Saplings Nature School

Our Vision

Saplings is an all-outdoors school for young learners, supporting their physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth. By nurturing children in an outdoor environment, their natural curiosity, resilience, creativity, empathy, wonder, and connection can sprout and grow. Through active play, children learn to experience the world and develop the skills to thrive in it.

Upcoming Classes 2025

Early Learning (Preschool and Homeschool Kindergarten)

Registration
Preschool Registration Fee: $50 (non-refundable, due at registration, and not charged again for continuous enrollment)
Winter Mini Series
February 20-March 20
Tuesdays & Thursdays 12:30-2:30 pm
March 25 reserved as make-up day
Tuition: $120
Spring Season
April 8-June 10
Tuesdays & Thursdays 12:30-3:30 pm
June 12 reserved as a make-up day
Tuition: $360
Summer Season
July 1-August 26
Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
August 28 reserved as a make-up day
Tuition: $360
Autumn Season
September 9-November 11
Tuesdays & Thursdays 12:30-3:30 pm
November 13 reserved as a make-up day
Tuition: $360

Sage Start: Parent and Child Classes

Sage Start
Parent and Child (0-3) Classes
Mondays from 9:15-10:45
$60 for 6 classes

Family Yoga
Saturday Mornings at 9:30
$5 drop in or $20 for a 5-class punch pass (good for 2-3 family members practicing together)
Best for a parent and child ages 3-10, but all ages are welcome.

About

Outdoor Emergent CurriculumThe Latin root of "curriculum" means "a running" or "a course," emphasizing the idea of a path or course followed. In following an emergent curriculum, teachers prepare a route for the lesson, and are ready to change and adapt the route as new obstacles and opportunities present themselves. This flexible framework allows us to adapt to the needs of our students and the changing weather as we go on this learning journey together.In colder months, we might kick off classes with open play to help warm up our bodies and encourage natural social interactions. During warmer seasons, we often start with a small motor craft activity. Throughout the day, we introduce various activities that promote engagement, including playful lessons focused on natural science concepts, while also integrating mathematics and language through stories and songs. These lessons inspire students to explore the wonders of nature. Students will have opportunities to try a fruit or vegetable at snack time and work on small motor skills with process-centered art. We will sometimes up the day with a group movement activity, such as action songs or yoga.Please be prepared for your child to come home happy, a bit messy, and ready for a nap!

Policies & Procedures

• 2025 Handbook & Liability Waiver
• Utah Preschool Standards

Meet the Teacher

Director & Lead Teacher: Rachel CoxHello! My name is Rachel Cox. I love rainy days, trying new foods, and picking up rocks. I'm a mother, professional educator, and avid adventurer. I have a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Utah State University, and a Master of Education in Advanced Teaching from University of the People. With over six years of teaching experience in public and charter schools and experience teaching outdoors, I have worked extensively with children of all ages. I'm trained in CPR and first aid. I am also a certified yoga teacher.It's been my dream to lead a school that embraces a wholesome education, and which sees students as individuals that can't be standardized. In addition to academic studies, I want my students to value themselves, to love learning, and to have the social and emotional skills to thrive in any environment. The desire to spend more time with my own preschool-aged daughter was the push I needed to pursue this dream and begin Saplings in 2021. Teaching and learning outside with your kids has been a joy.