children enrolled in our program will have access to the following gear: full snowsuit, full rainsuit, snow mittens, snow hat, fleece neck gaiter, winter boots and snow goggles. Parents receive a seasonal checklist of what to send to nature school each day.

What are the school hours and schedule?

We operate Monday through Thursday, 7:40 AM to 4:20 PM. Drop-off each morning is in the Outdoor Classroom during Spring, Summer and Fall. Winter drop-off locations vary based on the temperatures. Children spend the majority of their day outdoors, exploring and learning through hands-on activities.

A typical day includes morning drop-off and gear checks. We move into open-ended outdoor play and nature exploration followed by circle time with seasonal themes, stories, or group conversations. After morning snack, we engage in hands-on learning connected to our nature-based unit studies (focused on the Minnesota Early Childhood Indicators of Progress). We enjoy our lunch break as a group, often reflecting on the highlights of the day before settling in for rest, reading, or journaling. Our days include nature walks, group activities, and child-led discoveries. As our day comes to an end, we gather to tidy our space and prepare for pickups.

Can you tell me about the homeschool enrichment sessions?

As of January 2026, we will no longer be offering Homeschool Enrichment Sessions at Oak Ridge Nature School. We are referring families to check out our partner in learning at Mindfully Educated, located in Farming, Minnesota.

What kind of curriculum do you use?

Our program follows an emergent, nature-based approach. We build on children’s interests and seasonal changes with unit studies that integrate science, math, literacy, and environmental education. We also align our preschool learning goals with the Minnesota Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPs) to ensure developmental growth in a holistic and age-appropriate way.

Do you have an indoor classroom?

We do! While we are a primarily outdoor program, we maintain a dedicated indoor classroom space that serves as a warm, inviting shelter during extreme weather or for focused activities like journaling, read-alouds, or collaborative projects. Our indoor space is intentionally designed to reflect our nature-based philosophy, with natural materials and calm, open-ended learning areas.

What are the current openings and is there a waitlist?

Updated December 17, 2025: We currently have the following availability for the June 2026 through May 2027 school year enrollment located here.

What is the cost of enrollment at Oak Ridge Nature School?

Oak Ridge Nature School offers both full-time and part-time enrollment options to best meet the needs of our families.

Full-Time Program (4 days/week):
Tuition for the 26/27 school year is $210/week, which includes all outdoor gear, curriculum materials, and seasonal nature-based learning experiences.

Part-Time Program (2 days/week):
Tuition for the 26/27 school year is $126/week, also inclusive of all gear and materials, and experiences.

Our tuition reflects the unique, high-quality programming we provide, focusing on outdoor, play-based education aligned with Minnesota Early Childhood Indicators of Progress and early elementary standards.