wild preschool
At The George Mitchell Nature Preserve
Wild Preschool is a place where childhood stays wild, learning is alive, and your child’s days are spent exploring, imagining, and growing in nature. We are a fully outdoor, all-weather, nature-based preschool program for potty-trained children ages 3 to 5. Our program runs September through May and meets Monday-Thursday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with an option to extend the day to 3:00 PM.
about this location
Our Wild Preschool program in The Woodlands takes place inside the beautiful George Mitchell Nature Preserve near Rob Fleming Recreation Center. It
is a forest-rich natural space that feels like a hidden world right inside the community. Children spend their days exploring old growth trees, winding
trails, native plants, and a shallow creek perfect for hands-on discovery and playful learning.
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This location also features a cozy treehouse-style indoor classroom space, permanent bathrooms, and access to the nearby Recreation Center for
shelter on more intense weather days...ensuring children stay safe and engaged year-round. It's an ideal setting for children to build resilience, wonder, and a deep connection to the natural world... all while making meaningful friendships and lifelong memories.
Location specific details
>Forest-Filled Outdoor Program: Children spend most of their day outdoors under the canopy of towering trees, hiking nature trails, looking for wildlife, and splashing in the creek.
>Treehouse Indoor Classroom & Rec Center Access: This site includes a treehouse-style indoor classroom that shelters us during rain, thunder, and lightning. If weather becomes very severe, we also have access to the Recreation Center building, so class rarely needs to be canceled. Children stay safe, comfortable, and immersed in nature all year long.
>Permanent Bathrooms: The preserve includes permanent restrooms that are easily accessible to children and staff throughout the day. We also set up a toddler-sized potty and privacy tent to encourage potty independence in our little ones.
>Native Wildlife & Nature Connection: Here, children encounter plenty of native birds, insects, and small woodland creatures, learning about local ecosystems up close.
>Public Preserve with Close Supervision: Because our exploration zones are public natural areas without fencing, we keep our teacher-to-child ratio low at 1:5. Teachers set clear natural boundaries, conduct frequent headcounts, and maintain close supervision to ensure safety.
>Tuition: Tuition depends on the number of days your child attends. For current rates and to secure your spot, visit our booking system on HiSawyer by clicking enroll here.
>Want More Details? View The Woodlands site addendum in our Parent Handbook for complete location-specific policies, weather plans, and safety information. Click the Parent Handbook button to access.
George Mitchell nature preserve
Program Overview
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Ages: 3–5 years (must be fully potty trained)
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Program Season: September – May
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Schedule:
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Days Offered Varies by Location
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Locations Across Houston:
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The Heights | Cypress | Katy | The Woodlands | East Houston | Mont Belvieu | Friendswood (Coming Soon)
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Class Size: Max 15 children per class
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Teacher Ratio: 1:5/6 for open spaces and 1:9 for fenced spaces.
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Registration Fee: $50 (non-refundable)
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Commitment: Full school year enrollment required
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Tuition is dependent on the number of days you enroll. To see the most accurate tuition costs you need to click enroll now, and then choose the number of days you would like to attend. We offer payment plans.
Our Curriculum:
How We Teach and Why it Works
At Wild Preschool, learning begins outside, guided by children’s natural curiosity, seasonal changes, and local ecology.
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We build our curriculum around 4 core approaches:
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Emergent Curriculum: We pay close attention to what captures children’s interest, then build learning experiences around those sparks. If kids become fascinated by bird nests, we might read stories about birds, build our own nests, and track local birds together. This approach makes learning meaningful and alive.
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Coyote Mentoring: Our teachers guide more by asking than telling. Through stories, thoughtful questions, and gentle encouragement, they help children develop their own observations, theories, and connections. This nurtures critical thinking, curiosity, and a love of self-driven learning.
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Flow Learning: Our daily rhythm is designed to match the natural energy of children. We start by inspiring curiosity, move into open-ended exploration and focused activities, and close with calm reflection. This flow keeps children engaged, balanced, and regulated throughout their time with us.
