Nature-based learning in every season

We welcome bathroom-independent children ages 3–10. Mixed-age groups bring a richness to social emotional learning with the dynamics between younger and older children inspiring confidence and empathy. This makes Duluth Nature School a welcoming fit for preschool age children and homeschool families year-round. Groups are intentionally limited to six children, ensuring individualized attention.

Build Your Schedule

Build the schedule that fits your family's rhythm each semester. We offer two nature-based session lengths for you to mix and match. Choose 1, 2, 3 or 4 days per week. Morning Sessions are offered Monday–Thursday, 8:30–11:30am. Extended Days are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30am–2:30pm. Choose mornings, extended days, or a combination of both — change your schedule as your child and family change. For example, your child could attend: Monday mornings 8:30–11:30, Tuesday extended days 8:30–2:30, and Thursday mornings 8:30–11:30. Our year-round schedule has built-in breaks between each semester, allowing families space and flexibility in each season.

Morning Sessions

Morning sessions are available Monday–Thursday, 8:30–11:30am. Each day children attend a three-hour learning session with child-led and seasonal curriculum. Choose 1, 2, 3, or 4 mornings per week for bathroom independent children ages 3–10. Enrolled children are welcome to add drop-in morning sessions on a pay-per-day basis, as space allows.

Extended Days

Extended days are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30am–2:30pm for children who no longer nap. A full day of nature-based learning that builds on the morning session structure, with a lunch break at 11:30 followed by afternoon activities. Enrolled children may add extended day drop-in sessions on a pay-per-day basis, as space allows.

There's no such thing as bad weather

With robust outdoor gear, we experience nature in almost all weather conditions. In addition to our outdoor spaces, we have a recreation gym and indoor classroom. Our program will remain open in adverse weather as long as families can reasonably transport children safely.

What to Bring

• Filled water bottle
• Morning snack
• Lunch (for extended day sessions)
• Change of clothing including underwear
• Indoor shoes

Child care licensing requires all food and beverage containers to be labeled with your child's name.

2026–2027 Schedule & Tuition

Tuition is a flat rate for the full semester, based on the number of days per week your child is enrolled. You choose your child's schedule each semester.

• Fall Semester: Sep 14 – Dec 17, 2026
• Winter Semester: Jan 4 – Mar 25, 2027
• Spring Semester: Apr 12 – Jun 4, 2027

Your tuition for the semester is calculated by multiplying your per-day rate by the number of session days in your chosen schedule, based on session availability — as spots fill, not all requested days may be available.

Enrolling more than one child? You'll pay separately for each child: full price for your first child, and 30% off for each additional child.

A $125 deposit is due at registration to hold your child's spot for the semester. Your deposit will be credited toward your tuition payment for the semester.