Nature and Farm-Based Preschools in California
1. Sunbeam Nature School – Petaluma, CA
Sunbeam Nature School is a parent cooperative program for children ages 2–6, set on a working farm practicing regenerative agriculture. Children engage in outdoor play, gardening, and animal care, fostering a deep connection to nature. The program emphasizes child-led learning and community involvement. Sunbeam Nature Schoo
2. Blue Lotus Nature School – Fallbrook & Temecula, CA
Blue Lotus Nature School offers secular outdoor education programs for PreK and elementary students. With locations in Fallbrook and Temecula, children learn in barns and through park-based forest school activities, focusing on sustainability and community. BLNS 2025
3. Free Range Farm School – Murrieta, CA
Located on a 26-acre farm in the Santa Rosa Plateau, Free Range Farm School provides hands-on education for children, teaching them about agriculture, farm animals, and sustainability. The program includes various schedules to accommodate different needs. Free Range Farm School
4. Farm School OC – San Juan Capistrano & Irvine, CA
Farm School OC offers immersive farm-to-school programs for children ages 15 months to 12 years. Children engage in activities like gardening, animal care, and sustainable farming practices, promoting empathy and environmental stewardship. Farm School OC
5. WILD ROOTS Forest School – Santa Barbara, CA
WILD ROOTS provides fully outdoor, nature-based preschool and kindergarten programs. Children explore the natural world through mixed-age learning, fostering curiosity and a strong connection to the environment. WILD ROOTS FOREST SCHOOL
6. Spencer Creek Farm School – Eugene, CA
Spencer Creek Farm School offers a farm-focused curriculum for children ages 3–6, emphasizing outdoor education, gardening, and animal care. The program encourages community building and environmental responsibility. Spencer Creek Farm School
7. Neptune Nature School – Alameda, CA
Neptune Nature School utilizes the natural settings of the East Bay as classrooms, offering an enriched learning environment for preschool-aged children. The program focuses on exploration, imagination, and ecological literacy. website
8. Nature Kin Farm and Forest School – Crabtree Farms, CA
Nature Kin offers seasonal programs that integrate farm and forest experiences for children, promoting compassion, ecological awareness, and community involvement. The school emphasizes inclusivity and hands-on learning. Nature Kin Farm and Forest School
9. Ventura County Farm School – Ventura County, CA
Ventura County Farm School provides outdoor classrooms where children engage with fruit trees, vegetable gardens, and farm animals. The program fosters a love for science and the outdoors through interactive learning experiences. farm-school+1Tiny Farmers Academy+1
10. Tiny Farmers Academy – Manteca, CA
Tiny Farmers Academy offers farm-enriched curriculum for young children, combining academic learning with farm-based activities. Children participate in gardening, animal care, and various outdoor activities, promoting holistic development.