Chicago Botanic Garden Nature Preschool

We now have our second daughter wrapping up her first year with the Botanic Gardens Preschool after our first daughter spent two years there. Three years of experience and they are Fantastic! The teachers are devoted, caring, smart, engaging, energetic, and deeply passionate about the development and education of the kids in their care. And the kids love their teachers! The management has been thoughtful, inspirational, communicative, and insightful. This is a wonderful and enriching place to begin your child’s educational journey.

This pre-school is is a hidden gem! First of all, being a Nature preschool, the students are outside all year (safe weather permitting) exploring the beautiful landscapes of the Chicago Botanic Gardens. They are getting what so many of us and our children are craving-more time in nature, learning and growing and re-connecting. In this preschool children really get to be children, and with that they learn and develop in ways that are appropriate to their age. In a world saturated with screens, this preschool is welcomed reprieve. The teachers are special trained not only in early childhood development, but also specifically in inspiring play through nature education. They definitely provide a nurturing learning environment helping children learn important age appropriate skills. The teachers also encourage a wonderful community within the classroom and amongst the families with various extra activities and opportunities. The facilities are second to none- beautiful and inspiring. I kind of wish I could be a preschooler again! My child attended the preschool for two years and I hope to send my other children here as well. Despite their being numerous quality preschools much nearer my home, I felt the Nature Preschool provided opportunities we could not find anywhere else. I’m so grateful for the wonderful experiences she has had at the Nature Preschool.

My son has attended preschool at the Botanic Gardens for 2 years. He has had an amazing experience. He started off as a very reluctant student and was shy to even enter the class. The teachers came up with successful ways to help him transitition. He has learned so much about nature and loves to talk about all he has learned. I read a study recently stating that children who spend time in nature are happier even as adults. We know our son’s experience at Botanic Gardens preschool will always be a positive imprint in his memory. We are thankful to all the teachers who have made his learning and memories possible.

I can't say more unbelievably wonderful things about the Botanic Gardens Preschool. My daughter is finishing her second year and she has grown so much. The teachers and staff are simply awesome. Class was planned so thoughtfully from day to day and the kids spent everyday outside in nature.

We have been thrilled with our first born's experience at the CBG Nature Preschool and are enrolling both kids next year in the mixed ages class (they are soon to be 3 & 5 years old and SO EXCITED to be in the same class together next year). We love that he is outside, no matter the weather, and learning in such an active, hands on, meaningful way. The teachers & staff are supportive and nurturing. We couldn't ask for a better experience.