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SLO Gardenschool Preschool
a calm, relationship-based early learning community shaped by local ecology, living systems, and the practice of stewardship
Now Enrolling!
Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
January 5, 2027 - June 10, 2027
Open House
November 14th & December 12th
Join us for a self-paced, adults-only Open House session on November 14th or December 12th at 10:00 AM. Visit our cozy indoor and outdoor learning spaces, meet Kalie, and learn more about Preschool and Outdoor Studio.
Sessions are 45 minutes and limited to 8 participants.
RSVP to save your spot and receive location details.
For private tours, please submit an interest form. Families are welcome to bring their children to private tours.
The Prepared Classroom
Peaceful indoor learning environment with Montessori-inspired materials and activities.
Cooking & Garden Ecology
Daily care for the garden translates to harvesting seasonal produce and age-appropriate food preparation.
Live Music & The Arts
Music and making are woven into our days with live instruments, singing, dance, and open-ended materials for artistic expression.
Project-Based Learning
Children's emerging interests inspire projects that invite investigation, experimentation, and growing knowledge.
Intentionally Small
A class size of 6 allows us to know children closely, respond to emerging interests, and move through the day with flexibility. Children have space for concentration, collaboration, and rest.
Community-Building
Siblings and extended family members are invited to events such as back-to-school night, seasonal festivals, family garden days, and end-of-the-year art exhibitions.
We draw from Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and nature-based approaches to support the many ways children engage with the world. We value purposeful work, play, and community.
A Typical Day
Arrival & Settling in
Daily morning table activities
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
Morning Circle
Greetings, songs, calendar, jobs, presentations
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM
Indoor Choice
Independent snack, building, puzzles, science, art, literature, care for environment
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Music Circle
Live music, singing, dancing, movement
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Garden Play
Construction, mud play, collaborative art, gardening
OR walking to Throop Park (less than 1 block away)
10:15 AM - 11:45 AM
Transition Inside
Closing garden space, changing out of muddy clothes as needed, reading, journaling, table activities, tea
11:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Pick-Up
12:00 - 12:20 PM
Daily Transitions: Throughout the day, plenty of time is allotted for unrushed transitions from one place or activity to another.
Admission Process
1. Submit Preschool Interest Form
2. Attend a private tour with your child or an adults-only open house
3. Enrollment Offered or Waitlisted
4. Accept offer and complete required enrollment paperwork
Tuition & Fees
Tuition
Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2 Days/Week: M/W or T/TH
$625
4 Days/Week: M - TH
$975
Tuition is paid in monthly installments
Enrollment & Materials Fee
2 Days/Week: M/W or T/TH
4 Days/Week: M - TH
$125
$250
Preschool Interest Form
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