At Northwest Explorers, we believe childhood should be filled with wonder, exploration, movement, and meaningful experiences in the natural world. Our outdoor preschool serves children ages 2.5–5 years old through an all-weather, entirely outdoor learning environment designed to foster creativity, confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Nestled in nature, our program combines child-led exploration with the principles of the Reggio Emilia approach, creating an environment where children learn through hands-on experiences, discovery, and meaningful relationships. Children who spend time outdoors develop resilience, adaptability, physical strength, and a deeper connection to the world around them.
At Northwest Explorers, childhood is celebrated through muddy boots, open skies, curious questions, animal encounters, creative discoveries, and meaningful friendships.
Thank you for your interest in Northwest Explorers Outdoor Preschool!
Northwest Explorers is a 100% outdoor preschool. We learn, play, explore, and grow outside every day, throughout all four seasons. Rain, mud, wind, sunshine and changing weather become part of the learning experience.
Families should expect children to come home with muddy boots, rosy cheeks, exciting stories, and unforgettable memories.
We invite you to come explore, learn, and grow with us.
The Reggio Emilia philosophy views children as capable, curious, and competent learners. Rather than simply teaching children what to think, we create opportunities for them to discover how to think.
At Northwest Explorers, our teachers serve as guides and facilitators, carefully observing children’s interests and helping them explore those interests through nature, art, storytelling, science, movement, and imaginative play.
We believe:
Children are naturally curious. When given the opportunity to explore, ask questions, solve problems, and create, they develop deeper understanding and confidence.
Rather than following a rigid academic schedule, our educators build learning opportunities around children’s interests and discoveries. One day a child’s fascination with insects may become a science lesson. Another day, building a fort may lead to teamwork, problem-solving, and creative expression.
By following children’s natural curiosity, we help foster:
Through meaningful outdoor experiences, children develop:
Most importantly, children leave Northwest Explorers with a sense of wonder, belonging, and connection to the natural world.
Outdoor preschool is a wonderful fit for many children—but it isn’t the right fit for every child.
NW Explorers is ideal for children who:
Because our program takes place entirely outdoors, it is especially important that children are able to follow group expectations and do not tend to run off from the class. This helps us maintain a safe, supportive environment for every child.
Our program is intentionally designed for families who value outdoor learning, child-led exploration, and the developmental benefits of spending significant time in nature. We encourage prospective families to carefully consider whether an all-weather outdoor environment aligns with their child’s needs, temperament, and interests.
Children must be potty trained prior to enrollment.
While every day brings new adventures, our schedule provides a predictable rhythm that helps children feel safe, confident, and connected.
We gather together to greet friends, review safety expectations, discuss the day’s activities, sing songs, and prepare for our adventures.
Children help feed and care for our animals while learning responsibility, compassion, and stewardship. We then explore our outdoor spaces, observe seasonal changes, and discover the wonders of nature.
Children gather together to enjoy a healthy snack, practice social skills, and build friendships.
The heart of our day is child-led exploration. Teachers support learning through thoughtful questions, encouragement, and opportunities for deeper discovery. Children may:
Before heading home, children gather to reflect on the day’s adventures, share discoveries, sing songs, and help care for our learning environment by putting materials away and preparing the space for the next day.
