Earthkeeper Nature School

Click button above to register for the 2024-2025 school year!

Details

NWDC’s Earthkeeper Nature School (ENS) combines fresh air, open space and nature play, with a progressive early childhood curriculum. ENS is licensed under the Colorado Department of Human Services.

The NWDC Earthkeeper Nature School (ENS) includes a Nature Preschool and Forest Kindergarten. Our kindergarten is recognized by the American Forest School Association.
ENS operates in both the Mountain Campus in Beulah and the River Campus in Pueblo.
Ages accepted: 4 – 7. The birth date cutoff for turning age 4 is August 31.
Enrollment options for the Nature Preschool or Forest Kindergarten are:
- 2 half-days/week:
  - Monday/Wednesday morning, or Monday/Wednesday afternoon
    or
  - Tuesday/Thursday morning, or Tuesday/Thursday afternoon
- 4 half-days/week:
  - Monday through Thursday mornings
    or
  - Monday through Thursday afternoons
Daily class times:
- Morning classes run from 8:15 – 11:15.
- Afternoon classes run from 12:30 – 3:30.
The majority of time is spent outdoors, with indoor spaces available when weather conditions warrant.
Round-trip transportation to Beulah is available.

Cost

Annual Tuition

- The tuition cost for 2-half days/week preschool, or the 2-half days/week kindergarten is $2500. This is can be broken up into 10 monthly payments of $250.
- The tuition cost for 4-half days/week preschool, or the 4-half days/week kindergarten is $4500. This can be broken up into 10 monthly payments of $450.

Enroll in the 2024/2025 School Year

Enrollment for Earthkeeper Nature School fills on a first-come, first-served basis. Enrollment for the 2024-25 year is OPEN NOW, and we will have a waitlist. There is a $100 application fee required. Click here to SECURE YOUR SPOT.

Financial Aid

We at the NWDC Earthkeeper Nature School do not want a lack of financial resources to be the reason why a family does not send their child to our school. Hence, we will do our very best to provide financial aid so your child can attend. If you look at our registration cost and think “I can’t afford that,” please contact Tami Montoya, ENS Director, at tami@hikeandlearn.org to inquire about your financial aid options.

If you would like to help less fortunate families’ children attend Earthkeeper Nature School,
please click the button below to donate today!

Parent Testimonials

“My son Atticus just loves his Nature School. When I asked him what he loves so much about it, his response was, ‘Nature’".

Kristin BrimhalEarthkeeper Nature School Parent

“ The scope of her understanding of nature has broadened greatly. We do a pretty good job as a family connecting to nature, but I am now realizing how much more our daughter is learning and connecting by attending Earthkeeper Nature Preschool.”

Brenda BurkEarthkeeper Nature School Parent

"Thank you so much for the best two years of preschool we could imagine,.They learned so many things and had so much fun! We will miss Earthkeeper Nature School."

Mary JohnsonEarthkeeper Nature School Parent

"We have noticed her resilience, independence and self-confidence really grow in the two years she has spent at Earthkeeper Nature School. Having a nature school is such a great option to have in our community."

Elizabeth HeersinkEarthkeeper Nature School Parent

"I can't express how much the last two years have meant to our family. I will forever recommend children to this school and I can't wait for Madison to attend next year."

Courtney McNierneyElementary School Teacher & ENS Parent