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Place-Based and Seasonal Education: We learn directly from our local land. Children come to know the trees, animals, weather patterns, and natural cycles of our area through repeated visits. Our curriculum follows the seasons, making learning deeply rooted, relevant, and memorable.
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What We Teach:
Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to support the whole child, aligned with Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and TEKS for Kindergarten Readiness, while staying rooted in learning through nature.
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Personal and Social Growth
Children build self-regulation, empathy, and learn to navigate friendships through cooperative play, conflict resolution, and shared adventures. They also develop a sense of responsibility by caring for the land and each other. -
Physical Development
Climbing trees, balancing on logs, digging, and running on uneven ground strengthen gross motor skills. Fine motor skills grow through nature journaling, weaving grasses, sorting seeds, and safe tool work. Children also learn independence by managing their own gear and snacks. -
Communication and Language
Every day is rich with storytelling, nature discussions, songs, and imaginative play. Children develop strong vocabulary and expressive language, begin writing their names, make signs, and learn to listen thoughtfully and speak with respect. -
Early Academics
Children naturally explore counting, measurement, sorting, and patterns using acorns, sticks, puddles, and leaves. They investigate life cycles, habitats, and make predictions about weather and animal behavior. Problem-solving thrives through building projects, teamwork, and self-directed experiments. -
Creativity and Artistic Expression
Children create with what nature offers—painting with mud, making leaf rubbings, building clay figures, weaving with reeds, and dancing to birdsong. Dramatic play and music emerge organically from their experiences outdoors. -
Environmental Literacy
Children come to know the names and behaviors of local plants and animals. They understand ecosystems and their place within them, building a sense of stewardship by composting, cleaning up litter, and caring for living things. -
Executive Function, Mindfulness, and Resilience
Through complex play and group projects, children practice planning, organizing, focusing, and adjusting their plans. Sit spots and quiet observation build mindfulness, while facing weather and trying again after setbacks nurtures true resilience.
Our Monthly Themes:
Throughout the school year, we follow seasonal themes that give children a sense of rhythm, keep learning tied to our local environment, and build anticipation and joy. Each theme weaves together nature study, social and emotional growth, physical challenges, creativity, and stewardship.
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September: Welcoming and Belonging
Children settle in, make new friends, learn routines, and map out their outdoor classroom. -
October: Trees, Leaves, and Seeds
Each child adopts a tree to visit all year. We explore leaves, seeds, and watch how trees change through the seasons. -
November: Local Animals and Tracking
We search for tracks, feathers, nests, and other signs of wildlife, keeping a class log of discoveries. -
December: Weather and Winter
Children track weather changes, play with wind and ice, and create lanterns for our winter solstice celebration. -
January: Bushcraft and Outdoor Skills
Kids learn simple bushcraft like building shelters, tying knots, and safely using child-friendly tools. -
February: Water and Wetlands
We explore water by making mini-wetlands, testing what floats or sinks, and playing in puddles and mud. -
March: Growth and New Life
Children plant seeds, watch for pollinators, build bug hotels, and celebrate the start of spring. -
April: Habitats and Homes
We study how animals build homes, make bug hotels and fairy houses, and compare nests, burrows, and dens. -
May: Celebration and Stewardship
As the year closes, we reflect on our time together, give back to the land, and celebrate with families at a picnic.
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Yearlong Projects:
Some projects continue all year long, giving children time to build deeper observation skills, a stronger sense of place, and lasting relationships with the land.
A few examples of projects we might explore in Wild Preschool include:
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Phenology Calendar: Tracking weather, plant life, and animal activity week by week, helping children notice seasonal rhythms.
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Sit Spot Anthology: Quiet time spent in nature, with each child’s observations collected into a keepsake of their year.
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Adopt-a-Tree Journals: Regular visits to a special tree chosen by each child, recording how it changes through the seasons.
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Nature Museum: Gathering and studying treasures like feathers, seeds, and rocks, building a shared collection of local wonders.
