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Nature Preschool
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Nature Preschool
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Nature Preschool
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Nature Preschool
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Nature Preschool
The Chicago Botanic Garden’s nature-based, developmentally appropriate preschool provides a unique learning experience for 3 to 5-year-olds. The emergent curriculum focuses on exploration and discovery in nature each day. The curriculum promotes learning and prepares children for kindergarten as they develop an appreciation for the natural world.
Director's & President's Circle Registration
Nature Preschool registration is now open for Director's & President's Circle members. Registration will be open for all other members & the general public on Wednesday, January 28 at 10 a.m.
How is a nature preschool different from a traditional preschool?
- The natural world is the catalyst for the curriculum.
- Daily time spent outdoors in all weather (approximately half of the class time) allows for discovery in an ever-changing environment.
- Discovery-based learning includes a hands-on approach to education.
- Time is built in for children to observe, explore, discover, and reflect in learning activities.
Please note: All children must be fully toilet trained before attending classes.
Any Questions?
Contact: Ann Halley, director of early childhood programs and preschool
Phone: (847) 835-8238
@email
Seeds Class
Age: 3 (by September 1, 2026)
Days: Tuesday and Thursday
Dates: September 8, 2026 – May 28, 2027
Time: 9 – 11:30 a.m.
Tuition: $3,800 or $3,040 with Household Plus membership or higher; payment in full or monthly installments.
Sprouts Class New!
Age: 3 – 4 (3 by January 1, 2026)
Days: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Dates: September 9, 2026 – May 28, 2027
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Tuition: $6,840 or $5,472 with Household Plus membership or higher; payable in full or monthly installments.
Seedlings Class
Age: 4 (by September 1, 2026)
Days: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Dates: September 9, 2026 – May 28, 2027
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Tuition: $6,840 or $5,472 with Household Plus membership or higher; payable in full or monthly installments.
Stems 2-day Class
Age: 3 – 5 (3 by September 1, 2026)
Days: Monday and Wednesday
or Tuesday and Thursday
Dates: September 8, 2026 – May 27, 2027
or September 9, 2026 – May 26, 2027
Time: 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Tuition: $4,560 or $3,648 with Household Plus membership or higher; payable in full or monthly installments.
Stems 4-day Class
Age: 3 – 5 (3 by January 1, 2026)
Days: Monday – Thursday
Dates: September 8, 2026 – May 27, 2027
Time: 12:20 – 3:20 p.m.
Tuition: $9,120 or $7,296 with Household Plus membership or higher; payable in full or monthly installments.
Nature Preschool is a member of the Alliance for Early Childhood and a member of Natural Start Alliance.
