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The Saplings program at Fernbrook Farms is a play-based nature program for young learners aged 3-5. The program aims to provide the roots for lifelong connection with nature and love of learning. Saplings students explore and play outdoors for much of their day, immersed in Fernbrook’s many diverse ecosystems.
Learning at Saplings is child-led, nature-inspired, and focused on fun. Students are encouraged to follow their natural curiosities, to explore and experiment, to wonder and discover. Saplings teachers are there to guide students in their nature investigations, deepen their learning with hands-on activities, join them in open-ended nature play, and support them as they try new things and challenge themselves. We hope you can join us!
“Being outside in the elements, exploring, and experiencing small and large challenges, made my little girl strong, confident and brave!”
A Handful Of
The Rhythm of
At Saplings, the day’s events follow a consistent order without adhering to strict timetables. This provides students with the predictable routine they need to thrive, while also accommodating the flexibility that child-led education requires. The times noted below are meant as general guide.
8:00 – 9:00: Before care**
8:30 – 9:00: Drop-off window
9:00 – 10:00: Mixed-age free play, typically in our “Saplings Spot” outdoor classroom and play area
10:00 – 10:45: Circle time and snack
10:45 – 12:00: Morning adventure: typically a child-driven visit to one of Fernbrook’s forests, fields, or wetlands, or a project-based activity inspired by nature
12:00 – 12:30: Lunch
12:30: Pick-up for half-day students
12:30 – 2:00: Quiet time: a chance for students to nap or relax independently as they re-energize their minds and bodies
2:00 – 3:30: Snack and second adventure
3:30 – 3:45: Pick-up window for full-day students
3:45 – 5:00: After care**
** Before and after care is available upon request for an additional hourly fee
a few of
With 230 acres and so many unique ecosystems to explore, the opportunities for adventure and exploration are endless.
Here is just a peek at what our Saplings might experience at Fernbrook:
“I will be forever grateful for the positive impact Saplings made in my daughter’s life. She is resilient, curious, and confident in nature because of your program. I recommend Fernbrook to every family I meet!”
using nature play to
The Saplings program is designed for children who are preparing to enter kindergarten and is not intended to replace kindergarten. Through the use of child-centered emergent curriculum, trained educators will use the interests of the students to guide them through cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development, ultimately preparing them for success in kindergarten and beyond. Some examples of how teachers may facilitate the specific growth of literacy and math skills include, but are not limited to:
“I remember when my son was about three, in the constant questioning stage. Trying to be a good mother, I dutifully answered every question with some informative explanation. Then one day in the middle of another train of questions and answers, he suddenly wailed up at me, “Mom, DON’T ANSWER!” and he burst into tears of outrage. I was stunned, but crouching down to hug his tears away, I realized that he didn’t want my answers. All those questions were a plea to come into his world with him, at his level, to join with him in his curiosity.”
2025-26
Please note that your child must be 3 years old and must be fully potty-trained^ by the start of the program in September.
The Saplings program is intended to prepare children for kindergarten. Students enrolling for the 2025-26 school year should be born after June 17, 2020 and before September 2, 2022.
| Full Day (9 – 3:30)* | Mornings (9 – 12:30)* | |||||
| Sept.-Dec. | Jan.-June | Sept. – June | Sept.-Dec. | Jan.-June | Sept. – June | |
| 16 Weeks | 24 Weeks | 40 Weeks | 16 Weeks | 24 Weeks | 40 Weeks | |
| 2 Days/Week | $2520 | $3778 | $6298 | $1500 | $2250 | $3750 |
| 3 Days/Week | $3580 | $5382 | $8970 | $2148 | $3220 | $5368 |
| 4 Days/Week | $4530 | $6794 | $11324 | $2726 | $4088 | $6814 |
| 5 Days/Week | $5352 | $8028 | $13380 | $3236 | $4854 | $8090 |
*Extended Care is available in both the mornings and afternoons for an additional hourly fee. In the mornings, you can drop-off as early as 8 am and in the afternoons, you can stay as late as 5 pm. Please let us know if you will be needing extended care.
^Fernbrook Farms defines fully potty trained by the following:
A $250 deposit of your tuition is required to confirm your child’s enrollment. Various payment installments exist and can be selected on the enrollment/registration form.
A Quick Look At…
September 2, 2025 – First day of Saplings
October 13, 2025 – Closed for staff in-service day
November 26 – November 28, 2025 – Closed for Thanksgiving break
December 19, 2025 – Last day of first semester
December 22, 2025 – January 4, 2026 – Closed for Winter break
January 5, 2026 – First day of second semester
January 19, 2026 – Closed for MLK Day
February 16, 2026 – Closed for President’s Day
February 17, 2026 – Closed for staff in-service day
May 25, 2026 – Closed for Memorial Day
June 17, 2026 – Last day of second semester