Ages 

Mixed-age class for children 4-6 years old. To enroll for the 2023–2024 school year, children must be 4 or 5 years old (not yet 6) by September 12, 2023, and fully potty trained.

Class Size and Ratios

12–15 students with 2–3 teachers.

Schedule

September 12, 2023 through May 23, 2024

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9–11:30 AM

No class on: November 21 and 23; December 19, 21, 26 and 28; February 15; March 26 and 28.

See the daily schedule.

Class Format

Classes will take place outdoors, in all seasons, rain or shine. We may spend time inside for specific activities when conditions are unsuitable for a full session of outdoor learning. See the Frequently Asked Questions to learn more.

Tuition

Total tuition for September–May is $1,152 plus tax. Monthly payments are calculated based on the number of classes and range from $72 to $162. Tuition is billed in advance on the 15th of each month and due within two weeks. An initial deposit equal to the first month of enrollment is due upon registration and will be applied as the first month's tuition.

Financial assistance is available through Three Rivers Rec Pass Plus program.

Nature School teaching staff have professional experience in both early childhood and environmental education. All staff are certified in CPR and First Aid and have completed a background check. 

Meet the Nature School Staff

Megan 

Hello friends! My name is Megan. I have a degree in biology, with a minor in music. I began working at Three Rivers Park District in 2008. Since then I have specialized in teaching early childhood programming throughout the park system, with topics ranging from environmental education to outdoor recreation and cultural history. I also have previous experience working at a nature-based preschool, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, a zoo, and several Minnesota-based nature centers. My favorite part of Nature School is witnessing the growth of confidence, curiosity, and creativity in each child throughout the school year. Outside of work, I enjoy gardening, paddling, home improvement projects, and spending time with my husband and two young children. 

Anders 

Hi Nature School families! My name is Anders. I majored in biology and environmental studies and minored in secondary education with the goal of becoming a classroom teacher and coach, but I have since been drawn to experiential and environmental education roles due to my love of the outdoors. I have been with Three Rivers Park District since 2012 and a member of the Mississippi Gateway team since 2017. In the past I have worked at traditional preschools in downtown Minneapolis and small-town Iowa, taught at a nature-based preschool, and facilitated nature-based preschool programs at a variety of nature centers in the metro. I live in Northeast Minneapolis with my wife, Katie, and our cat, Finn. In my free time, I like to ride bikes, see live music, travel, camp and ski. I am thrilled to spend time learning and exploring together. I cannot wait to see what our curious and adventurous Nature School crew discovers at Mississippi Gateway.

Alan

Hi everyone, I’m Alan. I have a degree in biology and taught high school for several years before moving into outdoor recreation. I’ve been with Three Rivers since 2009 and have loved the chance to explore the natural world with people of all ages. When I’m not at work I enjoy working in my garden, biking and playing with my kids, and using my hands to make projects of all sorts. I’ve been involved in preschool programming throughout my career at Three Rivers, and I love the creativity and joy of this age, as well as guiding them in overcoming their own challenges. I’m excited to spend time with your children as we learn and grow together.

Coleman

Greetings Nature School families. My name is Coleman and I am so excited to have a chance to learn with your child. I have a degree in biology and two in elementary education. After spending 25 years as a classroom teacher, I felt it was time for a transition to the great outdoors! While on a bike ride with my wife in 2017 we visited the nature center, and I became fascinated with the concept of outdoor education. I was hired on a part-time basis, and every day since has been a new learning experience. From birds in the Mexican rainforest to spiders on the plains of Northfield to forestry in northern Minnesota to outdoor education on the banks of the Mississippi, my life’s journey has been one of wonder and exploration. The students keep me young with their insightful discoveries and creative observations. I love exploring with them, gently probing and supporting as they construct and remodel their world views. When I’m not at the Gateway, you may find me on the golf course, on a bike ride with my wife, or at a dog show, always looking for life’s next adventure.

What Happens in Bad Weather?

We embrace the idea that there is no such thing as bad weather! We appreciate that changing weather helps children develop resiliency. We find when children are dressed appropriately for the weather, they enjoy rain, snow, and mud just as much as sunshine. 

When weather does not support a full session of outdoor learning, we may modify class in the following ways:

• Significant Cold: In significant cold, we follow a sliding scale of wind and temperature developed by the National Weather Service to determine the appropriate amount of time to spend outdoors. Some winter days may result in 1-2 shortened outdoor visits, with indoor warm-up time, to help balance safety and fun. 
• Storms: In the event of a thunderstorm, our class will remain inside for 30 minutes after the last lightning strike or boom of thunder. Time spent inside may include a story, nature investigation, snack time or free play.

Should My Child Bring Anything to Class?

Students should bring a backpack with a snack, a filled water bottle and a full change of clothes each day. 

What Should My Child Wear to Class?

See our recommended gear list.

What If I Need to Cancel My Child's Registration?

Cancellations made less than 30 days before the first of the month are not refundable.

How Will I Know About My Child's Day?

Teachers will share your child’s adventures through weekly photos and communication within a parent/teacher app. With a focus on experiential learning, there will be little-to-no paper evidence of our learning to send home in backpacks. In contrast, your child’s backpack will likely include wet socks and an occasional rock or pinecone!

Knock-your-socks-off good. Incredibly caring naturalists (3 for 15 kids) empower kids and facilitate social emotional learning alongside environmental exploration and stewardship.

– Michelle

We are so grateful for Nature School! Our child has really opened up and thrived in the year-round outdoor classroom environment. The teachers are phenomenal and bring gentle encouragement to problem solving, team building, and the social skills needed at this age. We love the pictures and questions that are sent to us after every class to further learn about our child’s day from their perspective! We highly recommend this class!

– JoAnna & Robert

Nature School has been an exceptional experience that exceeded our expectations! We love that the children spent time outdoors no matter the weather. Our son loved exploring the park and learning through play. The teachers encourage imagination and creativity using nature as the playground. It was a unique experience that we highly recommend!

– Sarah & Zach

Learning By Doing: How Outdoor Play Prepares Kids for Achievement in STEM
by Gwen Dewar, PhD

How Learning to Put on Rain Boots Leads to Academic Success
by Katherine Coons Hubbard

A Parent's Guide to Nature Play
by Ken Finch