The Preschool at Chestnut Ridge
Learn through play
The nature preschool at Chestnut Ridge is invested in supporting the individual child and learning alongside them while observing their growth in all areas of development. We create an excitement for learning and encourage creative thought and ingenuity at an early age.
Children develop skills in all areas of development throughout the day.
As a nature preschool, being outside is our number one focus - we recognize outdoor play as a key component in children gaining courage, self-awareness, self-assurance, and a stability of knowing the world around them.
Children’s interests and passions become an essential part of what we do each day, and our nurturing and supportive environment allows them to feel comfortable and confident as we explore together. We combine our emphasis on the outdoors with a Christian worldview through songs, discussions, and interactive story telling.
OUR PROGRAM
Sample Daily Schedule
8:30 - 9:30 Arrival and self-directed play in interest areas
9:30 - 9:45 Snack (provided)
9:45 - 10:00 Whole group time
10:00 - 11:45 Camp adventure
11:45 - 12:00 Storytime & dismissal
As an outdoor preschool, the vast majority of our class activities will take place in an outdoor setting, except for in the case of thunder and lightning, or tornado warnings. In severe cold, wind, or rain, we will still go outdoors. On these days, we shorten our outdoor play time.
We go to the Community Farm at Chestnut Ridge for our outdoor adventure once a week (once every other week for our 2-day and 3-day students). During our time at the farm we do our farm work (planting, harvesting, collecting eggs, or feeding animals), then have a chance to play in the mud kitchen and in other areas of the farm.
ENROLLMENT
Fall 2024 - Spring 2025
AGES
TIME
Children 3-5 years old and potty trained
8:30 am - 12:00 pm
SCHEDULE
2-Day Tu/Th
3-Day M/W/F
5-Day M-F
$235
$333
$568
Amount due at registration: Annual supply fee + May's Tuition
Registration for 2024-2025 is now OPEN!
If you'd like to add your preschooler to our waitlist, please fill out an enrollment form and contact the preschool director at preschool@campchestnutridge.org
PRESCHOOL CALENDAR
"The teachers at Chestnut Ridge are loving and kind to the children, guiding and supporting them with engaging materials and activities (many of which are outside!); and to the parents, the teachers are very communicative and welcoming. Our son comes home from school happy (and exhausted) each day, filled with exciting stories to tell of his 'camp' adventures."
- Audrey
Preschool Parent
"I like being a chickadee! I like to go on a adventure and go into the magical woods and go on a hike to the river. I made new friends that I like to play with. I like to go on the rock pile and the teepee and climb the trees. We are part of a team and that's all!"
- Eli
Preschooler 4 y/o
"We have truly loved preschools before but the Preschool at Chestnut Ridge is a different experience. It combines all the things we loved about other places; loving teachers, new friendships, real life challenges, social time, sensory play, fine and gross motor development, free art, and just general wonder with all the best parts of an amazing outdoor program."
- Aprille
Preschool Parent