A Montessori nature school where children have the freedom to discover who they are.
Children from 12 weeks to kindergarten on 5 beautiful acres in Kensington, Maryland — where nature is the classroom, real work builds real confidence, and every child is loved for who they are.
Already enrolled? Visit the Family Portal.
Maryland's highest quality rating for child care
35+ years
Serving families since 19905 acres
Nature woven into every day12 weeks
Montessori from the very beginningAs seen in
National Geographic · Washingtonian · Washington ParentOur Programs
The first six years are the most developmentally important of our lives.
We designed each environment around what neuroscience and Montessori pedagogy tell us children actually need.
12 weeks — 18 months
Each child follows their own natural rhythm, with freedom of movement, experienced guides, daily time outdoors, and a calm, orderly environment designed around what the infant brain and body actually need.
Nido
18 months — 3 years
Children choose purposeful work based on their individual interests, building concentration, self-confidence, and independence through hands-on exploration and caring for their indoor and outdoor environments.
Young Children’s Community
3 — 6 years
A classic Montessori environment where literacy, numeracy, art, music, and practical life are not separate subjects, but a single world a child moves through at their own pace — all within a mixed-age community.
Children’s House“Free the child's potential,
and you will transform him into the world.”
— Maria Montessori
What do you want your child's days to feel like?
WHAT SETS US APART
Your child will spend between 1,200 and 1,600 hours in school this year. What happens during this time builds the foundation that follows them for life.
Families from across Montgomery County choose The Nature School as a nature-based preschool alternative to conventional programs.
LIFE AT THE SCHOOL
What your child actually does here
The ability to focus deeply — to choose something, stay with it, and finish — is one of the most important skills a child can develop. It builds self-confidence, resilience, and a foundation that will serve them for life.
Deep Concentration
Children go outside every day, in all types of weather, developing a deep relationship with the natural world. Research shows that daily time outdoors improves physical health, reduces stress, sharpens attention, and fosters creativity.
Connection With Nature
We build children's confidence through real contribution — learning to prepare a meal, care for their environment, and take responsibility for themselves and others. Parents notice it at home within weeks.
Real ContributionIN THEIR WORDS
What our families say
"When we saw our daughter choose her own work and stay focused for 40 minutes straight, we knew we'd found something different. She's more confident at home now. She asks to help with everything."
"We left our previous daycare because we had no idea what he was doing all day. Here we know what he's doing actually matters. Now he wants to set the table, pour his own water, do things himself."
"I was nervous about my daughter starting when she was just 12 weeks, but within two weeks I could see how calm and secure she was. She wasn't anxious. It really felt like her second home."
We’d love to show you around.
VISIT US
Walk 5 beautiful acres of gardens and outdoor learning spaces, step into a classroom where children are free to follow their own curiosity, and meet the experienced guides who will love and care for your little one every single day.
Bring your child if you’d like!
CONTACT US