programs
Place-based, interest-led, nature-immersed education
Roots Outdoor Education is committed to connecting children to nature, promoting learning through unstructured play, and building self confidence. At Roots, we are outside, rain or shine. In a place-based program, children continually re-discover their “classroom” as the seasons and environments change, and they form a strong connection to place.
Ages 3 – 5
preschool
September – June M-F nature immersion, emergent curriculum preschool
Ages 5 – 7
p4
September – June MWF child-led, unit-based, small group nature immersion to accompany alternative elementary education
Ages 4 – 10
summer
June – August M-F day camps with varying nature and interest-based themes
rates and enrollment
Tuition rates below are for 2024-25 preschool program:
rates:
1 day per week: $4,000/year – (10 monthly payments of $400)
2 days per week: $7,500/year – (10 monthly payments of $750)
3 days per week: $10,300/year – (10 monthly payments of $1,030)
4 days per week: $13,000/year – (10 monthly payments of $1,300)
5 days per week: $15,000/year – (10 monthly payments of $1,500)
Roots Outdoor Education is a licensed outdoor preschool and therefore families are eligible to apply for subsidy benefits to help with tuition costs. You can find information at Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families or go directly to the online application through the Washington Connections Application. You can also call the DCYF Subsidy Contact Center directly at 1-844-626-8687.
scheduling
Monday – Friday 9am – 3:30pm
Maximum class size of 18 students accompanied by 3 teachers,
giving us a 1:6 ratio.
activities
explore the “downstairs”
here we’ll spend time in our second growth forest classroom digging in the mud, building homes for slugs, comparing shapes of leaves, splashing in puddles and so much more
wildlife quest
on 5+ acres we’ll search for insects, frogs, and butterflies, and spot eagles and other birds
day hikes
on our series of trails we’ll get great exercise while finding different types of mushrooms, flowers, and ferns
nature art & recycled crafts
utilizing recycled materials and what nature provides
natural building
working together, we’ll construct forts, waterways, and natural obstacle courses
sign language
Ren has studied ASL for the past few years. She has found many positives with sharing what she knows with the children.
gear
At Roots, we are firm believers that “there is no bad weather, only bad clothing (choices)!” Children should come to school dressed in layers that allow them to maintain a comfortable temperature at play and at rest. Waterproof outer layers are essential. For most of our school year, insulated rain boots such as Bogs are the footwear of choice. Each child should bring his or her own backpack with a filled water bottle, lunch/snack, and, during colder months, an extra pair of mittens.
**If the gear expense is too much, please reach out to Emily, and we will work together to outfit your child.
outdoor gear checklist
base layer – Long johns or long underwear made of wool, silk, or synthetic. Should be soft and breathable (no cotton please!).
mid-layer – Fleece pants and/or fleece top (long sleeved).
extra layer – Sweater, puffy, vest. Something that can fit under a larger coat.
outer layer – Your child will benefit from fully waterproof rain pants/bibs and a fully waterproof jacket (waterproof/breathable materials will not be sufficient).
boots – Bogs, Muck Boots, or waterproof snowboots with an insulating layer in them and waterproof outer.
mittens – Most students use two pairs of mittens during class so please send an extra pair in their backpack.
backpacks, water bottles, snack containers – The #1 most important quality in a good backpack/water bottle/snack container is kid-friendliness. ALL of these items should be easily opened by your child, independently of an adult. If you have your heart set on a certain item and your child struggles with it, please take time to practice using it at home before sending it to class.
POLARN O. PYRET OUTDOOR SCHOOL GEAR PROGRAM
Polarn O. Pyret is a Swedish children’s clothing brand that is famous for being the unofficial outfitter of traditional Scandinavian Forest Schools! Polarn O. Pyret’s gear is made to stand up to the intense wear-and-tear that forest-school kids put on their gear. While Polarn O. Pyret’s gear can be pricey, they offer a fantastic 20% discount to any family who is enrolled in an outdoor school program. To get enrolled with them, you just have to fill out a simple application found on their Outdoor School site. Roots Outdoor Education has already been approved, so you can just mention that you are in our program on your application and you should be good to go!
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT EMILY DIRECTLY WITH ANY QUESTIONS!