Irvine Nature Center

The Nature Preschool at Irvine!

To register now, download an application form and contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at 443-738-9213.

If you are currently enrolled, visit The Nature Preschool Blog to see a weekly update, staff bios, parent buzz and more!

Looking for the Nature Preschool Conference? You can now register online.

Read more about inspiration and natural play in the (cool) progeny blog.

daily classes of nature-based curriculum for 3 to 5 year olds! 

Educational Philosophy
The Nature Preschool at Irvine is a child-centered approach to early childhood education with an emphasis on a balanced curriculum. It seeks to develop the "whole child" focusing on cognitive, physical, social, emotional and creative activities. Our nature-based curriculum benefits learners of all modalities through hands-on experiences both indoors and out. We believe that children have an innate curiousity to learn; to nurture new learning, we:

• provide a supportive, safe learning environment to encourage discovery, question-asking and experimentation
• provide sensory experiences with live animals, natural objects, artifacts, trail activities and art materials for students to utilize all five senses
• develop cognitive growth and motor skills
• develop problem-solving skills through hands-on games and activities
• introduce language through songs, stories and dramatic play
• cultivate social skills and positive self-image through group play and cooperative learning across ages
• encourage family involvement to help students appreciate the wisdom of their first teachers - their parents/guardians
• appreciate diversity of living things and celebrate individuality of children and families.

Curriculum
Our days are full of fun! We explore weekly topics through a wide array of activities that appeal to every learning style.

Activities include:

• outdoor exploration on the trails
• up-close encounters with live animals
• science experiments and use of manipulatives
• language, literacy and writing activities
• creative arts and music time
• interactive puppet play and story time
• healthy cooking and food tasting experiences
• hands-on math activities
• movement and games to promote physical fitness
• Imagination Stations for self-guided learning

Class Schedule & Pricing
We offer flexible morning and afternoon class options for 3 to 5 year old children. All participants must be 3 years old by September 1 in the enrollment year.

• Tuesday and Thursday | $2,100 per year* or $210 per month
• Monday, Wednesday and Friday | $3,050 per year* or $305 per month
• Monday through Friday | $4,750 per year* or $475 per month

Afternoon Classes: 12:45 - 3:30 p.m. 

• Tuesday and Thursday | $2,100 per year* or $210 per month   
• Monday and Wednesday | $2,100 per year* or $210 per month

Lunch Bunch: 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

• Available all weekdays | $25 per day of the week, per month

*A 10% deposit is due with the Enrollment Contract. The “per year” fees already include this deposit.

The application process for the 2012 and 2013 school years of The Nature Preschool at Irvine is now underway.  

For more information, contact Monica at 443-738-9213 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

You can also download the brochure, download an application form or download our Nature Preschool Parent/Guardian Handbook.