New in 2023!
Cleveland Metroparks Nature Preschool
at Garfield Park
Cleveland Metroparks Nature Preschool is excited to announce plans to open a third location in the beautiful and soon-to-be renovated Garfield Park. The program is currently seeking student applicants who are interested in starting the school year with us in September 2023. See below for more information and keep checking this page for updates.
If you are interested in being considered for our lottery, please download and complete this form. Return instructions are included.
CURRENT UPDATES
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May 3, 2024: Work continues to transform the outdoor space into an outdoor classroom – including a natural climbing space, planter boxes, and more!
ABOUT THE SCHOOL
Cleveland Metroparks Nature Preschool provides an exceptional child-centered and nature-based preschool environment. We believe that by immersing children into nature at an early age, they develop a deep-seated appreciation and understanding of the natural world and their place within it. We believe that children “learn by doing” and that the natural world provides unique opportunities to spark curiosity, problem solve, and build relationships. Our mission is:
Fostering healthy development, connecting children to nature,
and inspiring the next generation.
Cleveland Metroparks Nature Preschool Cleveland Metroparks Nature Preschool at Garfield Park will operate on a slightly different model than our current locations in the Rocky River and North Chagrin Reservations.
Here’s what will not change:
- We will combine best practices of early childhood education with those of environmental education.
- We will operatefrom September through May with closures for holidays and breaks in December and April
- We will provide low student to teacher ratios
- Our programs are all licensed through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Some key differences:
- All children will attend 5 days per week, 5.5 hours per day
- Tuition will be $9700 annually
- We plan to participate in the Ohio Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) program for this location
- Registration for the initial year will be a lottery system drawn from a database of interested families
- Families who receive PFCC will enjoy priority registration
- Meals and outdoor gear will be provided at parent request
Contact Us!
If you have any questions, please reach out to preschool@clevelandmetroparks.com
If you are interested in being considered for our lottery, please download and complete this form. Return instructions are included.