Our Program
A nature-based preschool in Olympia, WA where play becomes learning, curiosity becomes confidence, and every child finds their place to thrive.
Our Preschool is designed for children ages 3 to 6 who are ready to explore, discover, and grow.
Ages Served
3-6 Years
Enrichment:
6-12
Program Days
Hours
9 AM – 1 PM
Full Day
9 AM – 3 PM
School Calendar
Learning Space
Choose Your Program
Flexible options for your family’s needs
3 – 6 years
Hours:
Monday – Thursday
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Days:
2 or 4 days per week
Tuition:
$500 – $900/month
Perfect for families wanting quality nature-based education with morning enrichment.
3 – 6 years
Hours:
Monday – Thursday
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Days:
2 or 4 days per week
Tuition:
$700 – $1,200/month
More hours to roam, build, and wonder, deep into the afternoon.
6 – 12 years
Hours:
Tuesdays
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Days:
1 day per week
Tuition:
$150/month
Wilderness and homesteading skills for school-age homeschoolers.
What Makes Our Forest Preschool Different
We are not just an outdoor preschool classroom. We are a thoughtfully designed learning environment where nature and early education come together to support your child’s growth in every way that matters.
Nature as a Learning Partner
Emergent, Child-Led Curriculum
Small Groups, Big Relationships
Inclusive and
Affirming
Kindergarten Ready, Nature Strong
Led by Expertise and Heart
A Day in the Meadow
Our days follow a gentle, predictable rhythm that helps children feel safe, regulated, and ready to explore. There is structure here, but also room for wonder, discovery, and the unexpected moments that make childhood magical.
Each day is designed to balance active exploration with quiet reflection, group connection with individual choice, and teacher-led guidance with child-directed play.
Consistency creates confidence. When children know what to expect, they feel secure enough to take risks, ask questions, and fully engage with their learning.
9:00 – 9:30 AM
9:30 AM
9:45 AM
10:00 AM
11:00 AM
12:00 PM
12:15 PM
12:30 PM
1:00 PM
Now Enrolling
Have an Older Child? We Have Something for Them Too.
Our homeschool enrichment program brings school-age children onto the same sixteen acres, one afternoon a week, all year.
The work follows the seasons, because the forest does. Fall is shelter building while the rest of the woods prepares for winter. The cold months bring fire, cordage, and carving. When the meadow wakes up in spring, we learn what is growing in it and which of it we can use.
The bowl a child carves in January is the bowl they eat from in April.
Ten children, the same small group from October through spring, led by Jake O’Rear. He is a certified Wilderness First Responder who spent two years apprenticing in primitive skills and ethnobotany, and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with sixteen years working with children.
Month to month, with no contract.
At a Glance
One afternoon a week, October through spring.
The essentials
Ages 6 to 12
Tuesdays, 2 to 4pm
Starts October 6th
Through the year
Shelter building
Fire making
Carving
Cordage
Foraging
Wilderness cooking
Come walk the property with us at our open house on Tuesday, September 1st, from 2:00 to 4:00pm.
How Children Learn and
Grow With Us
Our preschool in Olympia, WA blends nature-based experiences with early learning foundations. Here is what that looks like in practice.
Social-Emotional Learning
STEM in Nature
Arts, Story & Expression
Developmentally Appropriate Practice
Scaffolded Instruction
Early Literacy & Numeracy
Diversity, Belonging & Community
We celebrate diversity in all its forms: ability, background, language, and identity. We are committed to building a community where every child feels seen, heard, and truly valued.
Whether your child is climbing logs, collecting leaves, or sharing a story with a friend, they are supported and celebrated just as they are.
We are honored to welcome families who value nature, inclusion, and evidence-based education. Together, we create a vibrant and nurturing environment where every child belongs.
All children deserve to feel confident, capable, and celebrated for who they are.
Learning Comes Alive
A glimpse into our days of exploration, discovery, and connection at our forest school in Olympia
What Families Say About Our School
The voices of parents who have entrusted us with their children
Now when we’re outside, he points out birds, plants, bugs, and seasonal changes I never noticed him paying attention to before. He wants to learn how to cook, clean, and do laundry alongside me. His emotional regulation has improved so much.
He’s calmer when things don’t go his way and problem-solves before reacting. Every day he comes home excited to share stories about his adventures, and I can see him expressing himself with a confidence he didn’t have before.”
Frequently Asked Questions About our Forest School
Quick answers to common questions about our Olympia preschool
Yes! With proper gear, outdoor learning is safe and joyful year-round. We also have cozy indoor spaces when needed. Rain, shine, or snow, children thrive when they experience the natural world in all its seasons.
Absolutely. We welcome and celebrate all children. Our small group environment allows us to adapt to individual needs, learning styles, and sensitivities. Every child is supported to thrive in their own way, and our educator has specialized training in special education to ensure meaningful, inclusive support.
We understand that every child develops at their own pace. While we encourage families to work on potty training before enrollment, we are flexible and supportive throughout the process. We meet children where they are and partner with families to support this developmental milestone with patience and encouragement.
Yes. Our program builds essential skills for kindergarten success including social-emotional regulation, communication, cooperation, early literacy, problem solving, and self-confidence. Children leave us not just academically prepared, but emotionally ready to navigate new environments, build relationships, and advocate for themselves.
We honor every child’s temperament and approach transitions with care and patience. Our small group size, predictable routines, and gentle educators create a safe space for even the most cautious children to open up at their own pace. Many of our most hesitant beginners become our most confident explorers.
The best way to know is to visit. Schedule a tour, ask questions, and see our space firsthand. You will get a feel for our approach, meet our educators, and imagine your child thriving here. We are happy to answer any questions and help you make the best decision for your family.
Yes. Our homeschool enrichment program meets Tuesday afternoons for homeschooled children ages 6 to 12, building wilderness and homesteading skills across the seasons.
Come See What Makes Us Different
The best way to understand Hidden Meadow is to experience it. We would love to show you around, answer your questions, and help you imagine your child thriving in our forest preschool in Olympia, WA.