"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
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
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 also cultivating environmental stewardship.
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
Nature serves as a nurturing backdrop for cultivating emotional intelligence, empathy, and resilience. 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
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 Your Family?
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Are you willing to have a positive attitude regarding the weather, no matter the weather?
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Are you willing to take home dirty clothes and children to wash each day?
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Would you like your child to develop strong social skills?
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Would you like your child to experience the social and emotional benefits of spending time outside in nature?
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Would you like your child to learn to be empathetic of nature and others?
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Are you comfortable with your child engaging in developmentally appropriate "risky play"?
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Is your child toilet trained?
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Will your child be 33 months - 6 years of age at the time of enrollment?
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Is your child comfortable with being dirty and getting messy?
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Is your child capable and willing to attempt age-appropriate activities on their own? For example, putting on one's own shoes and jacket? We ask children to try on their own first, and will provide assistance afterwards if needed.
Summer Camps
We offer four weeks of summer camp each year, which run Monday - Thursday. Hours are 9 am to Noon.
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More info for Summer 2027 will be updated in the spring.
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Daily Flow
Our schedule each day is slightly different, depending on weather and children's interests. Below is a typical morning session flow.
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Morning Drop Off
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Unstructured Outdoor Play
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Hike/Nature Hunt
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Circle Time
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Snack/Bathroom Break
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Free Play Indoors
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Back Outside for Pick up​​
Seasonal Gear
Appropriate outerwear is required for all children enrolled at Everwild Nature School. The following link includes a checklist of our required gear, as well as layering guides for different seasons.
Enter code EVERWILD to receive 15% off your order.
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We are so excited about this new collaboration! Starting in the Fall of 2026, Everwild will be the location for a new homeschool co-op on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
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Website: https://wildhavengroup.wixsite.com/wildhaven
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Questions? Please contact Megan at wildhavengroup@gmail.com
Meet our Staff
At Everwild Nature School, we believe that every child deserves the very best we have to offer. We are confident that our staff's combined years of experience, expertise, and passion are a unique resource to your family. Our hope is that Everwild becomes a second home to your child and your family, and we promise to provide the same guidance and support that we would for our own families.
Owner/ Lead Teacher
Angela DeMarco
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! She went on to get her Cedarsong Forest School certification in the summer of 2023. Her favorite people are her husband, three children, and her two dogs, Beans and Blue. She loves her cat, Mabel, but the feeling is not mutual. She continues to read many books, loves to travel to new places, and can usually be found at one of her boys' sporting events.
Assistant Teacher
Elle Master
Elle is a lively and imaginative individual who thrives on creativity and a deep connection to nature. A college graduate with four years of teaching assistant experience, her bubbly and enthusiastic personality makes her a joy to be around, always bringing positive energy to any situation. Elle recently completed her Level I Nature-Based Teacher Certification through the Association for Nature-Based Education. Elle loves spending time outdoors, finding inspiration in the natural world for their artistic endeavors. There’s always an opportunity to create and explore. Growing up, Elle was always outside creating and finding new ways to play, and still is.
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
Phone & Email
507-206-3618
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday
8:30 AM - 3:15 PM
