explore, discover, and learn in our nine-month nature-based preschool program
Using nature as a catalyst for learning, we aim to foster a sense of wonder through play and inquiry-based exploration.
2025 / 2026 School Year is now FULL
Want to be placed on the waitlist? Click here to email.
Parents will begin the process of enrolling their children by completing an online application form (open December 1).
Enrollment is not on a first-come, first-served basis. If the number of applicants exceeds available seats (16), a lottery will take place in February in accordance with the lottery protocols.
Families will be notified about their status:
• Accepted Students: If selected, families must confirm their acceptance by the date indicated in the acceptance letter. A non-refundable deposit of $250 is due at that time.
• Waitlisted Students: If no seats are available, students will be placed on the waitlist in the order determined by the lottery. Should a seat become available, families will be contacted accordingly.
Stay up to date by filling out our Interest Survey
key dates
December: Enrollment sign up is available for the following school year.
February: Enrollment lottery will take place. Families will be notified if they have been chosen through the lottery or added to the waitlist for the upcoming school year.
Mid-February: Non-refundable deposit due for families that have been chosen through the lottery for the upcoming school year.
September: Classes begin.
Specifics:
Our two days a week Nature Preschool takes place Tuesday / Thursday mornings from 9 AM - 12 PM.
Students age 3-4 are welcome. Students must be age 3 by September 1 of the upcoming school year.
Classes take place onsite September - May throughout the Gardens. Students spend over 50% of their day outside (unless there are severe weather conditions).
Our max class size is 16 students with two educators.
Classes are tuition-based. Scholarships opportunities may be available.
2025/2026 Tuition: $2,450 member: about $273 per month (x9 months) (Student household must hold current membership, 20% discount off non-member rate)
2025/2026 Tuition: $3,063 non-member: about $341 per month (x9 months)
Our Philosophy
Based upon seasonal changes, our nature-based curriculum includes daily outdoor discovery of the Gardens that incorporates:
Social Emotional Learning
Art, Movement, Music & Dramatic Play
Cooking & Food Experiences
Science & Math Discovery
Language Exploration
Large & Small Motor Skill Development
We look forward to nurturing your child’s curiosity and helping them explore their love of learning through nature and literature!
Our Core Values
At Bookworm Gardens, we value:
Respect for the natural world
Seasonal exploration
Hands-on discovery
Play as learning
Meet our Teachers
Rachel marsden, Preschool Director
Ms. Rachel has been an educator at Bookworm Gardens for 5+ years. She has a passion for incorporating nature-based learning into early childhood education and has worked in preschools, daycares, and public schools for over twelve years.
Bianca Beilke, early childhood education coordinator
Ms. Bianca has been an educator in our program since Fall 2021. Prior to teaching at Bookworm, she taught as a public school teacher and in various other early childhood education settings. She is passionate about using play and inquiry-based learning to foster children’s connection to nature.
