ATTN: We only have MWF Slots remaining for FALL 2024, if you want to be added to our waitlist for Full-time or T/TH, please email Rachel@ferncliff.org.
Learn more about why we are the number one option for play based preschool in Central Arkansas!
Our classes are made up of 3 to 5 year olds (a child cannot turn 6 until after August 1st to be eligible for enrollment) who are ready to connect to the natural world. The class spends the majority of their time outdoors and is PLAY based using an emergent curriculum.
- 1:6 teacher to student ratio
- Small class size of 12 students per class
- Highly Trained Teachers
- Early Childhood and Special Education Certified Director
- 8 years of experience in Nature Based Education
- Full-time, MWF, and T/TH Class options
- Acres and acres to explore!
- Operating hours are 8 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and the program mirrors the Pulaski County Special School District calendar.
Why choose us?
Our staff are highly trained in both early childhood as well as nature based teaching practices. We are active Central Arkansas Master Naturalists and received our training at the Academy of Forest Kindergarten Teachers in California and through The Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools.
You will not find better ratios that allow for children to take risks, move their bodies, practice internal control and mindfulness, engage in conversations with peers and adults, and practice social skills that will be used for their lifetime. Our small class sizes allow teachers to deeply connect with students and support them as they grow, while deep diving into questions that the natural world so easily inspires.
What our Families Say:
“Ferncliff Nature Preschool was an excellent fit for our contemplative child. We appreciate her caring, compassionate teachers. It is one of the few places where you find such a calm, un-hurried environment that encourages inquiry and discovery for young children.”
“The confidence our child has built over the past year has been incredible. We love seeing him grow, thrive and navigate even hard things with the caring and beautiful program and staff at Ferncliff. I feel so confident sending my child here and as a parent that’s a huge weight taken off our shoulders.”
“Ferncliff Nature Preschool places a strong emphasis on learning through play. The teachers encourage children to be curious and learn through hands on activities. The program encourages children to respect and protect their environment. But the best part and most important aspect of our program is teachers trust and respect our children. The whole staff leads with love.”
“Ferncliff nurtures my child’s love of nature, fosters her imagination, builds her confidence, and teaches her respect for all creatures, especially her fellow humans. It’s a place where children thrive mentally and physically because nature-based play/learning is so conducive to this stage of development.”
Read our FAQ page and then Click below to apply for the 2024-25 school year! Once the application is complete you will receive an email to choose your enrollment visit slot.
Ferncliff Nature Preschool Application 2024-25 (only MWF slots remain)
We provide a developmentally appropriate emergent early childhood curriculum with an emphasis on a child’s connection with nature and PLAY. The program follows the forest kindergarten model with teachers acting as facilitators for learning. Children enrolled in our program come dressed appropriately for the weather of the day. We spend 75% of our day immersed in the natural environment that surrounds our school, in all weather. Daily activities include nature walks, group meetings, interacting with farm animals and the onsite garden, observing the changes of the season, creating natural structures, using natural materials to create works of art and most of all free play in the forest!
Rachel Parker - Nature Preschool Director
Rachel is originally from The Natural State. She graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a degree in Early Childhood Special Education and worked with preschoolers with severe developmental delays for 8 years before becoming a Forest Kindergarten teacher. She is passionate about getting young children connected with nature, which is what lead her to Ferncliff. She started the nature preschool 7 years ago and has been the Director ever since. She lives in Ferndale with her husband and their two children. She loves spending her time camping with friends and family, keeping an ear out for great music, and refining her kite flying skills.
Email Rachel
Tuition and Fees 2024 -25:
10 equal payments beginning Aug 1st
Full Time:
- $730 Monthly ($7,300 Annually)
Part Time (3 day):
- $460 Monthly ($4600 Annually)
Part Time (2 day)
- $330 Monthly ($3300 Annually)
Non-Refundable Registration Fee: $75
Supply Fee: $325 (Non-Refundable Annual fee)
Apply now for next fall! Once you complete the application you will relieve an email to schedule your enrollment visit.
Ferncliff Nature Preschool Application 2024-25 (only MWF slots remain)
