Learn more about why we are the number one option for nature 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:
“I just wanted to send a huge THANK YOU for all you do. J showed a completely different respect for nature at the lake this weekend. He packed a backpack with tools/snacks for when we went into the woods, including a journal for us to draw on. 🙂 We had a blast. He was much more goal oriented, safe, and observant than what I am used to seeing with him. We are so thankful!” – Kelli
“Nature school is exactly the environment every child should have. It allows them space to be a child and explore and learn about their world in a very organic way. The staff is amazing and the facility is gorgeous. We LOVE Nature School!” – Brandi
“By far the best preschool we have ever encountered. Not only is their forest kindergarten model amazing, their entire program exceeds even my highest expectations. In two years we have seen zero teacher turnover! They have frequent after school events (including open houses, pool parties, etc.) that transcend the kids and help build a community among us parents, which is nice. Many days it is hard to get my two kids to want to leave school!” – Adam
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
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