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Class Garden or Pollinator Patch: Planting, tending, and harvesting together where space allows, learning firsthand how to care for living things.
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How We Plan Each Week
At Wild Preschool, the year is thoughtfully mapped out to follow our monthly themes and long-term projects. This gives shape and depth to our learning journey, rooting children in seasonal cycles and the local environment.
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But within that broad plan, each week is carefully crafted by our teaching team to meet the unique group of children in that class. This is the heart of our emergent curriculum. Teachers observe what sparks curiosity, how the children are growing socially and emotionally, and what the land is offering right now—then build the week around it.
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Each week includes:
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Song of the Week: A seasonal song that weaves language, rhythm, and community together.
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Skills of the Week: Hands-on abilities like tool use, tracking, or building, matched to the children’s development and interests.
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Nature Connection Game of the Month: Playful ways to build sensory awareness, teamwork, and joy.
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Daily Focus Activities: Rich explorations tied to our themes, from nature art to bushcraft.
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Invitations to Play: Open-ended setups that encourage imagination, movement, and discovery at each child’s own pace.
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What A Day Looks Like
We use the same anchoring rhythm each day, which gives children comfort and helps them regulate, even though the details of each day change with the seasons, the weather, and the children’s interests.​
A Typical Class Includes:
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Good Morning Song
We begin each day by gathering together with a welcoming song that sets a positive tone and helps every child feel part of the group. -
Morning Circle
In our circle, we introduce the theme or “wonder of the week,” share stories that spark curiosity, and talk about what we might explore together. Children take turns sharing their own thoughts, building listening skills and making sure every voice is valued. -
Invitations to Play
Children dive into thoughtfully prepared invitations—building with sticks, exploring sensory materials, or simply following their curiosity on a hike. It’s a time for imagination, movement, and self-directed discovery. -
Focus Activity or Project
Each day includes a main focus tied to our seasonal or thematic learning. This could be creating nature art, learning a bushcraft skill, or working on yearlong projects like our phenology calendar or Adopt-a-Tree journals. -
Snack
We come together for a simple snack, practice gratitude, and take care of our bodies. Children learn independence by managing their own food and water. -
Sit Spot or Journaling
This quiet time invites each child to find a favorite spot to sit, watch, listen, and reflect. Sometimes they draw or write in their journals. It’s a peaceful practice that builds mindfulness and deepens their connection to place. -
Nature Connection Game
Each day includes a playful game that ties back to nature, like “Owl Eyes” to sharpen observation or “Fox Feet” to practice moving quietly. These games weave in teamwork, sensory skills, and pure joy. -
Song or Chant
Before our closing circle, we come back together with a song or chant connected to our week’s theme, building memory and community through rhythm and repetition. -
Closing Circle
At the end of the day, we gather to share our “story of the day”—the moments that stood out to each child—and express gratitude for our experiences and for each other. We close with a goodbye song and a warm drink, sending children home calm, happy, and connected.
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What To Expect
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Outdoor learning in all weather (rain, shine, or mud!)
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Messy play, adventure, and lots of movement
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Daily post-class email with photos and what we learned
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Monthly observation reports on your child’s growth
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Strong connection between teachers and families
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A preschool experience rooted in wonder, connection & joy
How to Enroll
Enrolling in Wild Preschool is simple.
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Here’s how it works:
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1. Click ENROLL NOW below.
This will take you to that site’s specific registration page, where you can see exactly which days are offered each week along with tuition details for your chosen schedule.
2. Select the number of days per week.
A minimum of 2 days per week is required. Most families choose 3 or more days to give their child the fullest experience.
3. Choose your payment option.
You can pay in full for the year and automatically receive 10% off tuition, or select our convenient payment plan to spread tuition over 9 monthly installments.
4. Complete your registration.
Once you submit your registration and payment, you’ll get a welcome email with next steps to prepare for your first day.
If you have any questions at any point, please reach out to us at info@thewildschool.org. We’re always happy to help.
The woodlands preschool faqs
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Does my child need to be potty trained to attend The Wild School's preschool programs?
