What are the program dates and tuition rates?

The Winter/Spring program dates are January 6 - June 5, 2025. Summer Session dates are June 16 - August 14, 2025. We will begin a school year schedule in September, 2025. Tuition is $655/month with no fees for enrollment, supplies, or gear. A primary consideration for tuition rates is class size. Duluth Nature School has the smallest class size in the region with only six children attending morning sessions and six attending afternoon sessions. This allows each child’s development to be well supported with individual attention.

Is tuition assistance available?

As the newest preschool in the woods, becoming more accessible is part of our mission. We are building toward it every step of the way as funding opportunities become available. Thanks to the generosity of a private Montessori foundation, we have limited funds available for partial scholarships. Simply indicate on your application that you would like information about tuition assistance. Every child deserves high quality education opportunities beyond four walls.

What does bathroom independence mean for attendance at Duluth Nature School?

Attendance at Duluth Nature School involves spending much of our time outdoors in all types of weather including rain, snow, and cold. Children will often be wearing multiple layers of clothing including outdoor gear. It is critical for a child’s safety, comfort, and learning that they are fully bathroom independent as described below.

A bathroom independent child can consistently:

• Push down and pull up their pants and/or underwear independently

• Communicate with an adult when a bathroom break is needed

• Poop and pee in a toilet or potty during the day

• Spend time in public without diapers/pull-ups during the day

Duluth Nature School staff are available to:

• Help children get onto and off of the toilet as needed

• Provide a trail potty when we’re away from indoor toilets

• Give reminders and prompts for bathroom breaks

• Help children clean up and change clothes after an accident (accidents are a normal part of childhood!)

Diapers and pull-ups are not allowed at Duluth Nature School. We do not have staffing or facilities to accommodate children who are not bathroom independent. Note that it’s normal for children to regress slightly with potty training when they start a new routine or enter a new environment, such as preschool. Your child may have accidents at home or at school during their transition. It can take time for children to be comfortable toileting with new adults and in new places. It may also be a new experience for your child to go potty outside. We encourage you to practice with them before enrolling!

How do children go potty outdoors?

Since we’re often outdoors, it is not always possible to get children to an indoor bathroom. Instead, we may have children practice “nature potty” skills. These are practical life skills for those of us who love to spend time in nature! Children may stand up or use our trail potty, pictured here. A “nature potty” is done away from the group for privacy.

If a child is uncomfortable or unable to go potty outdoors, we will do our best to get the child to a building. However, indoor toilets are not always accessible in time to prevent an accident. If your child hasn’t learned to “nature potty” we encourage you to help them practice before they attend a nature preschool. You can bring a training potty outside or have your child stand, squat, hold onto a tree, or grasp an adult’s hands for support. Think of it as part of outdoor adventuring!