About Hidden Meadow School
Where children master kindergarten skills, fall in love with learning, and discover the wonder of the natural world on 16 acres in Olympia, Washington.
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
Our Story
Hidden Meadow School was born from a simple belief: children learn best when they’re curious, engaged, and connected to the natural world.
For years, founders Molly and Jake O’Rear dreamed of creating a place where young children could develop kindergarten readiness while exploring forests, observing wildlife, and learning through real, hands-on experiences.
When they found this incredible 16-acre property in Thurston County, complete with forest trails, a flowing creek, open meadows, and endless opportunities for discovery, they knew it was time to make that dream a reality.
Hidden Meadow School opened its doors to offer families in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, the South Bay neighborhood and the Henderson Inlet a different kind of early learning experience, one that honors both rigorous academic preparation and the innate wonder of childhood.
Today, Hidden Meadow serves children ages 3 to 6 in our forest preschool, and school-age homeschoolers ages 6 to 12 through our homeschool enrichment program. Combining the best of forest school philosophy with traditional early learning.
We’re a community of families who believe that nature isn’t just a nice backdrop for education but an essential part of how young children learn, grow, and develop the skills they need for kindergarten and beyond.
Our 16-Acre Outdoor Classroom
Every corner of our property is designed for exploration, discovery, and learning
Indoor Classroom
Comfortable indoor space for morning circle, art projects, sensory play, and skill-building activities during extreme weather or focused learning time
Outdoor Play Space
Open space sheltered from most weather. Perfect for activities, skipping on logs, playing in the sandpit, and creative play
Forest Trails
Wind through towering trees, discover wildlife, and build gross motor skills on our nature trails
Forest Creek
Explore water flow, collect stones, observe aquatic life, and learn about ecosystems hands-on
Greenhouse & Garden
Plant, tend, harvest, and learn where food comes from through direct experience
Chickens & Ducks
Care for animals, collect eggs, practice responsibility, and build empathy
Orchard
Observe fruit trees through the seasons, harvest apples, and understand plant cycles
Forest Creek Shelter
Covered shelter for when weather gets overwhelming or imagination takes over. Outfitted with couches, puzzles, blocks and a pole the children love to run around.
The Park
Two-story play structure with climbing wall and slide where children build gross motor skills, practice risk assessment, and engage in imaginative play with friends
Forest Deck
Elevated platform for storytelling, dramatic play, nature observation, and imaginative adventures in the forest canopy
Water Front Trails “Fairy Trails”
Child-led exploration along the bay’s edge with logs for climbing, sand for digging, and endless possibilities for creative play
The Meadow
Wide open field for running freely, group games, seasonal observation, and experiencing the changing landscape year-round
Want to see more of Our School?
Our Educational Philosophy
Nature-based learning meets academic excellence
Serious Academics
Nature as Teacher
Inclusive by Design
Small Groups, Big Impact
What Makes Us Different
We’re not a traditional preschool that takes occasional nature walks. We’re a fully outdoor program where children spend the majority of their day learning, playing, and discovering in nature.
Meet the Heart Behind Our School
Our educators bring passion, experience, and genuine care to every interaction. Led by Ms. Molly, who holds a Master’s in Early Childhood Education, our team creates an environment where every child feels safe, seen, and supported.
Molly O’Rear
Dani T
Jake O’Rear
Wilma
Hidden Meadow By the Numbers
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Acres
to Roam
0+
Years
Teaching Experience
0
Dedicated
Educators
0+
Learning Areas/ Exploration Zones
Our Core Values
The principles that guide everything we do
Inclusion & Diversity
We welcome all children and all families. Neurotypical and neurodivergent children learn and play together. We celebrate differences, adapt to individual needs, and create a community where everyone belongs. Our expertise in special education means we’re equipped to support children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, and other learning needs.
Child-Led Learning
Children are natural learners. We follow their interests, answer their questions, and let their curiosity drive exploration. When a child discovers a salamander, we don’t rush past it. We stop, observe, wonder together, and build learning experiences around that moment of genuine engagement.
Community & Connection
We’re not just a school. We’re a community of families who support each other, share the journey of raising young children, and build lasting friendships. Family involvement is welcomed and encouraged through events, celebrations, and open communication.
Environmental Stewardship
We teach children to respect and care for the natural world. They learn that they’re part of nature, not separate from it. This connection to the earth fosters responsibility, wonder, and a lifelong commitment to environmental care.
Family Partnership & Community
We believe parents are partners in their child’s education
You know your child best. We value open communication, regular updates, and genuine partnership. Your insights, concerns, and questions matter. We work together to support your child’s growth, celebrate their progress, and navigate any challenges that arise.
Regular Communication
We send regular emails and we’re always available to talk about your child’s day, answer questions, or address concerns.
Family Events
We hold Open Meadow Days the last Sunday of every month! Families of current students are welcome to come and enjoy our space!
Transparent Policies
Clear expectations, honest communication, and straightforward policies. No surprises, no hidden fees, just genuine partnership and mutual respect.
Life at Hidden Meadow
A glimpse into our days of exploration, discovery, and connection
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.
Ready to Join Our Community?
Experience Hidden Meadow School for yourself.
Schedule a tour to see our outdoor classroom, meet our educators, and watch children thrive in nature.