Wild Sprouts
Our preschool program for ages 3-5 years
Tuesday- Friday from 9:30am-1:30pm
Wild Sprouts Forest Preschool operates on the beautiful Tryon Life Community Farm. With access to gardens, fruit trees, fields, forests, goats and chickens, the farm is a wonderful home base for little minds and bodies to ground down into the beauty of the natural world.
We are a Waldorf inspired, play based forest school designed to guide children into deeper relationship with themselves, their community, and the earth.
All participants must be fully potty trained.
Grounding & Growing
Through story, movement, song, and sensory practices we create a place of magic that students can sink into – a place where they are held in a way that allows them to freely explore all that the forest has to offer. We ask them to check in with their bodies and with one another, giving them tools to move through big emotions and create cooperative resolution.
Unstructured Play & Risk Taking
Unstructured play is the very core of what we do. Giving kids space to climb trees, create cooperate games, and explore the boundaries of self and the world provides a vital foundation for the development of self-confidence, creativity, cooperation and so much more. It is here that we get mud on our hands, leaves in our hair, and joy in our hearts.
Deepening Connection Through Creativity
Art is an essential human act. Whether we are creating beauty, using the art as a sensory practice, or trying to capture a moment or feeling, art provides us a vessel to move through the tumultuous waters of the world. We give kids the space to create without self judgment or the need for approval. All art is beautiful because it is true.
Reverence, Reciprocity, & Respect
We approach the natural world and the people in it with a recognition of the sovereignty of all living things. We are all connected, and so we care for each other as if caring for ourselves. We leave berries on the bush so that other animals can eat. We help each other with the knowledge that, when we need it, they will help us in return.
What We’re All About
Daily Rhythm
9:30-9:45: Drop Off Window
We gather together in the meadow for play, grounding table activities, and nature exploration.
10:15: Opening Circle
This is an opportunity to gather together as a community, explore natural themes through story, song, and dance, and take a moment to settle our nervous systems.
10:30: Morning Play
An unstructured playtime for kids to explore, climb trees, and have fun.
11:30: Lunch Time
Whether under the protection of our outdoor kitchen or on a picnic blanket in the meadow grass, we come together to enjoy our food in gratitude and community.
12:00: Afternoon Exploration & Activities
This is a more structured exploration that may involve exploring the farm, games, nature based art, tea parties, wild harvesting, or nature walks with guidance from teachers.
1:00: Closing Circle & Reflection
This is a space for kids to reflect on the day, acknowledging what we struggled with and what we are grateful for.
1:15-1:30: Pick Up Window
We play in the meadow and say our goodbyes.
Benefits of Forest School
Improved Physical Health & Motor Skills:
The natural, uneven terrain enhances balance, coordination, and gross motor skills, while outdoor play helps build stronger immune systems.
Enhanced Emotional and Mental Wellbeing:
Regular, direct contact with nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and ADHD symptoms, leading to more relaxed children.
Boosted Confidence and Resilience:
Unstructured play and managed risk-taking—such as climbing trees, building shelters, or exploring in varied weather—help children develop self-esteem, resilience, and independence.
Social and Collaborative Skills:
Children often demonstrate better cooperation, communication, and conflict resolution skills by working together on group tasks in a free-play, outdoor setting.
Intellectual and Academic Growth:
Nature encourages curiosity and scientific thinking (e.g., studying habitats, measuring, observing changes), which fosters early academic skills, creativity, and deeper focus.
Environmental Stewardship:
By spending their days immersed in nature, children develop a deep appreciation for the environment and a lasting sense of responsibility toward it.
Tuition & Enrollment
Enrollment for the 2026-27 preschool year begins in April. To enroll in the program please click on the “Apply Here” button above.
The supply fee for this program is $200.
2 day option: $450/ month
4 day option: $895/ month
FAQs
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We are committed to small class sizes with plenty of guidance. Our student to teacher ratio is 1:8. Our preschool class will always have a Lead Teacher and an Assistant Teacher with a maximum size of 10 students total.
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We provide parents with a list of gear that will keep kids dry and insulated in the cold months and provide sun protection in the warm months. We work with parents to provide budget friendly options to meet their needs and keep their kids comfortable all year long.
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Class will be held rain or shine! That being said, there may be some days where it is unsafe for us to be outside, such as extreme heat, thunderstorms, or days when the roads are unsafe to drive on. We follow the Portland Public Schools inclement weather days and will give families ample notice if school is to be cancelled or delayed.
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All of our staff are CPR & First Aid certified and wilderness trained. We have an emergency protocol and shelter in place plan to keep kids safe in any scenario. Risk assessment is part of our daily practice. We guide children in surveying for safety risks so they can be confident exploring in any environment.
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We ask parents to provide a lunch and snack for their kiddo. We will advise parents on the best items for a nutrient dense lunch that stays fresh.
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Our preschool program is open to students as young as 3 years old, who are fully potty trained and do not require pull ups or diapers during their school day.
