Nature as the Classroom
Children learn through daily outdoor exploration, gardening, pond life, seasonal changes, and time on the Barton Creek Greenbelt.
welcome to EverWild
A childhood rooted in wonder, nature, and belonging.
EverWild is a boutique nature preschool in Austin for children ages 3–6, offering play-based, child-centered learning on the Barton Creek Greenbelt.
Small mixed-age groups · Loving guidance · Outdoor exploration
Now Enrolling
2026–2027 school year
our approach
More than preschool. A living classroom.
At EverWild, children spend their days moving, exploring, creating, caring for animals, building friendships, and discovering the natural world through hands-on experience.
Small, Loving Community
A boutique mixed-age group allows children to feel known, supported, and connected.
Play-Based Learning
Unstructured play is where children build confidence, creativity, problem-solving, and social skills.
Real School Readiness
Early literacy, math, phonics, emotional regulation, independence, and curiosity through meaningful rhythms.
"Mama, can I go to Ms. Sarah's everyday?"
— WILDER, AGE 7
for the child who…
For children who need room to move, wonder, and grow.
EverWild is especially well-suited for curious, active, imaginative children who thrive with fresh air, sensory-rich play, caring guidance, and meaningful connection.
A good fit for families looking for:
- More outdoor time and less screen-based childhood
- A smaller, warmer alternative to traditional preschool
- A balance of nature, play, early academics, and emotional development
- A teacher who knows each child deeply
- A childhood that feels alive, not rushed
a day at everwild
A gentle rhythm. A wild-hearted day.
Each day follows a predictable rhythm while leaving room for discovery, weather, children's interests, and the living world around us.
- 9:00
Arrival & Social Play
Settling in through collaborative play, imaginative centers, and connection with friends.
- 9:20
Morning Circle
Songs, phonemic awareness, early math, calendar, group lessons, and intention-setting.
- 9:40
Nature Exploration
Greenbelt walks, scavenger hunts, pond visits, wildlife observation, fort building, biking.
- 10:00
Picnic Snack
A healthy pause for fruit, hydration, and connection.
- 10:15
Nature-Based Projects
Hands-on science, art with natural materials, gardening, shelters, animal care.
- 12:10
Lunch
Children bring lunch and eat together.
- 1:00
Storytime & Restful Rhythm
Stories, quiet activities, nap/rest options, and literacy centers.
- 1:20
Literacy & Individual Instruction
Phonics, math games, fine motor work, early reading, writing, and one-on-one support.
- 2:15
Outdoor Play
Mud kitchen, treehouse, pond play, clay, painting, gardening, and animal care.
- 3:00
Dismissal
Hugs, handoffs, and stories to take home.
activities
The curriculum is alive.
Children learn through the real textures of childhood: mud, eggs, water, leaves, stories, songs, tools, friendships, and questions.
Greenbelt Hikes
Daily movement, observation, and exploration.
Gardening
Planting, tending, harvesting, and caring for living things.
Animal Care
Chickens, ducks, bunny care, and seasonal hatching.
Pond Life
Tadpoles, snails, crawdads, koi, and dragonfly nymphs.
Mud, Clay & Sand
Sensory play, fine motor, creativity, and natural materials.
Art Outside
Painting, building, fairy houses, forts, and nature projects.
philosophy
Child-led. Nature-rooted. Teacher-guided.
EverWild is inspired by Scandinavian Forest School traditions and the Reggio Emilia approach. Children are seen as capable, curious, and competent learners who build knowledge through meaningful hands-on experiences.
1
The Child Is Capable
Children gain confidence when they are trusted to explore, ask questions, solve problems, and take age-appropriate risks.
2
Nature Is the Teacher
Forests, ponds, gardens, weather, animals, and natural materials offer endless opportunities for discovery.
3
Relationships Come First
A loving, respectful environment helps children develop empathy, communication, self-regulation, and belonging.
Multiple Teacher of the Year honors
meet your teacher
Sarah Culpepper Chen, M.Ed.
Award-winning educator. Nature lover. Mother. Guide.
Sarah brings 18 years of teaching experience, a master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Montessori training, reading specialization, dyslexia training, and a deep love for helping children grow in confidence, character, and curiosity.
She has received multiple Teacher of the Year awards, including recognition in Eanes ISD, and has taught in several countries with UNHCR. Her approach blends professional expertise with warmth, intuition, and a genuine calling to work with children.
M.Ed. Early Childhood Education18 Years TeachingMontessori CertifiedDyslexia + Orton-GillinghamCPR & First Aid CertifiedFormer Teacher of the Year
Read Sarah's Storymoments with sarah
in the classroom & beyond
From hatching ducklings to dress-up days — Sarah brings whimsy, warmth, and wonder to every moment.
trust & safety
Wild does not mean careless.
EverWild gives children space to stretch, climb, explore, and take appropriate risks within a thoughtful, loving, and supervised environment.
Small Group Care
Children are known individually and guided with close attention.
Appropriate Risk-Taking
Climbing, balancing, tools, and uneven terrain build judgment, courage, and resilience.
Social-Emotional Support
Daily practice of communication, conflict resolution, empathy, and self-regulation.
Prepared for the Elements
Families are guided on weather-appropriate clothing, footwear, sun protection, water, and gear.
tuition
Simple schedule. Flexible enrollment.
For the 2026–2027 school year, EverWild operates Monday through Friday Families may register for 1, 2, or 3 days per week, with priority given to full enrollment. Daily hours are 8:30am-2:30pm with the option to enroll in early-bird drop off at 8am or Stay and Play to 3:30pm.
Daily Tuition
$67
per day, per child
Monday through Friday. Or choose 1, 2, or 3 days.
Supply Fee
$150
per semester
Art materials, garden tools, animal care, and seasonal projects.
Registration
$0
no registration fee
Priority given to families enrolling for the full 3-day week.
SUMMER 2027
Summer Nature Camp
Seasonal summer camp offers children a joyful way to explore nature, build friendships, and spend meaningful time outdoors.
questions
Frequently asked.
Don't see your question? Reach out — Sarah will personally reply.
come visit us
Ready to see if EverWild is the right fit for your child?
We'd love to meet your family, answer your questions, and help you imagine what your child's days could feel like here.
Austin, TX · Barton Creek Greenbelt