Join today and get outside at one of our 60+ wildlife sanctuaries. New Individual and Family memberships are just $35! Start your membership
Join today and get outside at one of our 60+ wildlife sanctuaries. New Individual and Family memberships are just $35! Start your membership
small trail through a forest
Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary

Nature Preschool at Arcadia

At the Arcadia Nature Preschool, we combine happy and rewarding early childhood experiences with nature to form the foundation for the development of creative, caring, and aware adults.

Set on the more than 750-acre Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Easthampton and Northampton, our magnificent outdoor classroom offers limitless opportunities for investigation, observation, and discovery throughout the changing seasons.

Curriculum

Outdoor exploration is an important part of our curriculum—we immerse ourselves in nature, exploring plants and animals through hands-on studies. A balance of structured and unstructured time, including playtime, gives children many opportunities to develop social skills.

Teachers guide children using a variety of methods that encourage independence, self-control, and problem solving. By recognizing and reinforcing positive behaviors, we nourish each child’s self-confidence.

How to Apply

Registrations are being accepted for the 2023-24 school year.

  • Preschool story time at Arcadia
  • Arcadia Preschools building a fort
  • Four small kids jumping & laughing at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary © Phil Doyle
    © Phil Doyle
  • Arcadia preschoolers with nets on water's edge 1
    Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, Easthanpton
  • preschools walking through an arch on graduation
    Arcadia Nature Preschool, Easthampton

Age Requirements & Class Size

Children must be ages 3 to 5 and at least 3 years old by September to enroll. Class size is limited to 12 children in each of the two classes.

Academic Year

The academic year runs from mid-September to early June. Vacations and holidays coincide with the Easthampton Public Schools district calendar.

Staff

All preschool staff members are certified by the Department of Early Education and Care and have many years of experience teaching young children. They are certified in first aid and CPR and attend professional development classes as members of Mass Audubon’s Education Team.

Financial Aid

Financial assistance is available to preschool families based on demonstrated financial need and available funds. Please complete the Arcadia Nature Preschool financial aid application and return by email.

History

Arcadia Nature Preschool, founded in 1976, was the first nature preschool in Massachusetts and one of the first in the country. This groundbreaking program has inspired numerous other preschools around the state and beyond and continues to innovate.

For More Information

To contact us with questions, please call 413-584-3009 or email us.