Our Programs

Children’s ideas and energy guide us here at St. Andrew Nature Preschool. We engage children’s natural curiosity and creativity and follow their lead as we shape our curriculum and activities. Our daily rhythm follows a general routine so that children have some structure and predictability to their time at school while also allowing for child-led exploration and play.

We offer a variety of half-day, independent classes for children aged 3-5, as well as an adult/child class for 2 year olds.

NEW for 2026/27, we are offering a dual language Spanish/English class.

Class descriptions are below.

Forest Days! Once each month we hold classes in the forest at Columbia Springs Park. Details here.

Our Daily Rhythm

• Drop Off (15 minutes)
Quiet circle activities or free play while classmates arrive and say good-bye to grown-ups.

• Morning Circle (15 minutes)
Story time and conversation, often with a short lesson or learning activity connected to the rest of the day and the students’ current interests.

• Learning Centers & Small Groups (30 minutes)
- Children learn through interest centers designed for specific educational goals. Creative art, science, reading, blocks, manipulatives, and dramatic play offer the students many opportunities to learn through play.
- During Center Time teachers offer small group opportunities for more guided learning - maybe bugs or art or pumpkins or snow, or wherever the children's wonderings lead.

- Once each week during indoor time we have a special activity: Music with Mr.Sam, the church Music Director; Preschool Chapel with Pastor Cindy; and Godly Play with the church Youth & Family Director.

• Snack Time (15 minutes)
We provide nutritious snacks including fruit, cheese, and a variety of crackers to refuel half way through our day.

• Outdoor Time (90 minutes)
- Children play, socialize, and explore in nature every day in our wonderful outdoor space. See our Facilities page for more details.