Eastern Ridge Nature Preschool

★★★★★Cyrus Gerami

As a parent with one daughter who’s already graduated from The Eastern Ridge School and another in her second year, I can honestly say this place has been amazing for our family. The school’s approach is all about letting kids explore, ask questions, and learn through hands-on experiences—most of it outdoors, which our girls have absolutely loved. It’s thoughtful, nurturing, and really focuses on helping each child grow in their own unique way. We feel so lucky to have found it.

★★★★★Rachael Clay

Kids doing what they do best—exploring, playing, and learning outside. I can’t say enough wonderful things about ERS. The values, the positivity, and the strong sense of community give me complete peace of mind knowing where my kids spend their day. It’s clear that the teachers and staff truly love what they do—their energy and enthusiasm are contagious. I especially appreciate how they foster a sense of wonder, encouraging kids to ask questions, stay curious, explore, and imagine. They're learning independence, eating healthy foods, and also having the time of their lives!

★★★★★Laura Champe Mitchell

My two sons, now 20 and 17, began their school experiences at ERS's predecessor - many of the same teachers and the same pedagogy. They were with the school through it's transition to ERS as it is now. For us, it was the gift of a lifetime. My sons are lifelong learners, passionate outdoorsmen, and caring humans. All children should have this deep, immersive, playful, messy, exploratory experience. At minimum, put ERS on your "schools to visit" list. Once you visit an open house, you will understand it all so much better.

★★★★★Julia Baumgardner

I could not recommend ERS more highly. There is truly no other preschool in the region that offers what ERS does - nature immersion, in all weather (there’s no bad weather, just the wrong clothes!), and a developmentally appropriate, nurturing environment. Every teacher at ERS is EXCEPTIONAL, uniquely suited to cultivate imaginations and nature/forest school curriculum. The classes are small, we have forged lifelong friendships with likeminded families, and the kids eat the best, healthiest lunches you could imagine. Truly a unique and wonderful place. Both of our kids ask to return time and again.

★★★★★M Nelson

It's difficult to put into words how much we love ERS, but I will try! The teachers and director are fantastic -- they respect the children as people and meet them where they are. They're also very close as a group, which explains why so many of the staff have been there for so long. The students thrive in the outdoor environment and the staff takes thoughtful advantage of the lessons that nature provides (the garden, for example, is incredible). ERS is also very community based, so we've gotten to know the other parents and kids, which has been wonderful. I wish every kid had the opportunity to go here -- it's childhood at it's best.