Typically, children must be 3 1/2 before their first day of school.
My program is licensed for children as young as 3 (and I do consider younger three year olds on a case-by-case basis), but I find most children benefit immensely from the extra half year of maturation before joining our outdoor program. It’s important to set the children up for success, and stronger impulse control and self awareness helps all of us stay safer in the often-unpredictable wilderness.

Students are required to meet Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements as outlined on the Texas Health and Human Services website, details here. Non-medical exemptions will no longer be accepted. Medical exemptions and children actively on a catch-up schedule will be considered. COVID immunizations are encouraged but not required. 

Yes. We are licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Child Care Licensing Division. Child Care Licensing routinely inspects all aspects of the program and provides information on recent inspections through their website. With a few exceptions, licensed child care homes are required to meet the same safety and educational standards as larger child care centers. Parents seeking care anywhere in Texas should know that, with very few exceptions, all child care providers of young children are required to be licensed, registered, or listed with the state.

Yes. Due to the fact that our classes are routinely held outside where bathroom/changing facilities are limited, teachers must be vigilantly supervising the group, and van rides are integrated into our adventures, it is important they have a good handle on this skill before attending WS. Of course, accidents and regressions are typical in the early childhood classroom, and we are certainly prepared to support this.

We are a small group of 9 children and 1-2 teachers. (1 while on site, 2 while on adventures)

We currently do not offer an extended day, but this offering will vary from year to year depending on demand and teacher availability.

The school provides a morning snack which includes whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Parents provide a picnic lunch.

This is a philosophy centered on the belief that children are competent, curious, creative and ambitious learners with the right to co-construction of knowledge. Children are given the opportunity to be researchers, to explore, observe, question, hypothesize and learn through the form of play, projects and experiences. Teachers are co-learners and collaborators, actively engaged in the research process alongside their students. The carefully designed, rich and inspiring classroom environment is seen as the “third teacher” and plays a crucial role.