Program Overview
We are focused on taking the best parts from a progressive school and combining them with the best parts of a forest school, creating something entirely new.
Our Forest Preschool program is designed to positively connect children with nature, through immersion programs that stimulate their curiosity about the natural world. Our educational philosophy is that there is no predetermined curriculum, but instead craft the curriculum from what the students collective show an interest in. If the way the leaves and water move through the air catches their attention, we will design classes around the wind, with activities like building wind chimes from objects found in our natural surroundings.
The goal is to tap into the children’s sense of wonder about nature and connect it through to science, math, pre-literacy, and the arts. The children’s learning arises through play, and ensures their interests are guiding their education. In this way, their learning will be meaningful.
What's Included
All-weather Muddy Buddy coverall to keep dry and warm.
Daily materials activities and learning, such as paints, buckets, shovels, hammers, fabrics, etc...
Class Size
We keep our class sizes small, with one teacher to every four children. This ensures every student is well looked after, keeping them safe, and getting the attention they may need.
Weather
Our classes run through all types of weather, making rain, snow, and sun all a part of our learning and play. If dangerous weather is in the forecast, families are informed of an alternative drop-off for that day, such as the town Library.
A sample day at Maplewood Outside School
9:00 AM -
Drop Off
As children arrive, they place their water bottles into our wagon, and wait for friends to arrive. Once together we walk while chatting about the surroundings or singing a song.
9:30 AM - Morning Circle
Introducing friends and discussing the days activities.
9:40 - Nature Exploration
A roll down a hill or a walk to find insects and little creatures. On a typical day we search for flowers, mushrooms and herbs.
10:30 - Snack and Story
Gathering to listen to a story and have a bite.
11:00 AM - Art and Craft
Creating with tools, and found materials. Students can make paintbrushes from leaves and sticks, work with clay or dig in the dirt.
Application Process
We are an outdoor-based educational program open to children ages 2 to 5. We operate one session per year and accept applications on a rolling basis, with priority given to currently enrolled families. Please note that due to the intimate size of our school, classes tend to fill quickly.
Once an application is received, we will contact families to schedule a tour and classroom visit. If and when an opening is identified, the family will be contacted. A non-refundable deposit of $595 is due within 1 week of notification of acceptance. We will hold your child’s spot for 1 week following written notification, and the seat is confirmed once the deposit is received.
If the deposit is not received within that window, the spot will be released. A child is not enrolled at MOS until the deposit has been received.
Maplewood Outside school is open to all children ages 2 to 5 and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender expression, national origin, or disability.
Tuition
An initial non-refundable deposit in the amount of $595 is due upon enrollment to secure your child's place. The remaining payments are divided into either 3 or 10 installments over the course of the year beginning in August. Each family may choose the payment option that works best for them.