"We have loved our time at Everwild this year! It has served as a huge gift to our children, and thus our family. Our children have endless fun and I have seen them grow in a confidence that has really struck me. They have developed a deeper love for the outside world and have made friends that they really enjoy. I'm so grateful for this opportunity for them!"
OUR APPROACH
Growing Creativity and Love of Nature Through Play
Nature-based Curriculum
Our curriculum is inspired by the natural world and incorporates nature-based activities to foster creativity, curiosity, and a love for learning.
Experienced Educators
Our educators are trained in early childhood education and have a passion for connecting children with nature.
Child-centered Philosophy
We believe in a child-centered approach, where every child's unique interests and abilities are valued and nurtured.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
At Everwild we believe in fostering holistic development by embracing the power of nature and the outdoors. We understand that a child's early years are crucial for their educational and social-emotional growth. Therefore, we have crafted a philosophy that centers on utilizing nature as a catalyst for education and promoting well-being.
Education through Nature
We believe that nature provides an invaluable platform for learning. By integrating outdoor experiences into our curriculum, we create opportunities for children to explore, discover, and engage with the natural world. Through hands-on experiences, they develop a deep appreciation for nature's wonders, while simultaneously building a foundation of knowledge across various domains. We strive to cultivate a love for learning that is rooted in nature, allowing children to become environmentally conscious and active global citizens.
Outdoor Classroom
Our preschool recognizes the immense potential of the outdoors as a dynamic classroom. We utilize nature as an extension of our learning environment, providing children with abundant opportunities for discovery and exploration. Our outdoor spaces are thoughtfully designed to stimulate curiosity, spark imaginative play, and promote physical development. Whether it is investigating insects in the garden, building structures with natural materials, or engaging in sensory activities, our students are encouraged to connect with nature, fostering a sense of wonder, creativity, and resilience.
Social-Emotional Well-being
We understand the essential role social-emotional development plays in a child's overall well-being. Nature serves as a nurturing backdrop for cultivating emotional intelligence, empathy, and resilience. Our preschool environment is intentionally designed to foster meaningful connections between children, their peers, and the natural world. Through cooperative play, nature-based group activities, and shared experiences, we encourage the development of social skills, communication, and problem-solving abilities. Nature also offers a calming and therapeutic environment, allowing children to regulate their emotions, reduce stress, and develop a powerful sense of self.
Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
As advocates for sustainability and environmental stewardship, we instill in our preschoolers a sense of responsibility and respect for the natural world. Through age-appropriate activities, discussions, and conservation practices, we aim to create future generations who are deeply connected to and invested in preserving the environment. By understanding the interdependence of all living things, we empower children to become mindful custodians of the Earth, fostering a sense of environmental consciousness that will extend beyond their preschool years.
Is Everwild Right For You?
As a Parent
Are you willing to have a positive attitude regarding the weather, no matter the weather?
Are you willing to model the importance of outdoor education to your children? They are going to want to share some of their experiences at school with you at home and on the weekends.
Are you willing to take home dirty clothes and children to wash each day?
Would you like your child to develop strong social skills?
Would you like your child to experience the social and emotional benefits of spending time outside in nature?
Are you looking for an alternative full-day care program that focuses on the value of play during this stage of your child's development?
Would you like your child to learn to be empathetic of nature and others?
Are you comfortable with your child engaging in "risky play"? Please note, there is a difference between hazardous and risky, and the later has been well documented as beneficial for children. A link to an article regarding this is below.
Are you willing and able to supply the required clothing needed for children to spend time outdoors in our vast Minnesota weather?
As a Child
Is your child toilet trained?
Will your child be between 33 months and
6 years old at the time of enrollment?
Is your child comfortable with being dirty?
Is your child capable of doing age-appropriate activities on their own (without the assistance of an adult). For example, putting on one's own shoes and jacket?
Seasonal Gear
Appropriate outerwear is needed for all children enrolled at Everwild Nature School. The following link includes a checklist of our required seasonal gear, as well as layering guides for different seasons.
Enter code EVERWILD to receive 15% off your order.
Meet Angela
Angela grew up on a hobby farm just outside of Omaha, Nebraska. She spent most of her childhood outdoors, or in a hammock reading a book. She received a degree in Biology at Creighton University and went on to finish medical school. She completed a residency at the Mayo Clinic in Psychiatry, but then chose to stay home to raise her three children for several years. She started working at Aldrich School in 2016 and found her true calling as an educator of young children! After attending a nature-play conference in 2021, she started to dream of starting her own nature preschool. Everwild is truly a dream come true for her! Her favorite people are her husband, three children, and her two dogs, Beans and Blue. She continues to read many books, loves to travel to new places, and has never been known to turn down a cheeseburger.
Meet Karen
Karen is a Rochester native and has not strayed far from the area. As a child, she spent most of her time outdoors playing with neighborhood kids, exploring the local creek, or on the basketball court. Karen received a certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education from Alexandria Technical College and is currently completing her Bachelor's degree in educational studies at Southwest Minnesota State University. She has been working in the Early Childhood Education field for more than 17 years in different capacities. She has been an assistant teacher, lead teacher, assistant director, and provided family childcare while her three eldest children were little. Karen has been teaching at Aldrich since 2015 and loves their play-based education philosophy. After attending a Nature-Play conference in Duluth in 2019, Karen became passionate about starting a nature-play based school in the Rochester area. When she is not focused on her studies or working at the school, she enjoys time with her husband and their BIG, beautiful, blended family of nine children ages 9 to 21, traveling, spending time outdoors, and watching sports, especially the Minnesota Vikings. SKOL!!
Diversity & Inclusion
We are mindful of creating a welcoming space for children and families of any race, ethnicity, socio-economic background, religion, gender identity, and ability. We believe in celebrating the uniqueness of each family, while actively broadening children’s perspectives.
Contact Us
Address
6731 N Broadway Ave, Rochester, MN 55906, USA
Contact
507-206-3618
Opening Hours
Tuesday
8:15 AM – 3:45 PM
Thursday
8:15 AM – 3:45 PM
