Blue Heron School Montessori Preschool & Outdoor Preschool
Blue Heron School is a nature-based Montessori early learning center with a child-focused approach and daily outdoor experiences.
Children spend their days exploring the ponds, streams, and woods of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, then return to a classic, Montessori mixed aged classroom that feels like a second home. Families who choose Blue Heron School are looking for a Montessori preschool and outdoor preschool experience where childhood is unhurried, magical, and deeply connected to the natural world.
Parents often tell us that Blue Heron School shapes their child far beyond academics. One parent shared,
Fast Facts for Families
Ages
3 to 6 (two preschool years and one kindergarten year)
Schedule
Monday through Friday
School Year
September to June
Calendar
Blue Heron School closely follows the local public school calendar.
Hours
8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Full Day) or
8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Extended Day)
2026–2027 Tuition
Full Day: $6,900 per year ($690/month) for 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Extended Day: $9,250 per year ($925/month) for 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Questions or ready to learn more? Contact us at blueheron@nhnature.org.
About Our Nature-Based Montessori Preschool
Learning Outside in All Seasons
There is no such thing as bad weather at Blue Heron School, where children jump off rocks, balance on logs, climb trees, and explore the ponds, streams, and woods of the Science Center. Their daily outdoor experiences help them build confidence, coordination, and a deep comfort in nature. As they explore, children learn to observe seasonal changes, track animal signs, and notice the small details that make the natural world so fascinating.
These outdoor adventures are an essential part of our outdoor preschool philosophy, not just extra recess. Extended time outside creates space for imagination, collaboration, and big body play, all under the guidance of experienced teachers and Science Center Naturalists.
Montessori Philosophy Meets Nature School
The program combines the Montessori philosophy and materials with the Nature School approach. In the classroom, children work with hands-on Montessori materials that support independence, concentration, and self-directed learning. They learn to care for themselves and their environment and engage in academic areas such as language, math, geography, music, and art at their own pace.
Letters and numbers regularly travel outdoors as children practice writing, counting, and measuring in real-world settings on the trail. Back inside, they bring natural discoveries—stones, leaves, feathers, and more—for research and further understanding. Using both Montessori materials and treasures found in nature, children build a strong foundation in early literacy, numeracy, and scientific thinking.
A Day in the Life at Blue Heron School
Warm Routines and Meaningful Work
A typical day at Blue Heron School includes predictable rhythms that help young children feel safe and secure. Each day usually offers:
- Group time for stories, music, games, and discussion
- Snack and lunch shared in a calm, respectful community
- An extended work time when children are free to select and focus on activities that interest them
- A substantial period outdoors with both unstructured play and presentations by Naturalists
During work time, children choose from activities that develop fine motor skills, pre-reading and reading, early math, geography, natural science with the continuation of topics presented by the naturalists, practical life skills, and creative expression. They learn to be responsible for their materials, tidy their space, and contribute to the classroom community. Over time, they become increasingly independent and self-confident.
Growing as Learners and Mentors
Optimally, children start around age three and stay for three years, including two preschool years and one kindergarten year. Each year builds on the previous, allowing children to experience being both the younger learner and, later, the confident mentor. Older children help younger classmates, reinforcing their own skills and building empathy and leadership.
Outdoor time each day provides opportunities for spontaneous exploration, problem solving, a healthy amount of risk, and joyous, large-motor play, along with more structured interactions with Science Center Naturalists on a variety of topics. Through these experiences, children develop respect for themselves, others, and the natural world.
Our Values and Goals for Children
Developing a Lifelong Love of Nature
At Blue Heron School, our goals are for children to develop an affinity for nature and an awareness of the interdependence of all living things. We hope to encourage in our students a lifelong environmental ethic, compassion for others, and a connection to their community.
Every day, children see firsthand how plants, animals, water, and weather are connected. They practice gentle, respectful interactions with living things and learn that their choices matter. This blend of Montessori preschool structure and outdoor preschool exploration helps children grow into thoughtful, curious, and caring members of the world around them.
Our Teaching Team
Our teachers bring warmth, experience, and a shared commitment to child-centered, nature-based education.
Blue Heron School teachers work closely with Squam Lakes Natural Science Center Naturalists, who lead guided discoveries and share their expertise with children on the trails and in special programs.
Practical Details, Documents, and Financial Aid
Enrollment Resources
Make Your Tuition Payment Online
Need-Based Financial Aid
Blue Heron School offers need-based financial aid to help make our Montessori preschool and outdoor preschool accessible to more families. To learn more about financial aid options, please contact us at blueheron@nhnature.org.
Questions about Blue Heron School or wondering if it is the right fit for your child?
Contact us via email at blueheron@nhnature.org.