Our early-childhood teachers create a warm, caring atmosphere that nurtures each child’s initiative through creative play and fosters healthy social experiences. Daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythms create a secure foundation that grounds the children in their world. These rhythms weave through the practical and artistic activities of each day. Imaginative play and purposeful physical activity are the true work of early childhood, providing strong preparation for the intellectual challenges of elementary school.

Imaginative play and purposeful physical activity

are the true work of early childhood

The Early Childhood Experience

A Nurturing, home-like environment

Our early childhood spaces offer warmth and security, as the children are surrounded by and engaged in purposeful activity.

Rhythms for growth

Young children grow gracefully into the rhythms of parting from parents, happy play, purposeful work, and joyful reunions.

Outdoor Physicality

Children thrive outdoors in our welcoming play yard with its gardens, deep sand pit, shovels, and wheelbarrows, and joyfully explore the wooded trails that traverse our beautiful, 32-acre campus.

Daily, weekly and seasonal rhythms

ground children in their world

Early Childhood Programs

Nursery

Ages 18 months – 3 years

Ashwood’s nursery school provides a bridge between parent & child playgroup and the preschool/kindergarten.

Preschool

Ages 3 – 4

Ashwood’s preschool class meets the children’s increasing capacities for work and play as they participate in the social setting of the class. 

Mixed-Age Kindergarten

Ages 4 – 6

Ashwood’s mixed-age kindergarten lays a strong foundation for literacy and intellectual growth.

Extended Day Program

Ashwood’s extended-day program is available for children enrolled in our nursery, preschool, and mixed-age kindergarten. Extended day offers a homelike environment in which the children enjoy the company of their friends, a nap or quiet time, indoor and outdoor play, and a snack brought from home.

In our morning Parent & Child Playgroup, caregivers with children aged 12 months to three years meet for friendship and fun in a warm, nurturing setting. Each weekly playgroup offers free play, crafts, songs, a nourishing snack, and time for parents to share insights and experiences. Playgroups are led by an experienced Waldorf early childhood educator.

2024-2025 Sessions

Session I.
September 12 – October 17
$250. (6 weeks)

Session II.
October 24th – December 5th
$250. (6 weeks)
(Snow date Dec. 12th)