Missoula Parents

School · Homeschool program · Drop-in care

Growing Up Green Nature School

Listed under Drop-in care · Homeschool programs

Three young boys play with sticks near the edge of a pond in a grassy outdoor area.
Photo from growingupgreen406.com
  • An instructor stands with a group of young children wearing muddy outdoor gear in a grassy field.
  • A group of children play on a fallen tree over a creek.
  • A child holds a small piece of natural fluff in their hand while standing outdoors.
  • A curly-haired child plays with small toys outdoors in a sunny setting.
  • Two children sit outdoors holding small fairy figurines in their hands.
  • Children walk across a fallen tree trunk extending over a stream.

About this provider

Growing Up Green is more than just a nature school; it is a place where children learn to see their natural environment as the ideal setting for exploration, discovery, and inquiry.

How to join

Register for an annual GUG Family Membership (in lieu of enrollment or application fees)

Enroll: Growing Up Green Nature School

Program type
School, Homeschool program, Drop-in care
Approach
Nature-based learning, the Reggio Emilia approach, Forest Schools, and Waldkindergartens

Philosophy

GUG emphasizes purposeful and productive developmentally appropriate play-based experiences to help children grow in a holistic way — physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually. Immersed in the outdoors, children spontaneously inquire, communicate, enjoy and actively explore their world with energy, enthusiasm and excitement.

A typical day

10 -10:45- Flexible drop-off time — we rotate between playing outdoors or inside the bus depending on weather and children’s interests. 10:45- Snack, calendar, learning activities 11:30- Nature play or bus play 12:15- Lunch and story inside bus or outdoors 12:45- Bathroom, pack up backpacks, transition to gully/pond area for nature play 2:00- Pickup time

Classrooms and ratios

Classrooms
Monday Nature School (six students, ages 3.5 - 6 years)
Ratio or class size
Ten students (Thursday Homeschool Class); 20 kids (Friday Fun Nights)

Cost and payment

Published cost
$30 GUG annual membership
How families pay
Membership
Child-care subsidy
Does not accept subsidy