Now enrolling for Fall 2026 · Limited spaces available · Apply today
The Sandersprouts
Nature Program
A Waldorf-inspired forest school program for children ages 3–4, meeting in the eucalyptus groves of Buena Vista Park in Vista, California.
Where Every Morning
Begins Outdoors
The Sandersprouts Nature Program is designed for children ages 3–4 who are ready to explore the world with open hands and wide eyes. Rooted in Waldorf early childhood philosophy and forest school tradition, our program offers a deeply nourishing alternative to conventional preschool.
Each morning, children gather in the living classroom of Buena Vista Park — climbing eucalyptus roots, wading through dry creek beds, building shelters from fallen branches, and discovering the endlessly fascinating world of insects, birds, and plants that call this place home.
Our days are shaped by gentle, predictable rhythms — circle time, forest play, creative work, snack, story, and song — giving children the security they need to take risks, build friendships, and grow into themselves.
Small Groups
Max 12 children
Ratio
1:6 teacher–child
Session Length
8:30 am – 3:00 pm
School Year
Sept – June
A Day at Sandersprouts
Waldorf education teaches us that predictable rhythms give young children the security they need to explore freely and grow with confidence. Each day follows a gentle, unhurried arc — breathing in and breathing out.
Morning Arrival & Gathering Circle
Children arrive and are welcomed into a morning circle. We open with a seasonal song, a nature verse, and a moment of quiet gratitude — setting the tone for a day of wonder.
Forest Exploration
The heart of our morning. Children venture into the eucalyptus groves and open fields of Buena Vista Park for free and guided exploration — climbing, digging, observing, and following their curiosity wherever it leads.
Snack & Story
A nourishing snack is shared together in a spirit of community. A Waldorf-inspired seasonal story — told from memory, never read — invites children into the world of imagination and language.
Creative Play & Nature Crafts
Inspired by the morning's discoveries, children engage in open-ended creative work: watercolor painting, beeswax modeling, weaving, mud kitchen play, or collaborative building with natural loose parts.
Movement, Song & Circle Games
Eurythmy-inspired movement games, fingerplays, and circle songs weave learning through the body. This is language, math, and social-emotional development in its most joyful form.
Lunch Together
Children gather for a shared lunch — a warm, unhurried moment of community, conversation, and nourishment. Families provide a packed lunch; we provide the table, the gratitude, and the good company.
Afternoon Rest, Play & Flexible Pick-Up
A quieter afternoon rhythm of rest, free play, and gentle activities. Families may pick up their child any time between 1:00 and 3:00 pm — we honor each family's schedule with warmth and flexibility.
Learning Through
Living Experience
At Sandersprouts, every activity is an invitation to wonder. Our educators design open-ended provocations that follow children's emerging interests — weaving the foundations of literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional learning into authentic, joyful, hands-on experience.
Program Schedule
Our 5-day program runs Monday through Friday from September through June, following the Sanderling Waldorf School calendar.
5-Day Program
Our full-week program offers the deepest immersion in forest school life. Five days a week builds strong friendships, deeper inquiry cycles, and the richest sense of place and belonging.
All sessions run rain or shine. Children are encouraged to dress for the weather — we provide guidance on what to bring.
Investing in
Your Child's Wonder
We are committed to making Sandersprouts accessible to as many families as possible. Tuition supports our small group sizes, highly trained educators, and the materials and resources that make our program exceptional.
Begin Your Application5-Day Program
Mon – Fri · 8:30 am – 3:00 pm · Sept – June
$1,800
per month
Ready to Begin?
Spaces for Fall 2026 are limited. We invite you to fill out an application today.