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 Seasons

Coming soon

About

Outdoor CurriculumWhile we do have a basic structure, we also make adjustments according to students’ needs and the weather. During colder seasons, class begins with open play to warm up our bodies and invite organic socialization. During the warmer months, class will often begin with a small motor craft. Throughout the day, activities are introduced as opportunities for engagement, included short lessons, centered around natural science concepts and incorporating mathematics and language through stories, and songs. The lesson launches students' exploration in nature. Around mid-morning we gather to share discoveries and enjoy a whole-food snack (usually a new vegetable or fruit). After the snack, we often have fine-motor art activity and open play time. We usually conclude with a group movement activity, such as songs with actions or yoga.Please note that it’s likely that your child will come home happy, messy, and ready for a nap.

Tuition

Student FeesEach season of classes is ten weeks long. Classes are held twice a week, for 3 hours each. Please note that the hours and schedule may be adjusted in response to weather, and that there is a "snow day" scheduled in each block of classes- An extra class that may be canceled without rescheduling. If more than one class is canceled (meaning that more than 50% of the class is not held) make-up classes will be held or partial tuition reimbursed.Tuition is $350 per season plus $50 registration fee. Payment plans are available.
The registration fee is due upon registration to reserve your spot and is non-refundable. It is non-recurring for continual enrollment.
Tuition may be paid in full upon registration, and is refundable until the first day of class. It is due the first day of class. Contact Rachel if you would like to set up a payment plan instead, in which case we'll establish a monthly rate.The Winter Mini-Season will also be twice a week, for 5 weeks.
Tuition for the mini-season is $110, plus registration.
Registration fee may be also used to continue into the regular seasons.Please contact Rachel ([email protected]) if the costs are prohibitive, and we will seek funding for scholarships.

Policies & Procedures

Please peruse the following documents prior to the first day of school. We are happy to provide clarification or answer any questions you may have.

• 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.