We believe that kids grow better in nature.

 
 
 

What is Thorne Nature Preschool?

 
 

This is Kara, one of our founding teachers

 
 

  • Kids being kids - nature play, imagination, discovery, joy, freedom, risk-taking

  • The development of the whole child - focus on social-emotional learning as well as cognitive development

  • Lots of time in nature - an abundance of meaningful learning opportunities

  • Building Earth stewardship by connecting youth to nature through joyful, hands-on, place-based environmental education experiences.

  • Friendships/Community of Families - seasonal family events, bi-monthly newsletters, and daily communication with parents through a photo-sharing app.

 
 

Program Philosophy

 

Nature is an ideal learning environment to foster the growth of the whole child and cultivate a deep connection to nature.

 
 
 
 

Meet Our Team

Thorne believes that well-qualified, passionate, caring, and committed staff are essential for the success, safety, and quality of our nature preschool program. All staff have the necessary early childhood qualifications but also have experience and training in mentoring children in nature.

 
 
 
 

Our Values

 
 

  • Growth through nature play - nature is the ideal venue for academic growth, imaginative play, social and emotional learning, problem solving, and promoting active play.

  • Environmental ethic through relationship - frequent, immersive experiences in nature with a mentor cultivate an environmental ethic.

  • Connection to place - Place-based environmental education connects children to their local community and is the starting point for responsible citizenship.

 
 

Program Overview

 
 
 

Licensed preschool for children ages 3-6

  • Children must be potty trained before enrolling

  • We carry hand-washing supplies, first aid kits, story books, tools, craft making materials, and educational materials in our wagons everywhere we go.

Location

  • Thorne Nature Preschool is based out of the brand-new Lafayette Nature Center, home to Colorado’s first custom-designed nature preschool facility. To learn more about what preschool is like at the Lafayette Nature Center, follow this link.

 
 

Program details

The school year runs from late August to May with optional summer sessions.

  • The school year is from the fourth week of August to the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend.

  • We follow the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) schedule for major breaks (Thanksgiving, winter, and spring), weather cancellations, and most holidays.

  • CLICK HERE to view our calendar.

School runs Monday through Friday with two, three, and five-day enrollment options available (T/TH, M/W/F, and M-F).

  • Half Day Program: 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. with optional early care from 8:30 a.m.-9 a.m.

  • Full Day Program: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. with an afternoon rest period and options for early care from 8:30 a.m.-9 a.m.

Parent-teacher conferences are held in the fall and the spring.

 
 

School Year Tuition (Late August-May) & UPK

 
 

School Year Tuition

Colorado Universal preschool

Thorne is a Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) provider. CLICK HERE to learn more about UPK at Thorne.

 
 

What Families Are Saying

“Thorne Nature Preschool has turned out to be even more incredible than we anticipated! Our son is absolutely buzzing when we pick him up each day. Not only is time outside, and in nature, beneficial to all kids, but we've noticed our son has more confidence physically and socially because of the teachers' approach to child development and meeting the needs of all kids.” - Amanda, parent of a 4.5-year-old

"Our son Zane's (3y) first day at Thorne Nature Preschool was during an early September snowstorm, and that first day showed us just how amazing the teachers, the setting, the experience was going to be -- Teachers Gwen and Jen made it a memorable start to a memorable first year of school. Everyday Zane literally rushes out the door to school, excited to explore nature, to learn with his friends, and to interact with his amazing teachers -- we love how fun, wild, safe, informative, and challenging this school setting is!" - Michael, Zane’s father

CLICK HERE to see more family testimonials.

 
 

Next Steps

If you’re interested in pursuing enrollment at Thorne Nature Preschool, we’d love to meet you!

Attend an in-person Open House

To begin the registration process, sign up to attend an in-person Open House. Open houses start with a program overview and Q&A, followed by a tour of our nature center and surrounding areas. They last about an hour and are a great way to see our magical program in action!

Open Houses take place on Fridays from 10-11 am on the following dates:

  • Sep 6 &20

  • Oct 4 & 18

  • Nov 1 & 15

  • Dec 6

  • Jan 10 & 24

  • Feb 7 & 21

  • Mar 7 & 21

  • Apr 11

  • May 9

After attending an Open House, if you feel Thorne Nature Preschool is a good fit for your family, submit an application. The link to the application form will be shared during the Open House. Enrollment applications are accepted year-round for the current school year and future school years.

 
 

Gratitude

 
 

Thanks for joining us for this virtual info session. We look forward to getting to know your family and sharing our preschool with you soon!

 
 
 

A little parting nature-induced joy from Thorne Nature Preschool at our old Boulder site.