Asheville Earth School is a nature-based, Montessori and Waldorf inspired, preschool.
Our school philosophy fosters a child’s natural curiosity of the world while providing a warm and secure environment to build lasting connections. An abundance of outdoor play (in all types of weather) and practical activity connects children and our nature-based preschool to the rhythms of the year and strengthens their affinity with the natural world.
Our Guiding Principles
Nature-Based Preschool
Nature is our greatest teacher. Each day we stand on the Earth, nourished by the light of the sun, refreshed by clean water, and invigorated by the fresh air. Children are keen observers and when given time outdoors they tune in to all the gifts and lessons nature offers.
Play-Based
Through joyful learning and collaborative play, our program focuses on the development of the whole child: physical, cognitive, and social-emotional. We offer a vibrant and nurturing community committed to child-led exploration, creativity, and collaboration.
Gratitude
Gratitude is central to everything we teach at Asheville Earth School. This vital practice brings us into the present moment, builds our relationships in community and to the wild world.
Substack
This bi-monthly newsletter weaves themes of gardening, parenthood, ancient wisdom traditions and other life lessons extracted from nature. Subscribe for free.
Teaching Philosophy
Asheville Earth School holds a deep respect for the culture of childhood and trusts that children are capable of constructing their own ideas. Our nature-based preschool views children through a whole child lens, and values all children and their capabilities. Research shows that high-quality experiences in early childhood have a long and lasting impact on children, building the brain and setting the tone for a lifetime of learning. At Asheville Earth School, we foster not only the skills and knowledge that children need to succeed in life, but cultivate the dispositions of an effective lifelong learner — to be independent, to be creative, to be resilient, and to be intrinsically-motivated. These are the characteristics for our future thinkers, innovators, and leaders.
