Nature Playschool

We teach that the magic of life, as well is its most important lessons are waiting for us if we will only choose to go outside and look for it.

Three children, two girls and a boy, explore outdoors in a wooded area with green trees and mountains in the background. They are sitting on rocks and dirt, looking at something in the ground.

What makes us unique?

Low Teacher-to-Child Ratio
We maintain a 1:4 ratio, typically with 3 teachers for every 12 children. This allows for deep connection, individualized support, and a calm, responsive learning environment.

Intentional Communication
Through modeling, curiosity, and thoughtful questions and conversations, our teachers support children in problem-solving, expressing themselves, and building confidence to be their truest and most successful self.

Skill-Focused Learning
Whether social, emotional, or physical, we support children in building real-life skills. With thoughtful guidance, children are empowered to take ownership of their learning, friendships, and grow with confidence.

Stewardship of Land
Through everyday interactions with nature in our outdoor classroom, we nourish our students innate love for the outdoors and the animals and plants that inhabit it. Our teachers guide in thoughtful lessons and activities that connect with the seasons and natural world.

Intoduction to Subjects
Beginning next year, we will be adding Wild Learning materials to our teaching curriculum. Their helpful materials, along with our amazing teachers, offer guidance and a soft approach to learning subjects like math and reading to prepare our students with the essential knowledge they will need to take their next steps, wherever and whenever that may be.

Join us for Nature Playschool!

Ages 3-6

Morning Drop off class

Our nature immersion pre-K nurtures early childhood development through play, learning, and exploration. Rooted in wonder and connection, children grow through hands-on experiences in the natural world.

Our mixed-age class spends their time in class 100% outdoors, year-round, building confidence, resilience, friendships, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. Through every season, children deepen their sense of belonging—to themselves, to each other, and to the earth.

Utah Fits All & Open Ed approved vendors!

8:30am-12:15pm
Monday-Friday
in Sandy, UT

2 days/week, $440/month
3 days/week, $660/month
4 days/week, $880/month
5 days/week, $1,100/month

Enrollment is open all year
Enroll now or jump on our waitlist anytime

Wondering if our outdoor school is the right fit for your family?

Now - July 31st, we are inviting any interested families that aren’t yet enrolled to try out Grateful Gathering’s Nature Playschool (preschool) program and receive 50% off your first two months tuition! 

Space is limited, and on a first come first serve basis! Once we reach classroom capacity, offer will end. Discount is only for students not yet enrolled and cannot be extended to enrolled families. 

Each day includes opportunities for…

Seasonal nature-based learning, unstructured exploration and play, songs & stories, empowerment, team-building games, social and emotional learning, mindful practices, problem solving, creativity, skill building, and lots of friendships and fun!

Group of children and adults on a nature walk by a pond in a lush green landscape, with a hill and blue sky with clouds in the background.

Our Guiding Principles

  • Unstructured Free Play in Nature

  • Interest-led Flow Learning

  • Positive Reinforcement Approach

  • Inquiry-based Teaching

  • Social and Emotional Focus

  • Small class sizes 1 teacher: 4 students

  • mixed age group learning