Earthkeeper Nature School
NWDC’s Earthkeeper Nature School combines a nature-based early childhood curriculum with play, fresh air, open space, and child-led learning. Earthkeeper Nature School is licensed under the Colorado Department of Human Services.
Earthkeeper Nature School (ENS) includes a Nature Preschool and Forest Kindergarten. Our kindergarten is recognized by the American Forest School Association.
The majority of time is spent in the great outdoors, with indoor spaces available when weather conditions warrant.
Earthkeeper Nature School
Preschool & Kindergarten | Ages 4 - 7
Now Enrolling for the 2026-2027 School Year!
About ENS
At Earthkeeper Nature School (ENS), we believe children thrive when immersed in nature. Our program offers young learners ages 4 to 7 the opportunity to connect, play, and grow through meaningful, hands-on outdoor experiences.
Founded in 2018, ENS will be entering its 8th school year in 2026–2027. The program is led by two experienced educators who have been part of Earthkeeper Nature School since the very beginning, providing consistency, deep program knowledge, and a strong foundation for our students and families. ENS is a licensed childcare provider under the Colorado Department of Human Services and operates at both our Mountain Campus in Beulah and River Campus in Pueblo.
This program is truly a gem in Pueblo.
Program Highlights
- Immersive Outdoor Learning: Children engage in hands-on experiences that foster creativity, independence, and a deep connection to the natural world.
- Flexible Scheduling: Choose from 2 or 4 half-day sessions per week, with morning classes from 8:15 AM to 11:15 AM and afternoon classes from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM.
- Experienced & Qualified Leadership: Earthkeeper Nature School is directed by Tami Montoya, who holds the Agored Cymru Level 3 “Certificate in Leading Forest School.” Tami is a well-respected voice in Colorado’s forest school community and currently serves on a statewide committee tasked with developing new childcare licensing requirements specific to forest school and nature-based early childhood programs.
- Transportation Services: Round-trip transportation to Beulah is available for an additional fee.
Enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year is now open. Don't wait -
secure your child's spot, and let their adventure in nature begin!
"Children today spend less time outdoors than any other generation, devoting only 4 –7 minutes to unstructured outdoor play per day, while spending an average of 7.5 hours in front of electronic media"
~ National Recreation and Park Association
Ages Accepted:
4 – 7
The birth date cutoff for turning age 4 is August 31.
Enrollment Options
4 half-days/week:
Monday-Thursday mornings
OR
Monday-Thursday afternoons
2 half-days/week:
Monday/ Wednesday mornings or afternoons
OR
Tuesday/ Thursday mornings or afternoons
Daily Class Times
- Morning sessions run from 8:15 am – 11:15 am
- Afternoon sessions run from 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Locations & Transportation
ENS operates in both the Mountain Campus in Beulah and the River Campus in Pueblo.
Round-trip transportation to Beulah is available.
Cost
Annual Tuition
- The tuition for 2 half-days/week preschool or 2 half-days/week kindergarten is $3,000. This can be broken up into 10 monthly payments of $300.
- The tuition cost for 4-half days/week preschool, or the 4-half days/week kindergarten, is $5,400. This can be broken up into 10 monthly payments of $540.
Enroll in the 2026-2027 School Year
Enrollment & Registration
Enrollment for Earthkeeper Nature School (ENS) for the 2026–2027 school year is open and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
A $200 enrollment fee /per child is due at the time of registration to secure a child’s spot. This fee includes:
- $100 non-refundable administrative fee
- $100 tuition credit, applied to the 10th (final) tuition installment
Because enrollment decisions directly impact staffing and program planning, the administrative portion of the enrollment fee is non-refundable, including in cases of withdrawal before the start of the school year.
Click here now to SECURE YOUR SPOT!
Once your enrollment has been processed, the next step will be to set up your student’s tuition. The first tuition installment for all enrolled students is due by August 1. All enrolled families will receive a link in June to complete tuition setup for their student(s).
Financial Aid
At the Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center, we believe no family should be prevented from participating in Earthkeeper Nature School due to financial constraints. We are committed to making ENS accessible to families with a wide range of financial circumstances.
If the enrollment fee or tuition presents a barrier, please contact Tami Montoya, ENS Director, at tami@hikeandlearn.org to discuss financial aid options. Families are encouraged to inquire about financial aid before completing registration or submitting payment.
If you would like to help less fortunate families’ children attend Earthkeeper Nature School, please click the button below to donate today!
Earthkeeper Nature School
Informational Meetings
These meetings are a great opportunity to learn more about the Earthkeeper Nature School, get your questions answered, and meet the folks who are creating the preschool.
If you would like to schedule an informational meeting for your family, group, club, or group of friends, please contact Tami at tami@hikeandlearn.org.
These informational meetings will either take place at our River or Mountain Campus.
