San Diego, California · Ages 2–6
Rooted in Wonder
Flourishing in Nature
A 100% outdoor early childhood school where children ages 2–6 learn through the living world around them.
We open
Sept 8th
2026–2027
Our Philosophy
Children belong outside.
Every single day.
At Wild Sprouts, we believe the natural world is the richest classroom there is. Mud, wind, birdsong, and the slow turning of seasons — these are not distractions from learning. They are the substance of it.
We are small by design, and we intend to stay that way. Small groups mean teachers who are truly present, children who feel genuinely known, and a community built on real relationships.
We hold space for children to be unhurried, curious, and deeply themselves — rooted in the earth beneath their feet and open to everything the sky has to offer.
Why Nature School
What the outdoors gives children that a classroom simply can't.
Nature schools have been around for decades, but interest has grown significantly in recent years — and for good reason. The benefits of outdoor early childhood education go far beyond fresh air. Here is what the research shows.
Physical Health
Bodies that move, immune systems that strengthen.
Harvard Health Publishing recommends at least one hour of outdoor time daily for children. Enrolling in a nature school guarantees that and more — every single day. And because learning happens outside, children are far less likely to pass illness between one another than in a traditional indoor setting.
Creativity & Resilience
Imagination runs wild. Stress doesn't stand a chance.
When children are given unstructured time in nature, they become remarkably creative — following their own leads, using loose natural materials to explore math, science, and problem solving. Research from Early Learning Adventures shows that consistent time outdoors also builds lasting resilience to stress, not just temporary relief.
Social & Verbal Skills
Kinder, calmer, more connected.
Outdoor play has been shown to improve impulse control and reduce aggression — creating the conditions for richer social interactions and stronger verbal development. Exercise in natural environments increases blood flow to the brain and stimulates the neurotransmitters children need for learning, attention, and emotional regulation.
Our Approach
100% Outdoors
Rain, shine, or marine layer — every day is an outdoor day. Children thrive when they are trusted with the full range of weather and season.
Who We Serve
Ages 2–6
The earliest years are the most formative. We meet children exactly where they are — curious, embodied, and ready to explore.
Where We Are
San Diego, CA
San Diego's mild climate and rich natural landscapes make it one of the finest places on earth for year-round outdoor childhood.
A Day at Wild Sprouts
Morning
The circle opens the day
Each morning begins the same way — children and teachers gathering in a circle beneath the open sky. Songs, stories, a moment of quiet. The day's rhythm is set not by a bell, but by the breath of the group.
Midday
The world is the classroom
Trails become laboratories. Logs become bridges. A patch of clover becomes an hour of careful observation. Children follow their curiosity without interruption — and in that following, they learn everything.
Afternoon
Hands in the earth
The mud kitchen is never empty. Pouring, mixing, building, tasting (sometimes). Sensory play is not a break from learning — it is the deepest kind of learning there is.
Open Enrollment