Child-centered, Nature-Focused, Play-Based Learning in the great outdoors.
Monday - Friday* 8:30 - 3:30
>>> attend 2 - 5 days a week <<<
extended hours are available from 7:30am-5:00pm
*Friday program will run with a minimum of 6 preschool students enrolled
wildlings overview:
Our preschool program provides large chunks of child-directed play and activities, combined with guide-led learning each day. Our guides create small group and 1:1 learning experiences for students to foster early academic development. Our preschool students develop cognitive, physical, and social emotional skills through all aspects of our program. Our key components include:
↟ Outdoor Free Play and Exploration in the Forest
↟ Sensory Development
↟ Process Art
↟ Place-Based Learning
↟ Introduction to Math + Literacy
↟ Growth of Social-Emotional + Conflict Resolution Skills
↟ Introduction to Risk in Play
↟ Introduction to Working within a Group
↟ Development of Gross + Fine Motor Skills
Our program aligns with MN Early Childhood Development Standards and we are a 3-Star Parent Aware rated program.
preschool schedule sample
Subject to change based on seasons + needs of students
7:30 - 8:30am Early Bird Drop-Off
8:30 - 9am Regular Day Drop-Off/Outdoor Free Play
9 - 9:45am Morning Gathering + Snack
9:45 - 11:45am Outdoor Free Play + 1:1 Learning
Outdoor time will be adjusted based on temperature
12 - 12:30pm Lunch (brought from home)
12:30 - 1:30pm Quiet Time/Nap Time
1:30 - 2pm Read Aloud + Art/Music/Cooking/etc.
2 - 3:30pm Outdoor Free Play + 1:1 Learning
3 - 3:30pm Regular Day Pick-Up
3:30 - 5:00pm Night Owls
5:00pm Final Pick Up Time!
Daily Choice Activities include art, dramatic play, science, motor skills, math, literacy, nature lessons, outdoor skills, + more!
Enrollment for 2026-2027 opens February 16th
please email leona@rwfsmn.org or call 218.325.0234 if you have questions before applying.
Further Readings that Guide and Support our Philosophy:
Courage to Grow How Action Academy Turns Learning Upside Down by Laura A Sandefer
Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life by Peter Gray
Let the Children Play: How More Play Will Save Our Schools and Help Children Thrive By Pasi Sahlberg and William Doyle
Balanced and Barefoot: How to Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes Strong, Confident, and Capable Children by Angela Hanscom
Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv
Let Them Eat Dirt: How Microbes Can Make Your Children Healthier by B Brett Finlay, PhD and Marie-Claire Arrieta, PhD
Teach Like a Finlander by Timothy D. Walker
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character by Paul Tough