Green Gables Play SchoolSchedule a Tour
Schedule a Tourcall us · 970.799.0143

ages 2½–6

Early Childhood

A nurturing morning of play and work, story and song, that awakens a sense of joy and awe in each child.

2½–6years old · potty trained
Tue–Fri9–1
In-homenurturing setting
Washing up at the washboard, sleeves pushed high
A morning at Green Gables

Preschool & kindergarten, the Waldorf way.

“Hooray, hooray, we’ll play today, for play’s our work you know!”

Early Childhood is the heart of Green Gables: a nurturing morning program for children 2½ (potty trained) through 6, Tuesday through Friday, 9am to 1pm. Ms. Rachel and a professional assistant teacher guide the children through play and work, story and song: a warm, seamless and rich curriculum that awakens a sense of joy and awe in each child. Each day carries its own special touch: an intentional activity, and a snack all its own.

The setting is a real home, warm and unhurried, with handmade toys of wood and wool. Everything is sized for small hands and a child’s sense of wonder.

the shape of the morning

The day unfolds like a gentle story.

Six moments, always in the same order: a gentle arc from outward play to inward quiet, so children always know what comes next.

Ride-on trucks racing down the plank ramp across the lawn

Free play

Outdoors, rain or shine

Small hands weaving red wool on a hand-held loom

Craft

Each day's intentional activity

The rainbow parachute stretched wide, a ring of children holding on

Circle

Songs, verses & movement

Warm tea poured for the whole table, even on a snowy morning

Snack

Wholesome & organic

Ironing day on the porch, house play in the open air

Free play

Back out to the gardens

Ms. Rachel telling a puppet story over rainbow silks

Story

Puppet plays & seasonal tales

Through the year

The seasons set our curriculum.

Our days and weeks follow the greater rhythm of the year. We celebrate the seasons in our songs, stories, activities and play. Children clean and card wool, rear baby farm animals, plant and harvest vegetables, and craft handmade gifts. And we hold to the old Scandinavian saying: there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. Year-round, children come dressed to play, rain or shine.

“The best preparation for being a happy and useful adult is to live fully as a child.”the Plowden Report

  • A child in a purple bonnet working a tuft of grey wool on a hand carder
    carding wool
  • A child pushing a wooden wagon heaped with pumpkins and squash across the lawn
    the harvest wagon
  • Handmade jar lanterns in orange and gold glitter, each with a small candle inside
    handmade lanterns
  • Children in rain suits and boots wading through a muddy puddle on a grey morning
    rain or shine

Nº 05 · From our families

Loved by parents.

“What fortunate children are those who can be in Rachel's school! Her gentle ways, her love of animals and nature, her imaginative art of storytelling, her kind heart and clear head offer each child a way to become the best of who they are.”
Lois Hartman · Waldorf mentor
“I can't imagine a better place for my children.”
Angela P.
“The time outdoors, the animals, the seasonal craft projects, cooking, stories and puppet plays make a wonderfully rich curriculum. But the most wonderful thing about Green Gables is Miss Rachel.”
Faith Collins
“From the cozy, magical setting to the kind, attuned adults, we could not ask for a better preschool experience.”
Jenna C.
“Rachel and Nathan have created the most welcoming and playful space I've seen. I felt so comfortable dropping my child off, knowing he would be in the best care.”
Amy S.
“Ms. Rachel honors each child's unique spirit. Green Gables focuses on togetherness, nature, and the wondrous spirit of children.”
Beth C.

Now enrolling

Whatever the season, come visit.

Tours are held year-round. Come feel the rhythm of a Green Gables morning: meet Ms. Rachel, walk the gardens, say hello to Earl.

Schedule a Tour
call us · 970.799.0143