TreeSchool

Every child deserves their happy place.

Enrollment Opens Feb. 9th @ 12p.m

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Enrollment Opens Feb. 9th @ 12p.m 〰️

TreeSchool at a Glance

Ages 3-5

Licensed through the State of Michigan

Wednesdays or Tu/Thurs

12:2 Child to Teacher Ratios

9:30 - 1:30

Emergent Curriculum & Project Approach

Outdoor Learning

Weekly Updates via StoryPark

Discover More

What is Treeschool?

Every child deserves a “happy place” to gain independence, make friends, develop unique skills and interests, and learn to contribute to a community. TreeSchool, our early childhood drop-off program at Johnson Nature Center, provides children with such a place. With 40 acres of forest, pond, and prairie to explore, children develop lifelong skills through meaningful play and project-based learning experiences.

We highly value the importance of relationships to build a strong learning community and maintain a low teacher-to-student ratio (2 teachers for every 6-12 children) to provide deep connections and personalized learning. We follow an emergent, child-led curriculum focused on discovering the joys and curiosities of the ever-changing seasons. Children engage in investigations inspired by their interests and the natural phenomena surrounding them to build the foundation they need to thrive.

Our Goals

To provide opportunities that spark wonder.

To promote the joys of learning through play.

To build confidence through risk-taking and problem-solving.

To nourish cognitive development through design thinking and experimentation.

To inspire children to make meaningful impacts in their local community and natural environment.

Our Strive

We are committed to doing our best in providing equitable and inclusive access to nature-based learning. We are a nature center focused on providing a high-quality educational experience for students and the community, and together, we can help meet funding needs for all to have the chance to grow here. Our current efforts that support this include:

Offering a Sliding Scale Tuition which has become a preferred model for equitable access to programs to not only accommodate participants of varying income levels but to allow us to continue providing these programs at a lowered cost.

Gear Loaning to help lessen the financial impacts of outfitting a growing child and ensure that every student has what they need to have a comfortable and successful day.

Continual DEI & Trauma Informed Training for TreeSchool teachers and supporting staff to be able to provide quality care for all students.

Meet the Team

  • Brooke Larm

    EDUCATION SPECIALIST

    Brooke is the Education Specialist for Bowers School Farm and Johnson Nature Center. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum from Michigan State University. She holds a certificate in Nature-Based Early Childhood Education from Antioch University New England and currently serves as President of the MSU College of Education Alumni Board.

  • Leigh Rowe

    EARLY CHILDHOOD LEADER

    Leigh is our Early Childhood Leader at Johnson Nature Center and Bowers School Farm. She attended Central Michigan University where she studied Early Childhood Development & Learning with a concentration in Outdoor & Environmental Education. Leigh’s passion is sharing her love for the outdoors with children.

  • Tracy Niyo

    INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDE

    Tracy is an Instructional Guide at Johnson Nature Center and Bowers School Farm. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from University of Michigan and a Master of Social Work, Child & Youth, from Washington University. Tracy loves supporting children as they discover the world around them, especially in nature and around animals.

  • Megan Thompson

    Megan has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from State University of New York (SUNY), College at Brockport and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Oakland University. She has a deep love for the natural world and believes nature provides the perfect classroom for children to develop their curiosity and nurture their sense of wonder.

Enroll Your Future TreeSchooler

2024/25 Enrollment Information

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Current Families

How much time is spent outdoors?

Ideally, the whole day! Drop-off and pick-up will take place in our outdoor classroom. During colder months, we have lunch indoors to allow students to comfortably take off their mittens to enjoy their food.

What happens when it rains/snows?

Outdoor learning continues, rain or shine! All students will receive rain suits to use for the semester to ensure that everyone has the gear they need to stay warm, dry, and comfortable. During exceptionally cold or wet days, we may take warming breaks as needed and eat indoors. Class will only be moved indoors for extended periods of time in the case of inclement weather.

Are there risks in outdoor learning?

Managing risk and safety in an outdoor environment is foundational to TreeSchool and is part of learning and whole child development. During our Open House we will orient our families to our risk management procedures. The NAAEE Natural Start Alliance provides professional practice guidance we use to inform our policies and procedures to ensure we’re providing your child with a safe educational experience: https://naturalstart.org/nature-based-preschool-professional-practice-safety

What are the age requirements?

To enroll, your child must meet the following age requirements:

  • Be at least 3 years of age by the first day of class of the register for which they are registering

  • Turning 5 no earlier than January 1st, 2025

    • This means students aging up can turn 5 during the winter/spring semester but not during the fall semester.

What do the students learn?

Nature-based and play-based learning offers vast opportunities for developing math, science, literacy, social/emotional, and physical development through hands-on and real-life experiences. For example, a child making nature stew in the mud kitchen is using tools, measuring, reading numbers, taking turns, building motor skills and coordination, and using their imagination. TreeSchool currently uses an emergent curriculum, following the interests of children and weaving in seasonal core experiences such as tapping a maple tree for sap!

Will my child get dirty?

Yes! We embrace the messiness of nature and encourage children to explore their surroundings with all of their senses. From paint to mud, your child will come home with signs they had a day filled with play and JOY! Our Oaki rainsuits typically endure most of the mess and are easy to clean.

Stay Informed

Inquire

Is your child too young or old for TreeSchool yet you’re interested in providing them with farm- and nature-based learning experiences? Check out our other early childhood offerings and sign up for our newsletter!