CNS Program Descriptions

Nature Experience

September - June

All our preschool programs are nature-based, and our Nature Experience programs combine play-based learning in classrooms with nature experiences on our hiking trails at basecamps. These long-standing programs at CNS are now offered on a partial week schedule or a full week schedule, and allow for half and full days.

Nature Experience Programs:

  • PreK3's Tuesday/Thursday 9:00-12:00 (1 nature experience/week)

  • PreK4's Monday/Wednesday/Friday 9:00-12:-00 (1 nature experience/week)

  • PreK3's Monday thru Friday 9:00-12:00 (2 nature experiences/week)

  • PreK4s/Transitional K Monday thru Friday 9:00-2:00 (2 nature experiences/week)

  • PreK3's Enrichment T/Th 12:00-1:00

  • PreK4s Enrichment M/W/F 12:00-2:00

Program details:

  • Children will spend most days in classrooms and on the playgrounds engaged in play and learning

  • Children will have nature experiences one or two times a week where they spend time at basecamps and on the trails

  • School will provide gear for children to be kept at school for nature experiences

Nature Immersion

September - June

Our nature immersion programs are true nature school classes that take place mostly outdoors with basecamps as classrooms. These programs use an emergent curriculum, and all early learning standards are met via these threads of inquiry. The programs run five days a week. Immersion classes are well established at CNS and allow for a truly unique preschool experience.

Nature Immersion Programs:

  • Nature Immersion First/Second Year Monday thru Friday 9:00-1:00

  • Nature Immersion Second/Third Year Monday thru Friday 9:00-2:00

Program details:

  • Children will spend most days at basecamp and hiking along the trails

  • Children will spend time inside for certain activities

  • School will provide gear for children that they will arrive in daily

Choosing a Program - Questions to Ask:

  • How many years of preschool do I need?

  • Do I want partial week or full week programs?

  • Do I want half day or full day (until 2) programs?

  • Am I looking for an immersive nature experience, or would I like a combination of both traditional preschool and nature experiences?

  • What will I be looking for the following year? Will my preschool needs stay the same? Do I anticipate wanting/needing a change in schedule? (for example- partial week to full week or half day to full day)

Choosing a Program - Please Remember

  • Current families receive priority enrollment! This means that your child is assured a space in the program of your choice.

  • Families needs change! It is possible your preschool needs might change during your time at CNS. We will do everything possible to meet your scheduling needs.

  • Think ahead! Having a rough idea of what path is best for your child helps us place them in the correct program.

  • Speak with the director and your child’s teachers! Conversations about what programs and choices are the best fit for your child are important. All our goals are the same; we want children to love school.