Balch Nature School

The Balch Nature School is a fully licensed, 4-STAR preschool providing nature-based learning at the Fairbanks Museum for children ages 3 to 5.

We offer 2, 3, 4, and 5 day/week attendance options, as well as after-care. The Balch Nature School accepts Universal Pre-K Vouchers.

We believe children are born with a desire to explore and understand the natural world, and that early experiences with nature set a precedent for lifelong learning and well-being. We are committed to supporting and building on every child's innate interest in exploring the natural world.

We provide children with special nature-centered opportunities to learn about themselves, the world, life, and our curriculum response to students' interests.  We offer students a range of "real" materials--water, soil, rocks, plants, snow.  Balch children learn by doing; they play in the mud, climb on logs, follow insects, and plant seeds.

Students must be fully toilet trained for this drop-off program.

• Classes meet in the Balch Nature School indoor/outdoor space at the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium in St. Johnsbury, interspersed with local field trips. 
• We spend time outdoors each day.
• We offer a quality environment that meets preschoolers' developmental needs, while inspiring a connection with nature.
• Maximum class size is 12 students.

Contact Carolyn Guest, Balch Nature Preschool lead teacher, to find out more.

For application and financial information, click here.

Also available at the Balch Nature School is the Nature Buddies program for children 0-6 and their parents.  Click here for more information on this engaging and fun playgroup!