Our Classes for 2026-2027
All admissions information contained here, including class age requirements and class groupings, is updated for the 2026-2027 year.
TCGP’s program offers deeply heart-centered, Waldorf-inspired “living arts” education and a nature-based curriculum via daily outdoor and indoor programming. We primarily use our play garden yard, outdoor classroom and Grant Park, for nourishing care and learning. Though vastly an outdoor program, we also use our beautiful indoor classrooms for parts of the class rhythm most days and of course, anytime we experience inclement weather.
All enrolled children are required to have seasonal-specific outdoor gear with a personal supply list provided by the school well in advance of the school year. See the current year’s list below.
Regarding a child starting preschool and, in our view, the primary criterion of eligibility is the child’s emotional readiness to be separated from their parents. All placement decisions for admissions are determined by The Children’s Garden teaching staff based on a child’s age and development, any previous preschool experience and personality. When forming our classes, careful thought is given to the class make-up as a whole, striving for a healthy balance of gender, age and temperaments.
Class (by age grouping) and program days are shared below for the coming school year:
TWO YEAR OLDS – 3 mornings/week* (Starlings). Children are generally already 2 years of age before the school year begins, or “on the cusp” and turning 2 by October 15, 2026, to enroll in this class. Children may be in diapers/pull-ups or progressing with their pottying in this class grouping. A young 3 year old (late summer birthday) not yet ready for the older class may be considered for this class, too.
*OLDER STARLINGS close to age three or turning 3 during the summer – 4 mornings/week (Starlings). These children are independent with their toileting (can initiate their needs with adults comfortably and use the potty with autonomy) and possess an ease and stamina to be outside all day in movement with a larger group of older peers. A child who qualifies for this placement may be enrolled on an individual basis, after consultation with Sally. 4-morning Starlings join the Friday class of mixed-age children for Friday Parkdays, a fully outdoor day. A limited number of 4-morning spots are available.
- Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday mornings each week, 9:15am to 12:45pm; Friday Park days, 9am to1pm
- Child-teacher ratio is 10:2 (maximum Tu-Th)
THREE YEAR to FIVE YEAR OLDS (Mixed-Age, Owls & Robins). Children must be a minimum of 3 years of age or older before July 1, 2026. Children ready for this class need to be able to comfortably initiate their own needs regarding self-care and help, including toileting, for the pace and stamina of the mixed-age class. This class grouping is made up of Three’s (Robins) & Pre-K to K age (Owls) children who spend 2 mornings/week in Grant Park, outdoors, hiking, moving, playing, carrying backpacks with personal gear. Teachers carry outdoor travel potties and supplies. Kindergarteners whose parents wish for their 5 year old to stay an extra year are welcome to apply for enrollment in this class.
- Monday-Friday mornings each week, 9am to 1pm
- Child-teacher ratio is 14:2 (maximum M-Th); 16:2 (maximum Friday Park days)
2026-2027 Open Enrollment Information & Application and Open House of Family Visits (new families)
EXTENDED DAY (AFTERCARE). For enrolled children, this offering starts August 5, 2026 (first day of school for 2026-2027 year), from 1pm to 4pm daily. Aftercare is provided by a trained TCG teacher, who operates aftercare each afternoon, independent of the school. A regular reserved enrollment for 3, 4 or 5 days is required. However, there is a drop-in option on days any space is available. Children in aftercare will bring lunch from home; following lunch, clean up and potty, there is rest time (quiet time OR nap time for children who are still napping). Families currently enrolled in aftercare have priority for 2026-2027 aftercare enrollment. Aftercare is completely separate from TCG programming. See more information here: Extended Day (Aftercare)
Admission to The Children’s Garden Preschool is open to children regardless of race, creed, religion, color or national origin.
Your Child’s Personal Supply List- daily & by the season (updated annually)