Yes. All children must be fully potty trained—able to pull their pants up and down and use a toddler-sized or standard toilet with minimal help.
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Can I enroll my child for just one day?
No. We require a minimum of two days per week, and recommend three or more for the richest experience. This consistency helps children settle in, build friendships, and thrive in the program.
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Can I enroll by the month or semester?
No. Wild Preschool is a full school year commitment from September through May. This allows us to provide consistent programming and retain dedicated staff.
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Is there an indoor classroom here?
Yes. Our site in the George Mitchell Nature Preserve includes a cozy treehouse-style indoor classroom that we use during rain, thunder, and lightning. It gives children a safe, comfortable place to continue their day when storms pass through. For even more severe weather, we also have access to the nearby Recreation Center building, so your child always has a secure space.
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Will my child be outside the whole time?
Yes. We embrace all kinds of weather—rain, shine, or mud—so children build resilience and learn with the seasons.
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Will my child swim?
No. While we splash and play in shallow water, children never go in past their ankles.
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Is there early drop-off or late pick-up?
Classes run from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with drop-off starting at 8:45 AM and a 5-minute grace period at pick-up. There is an extended day option until 3:00 PM, this includes a lunch time and extended project work.
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Do you teach academics like reading and math?
Yes—but always in ways that are meaningful and developmentally appropriate. Children explore early literacy, math, and science by counting acorns, measuring puddles, tracking animal prints, and more.
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How much structure is there?
Our days follow a familiar rhythm with circle time, nature walks, focused projects, free play, and a closing circle. Within this, children lead much of their learning through curiosity and exploration.
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Can I request a specific teacher?
No. Children will build relationships with all teachers and classmates. This helps them develop flexibility, trust, and a strong sense of community.
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Can I stay with my child for the first few days?
As a rule, no. Staying often makes it harder for children to adjust. Our experienced teachers support children gently through this transition. If you’re concerned, we recommend starting with one of our caregiver-child classes first.
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Can parents hang out nearby during class?
No. We ask parents to leave after drop-off to support healthy separation and full engagement.
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What payment options do you offer?
You can pay in full for the year and automatically receive 10% off tuition, or choose a payment plan with an upfront deposit and monthly installments.
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Is there a registration fee?
Yes. A non-refundable $50 registration fee is required.
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What is your Cancellation and Refund Policy?
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Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
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30 days or more before the program start date:
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Full refund of tuition (minus registration fee).
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Fewer than 30 days before the start date:
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Paid in full: Refund minus the equivalent of one month’s average tuition.
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Payment plan: Responsible for paying the first month’s installment.
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First day through 30 days into the program:
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Paid in full: 75% refund of total tuition.
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Payment plan: Still responsible for 25% of total tuition.
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31 to 60 days into the program:
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Paid in full: 50% refund.
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Payment plan: Responsible for 50% of total tuition.
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61 to 90 days into the program:
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Paid in full: 25% refund.
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Payment plan: Responsible for 75% of total tuition.
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After 90 days:
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No refunds.
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Payment plans must continue until tuition is paid in full.​
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How to Cancel:
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Email us at info@thewildschool.org. We’ll guide you through the process and answer any questions.
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Will class be canceled if the weather is bad?
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Not usually. Because we have both our treehouse indoor classroom and access to the Recreation Center, we rarely need to cancel for weather. Class only gets postponed or canceled under extreme circumstances... like hurricanes, local flooding, or large-scale emergency closures. You’ll always be notified through ClassDojo and email at least one hour before class starts if that ever happens.
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Is The Wild Preschool Program a licensed child care facility?
The Wild Preschool is not a licensed child care facility. However, we exceed minimum state standards by maintaining small ratios, employing trained staff certified in CPR and First Aid, and implementing detailed safety, weather, and emergency protocols.
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What is the price of tuition?
Tuition at depends on the number of days you enroll in each week. For the most up-to-date tuition rates and availability at this location, please visit our booking site by clicking here.