We strive to inspire wonder, curiosity and connection with the natural world through playful exploration and meaningful community.
Weather
Student safety is our number one priority. Courses will be moved indoors for part or all of the class when the forecast includes…
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Severe weather
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Heat index above 90° F
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Wind chill below 0° F
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Heavy rain with a wind chill below 45° F
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Wind gusts above 35 mph
Classes are cancelled if Comstock Park Public Schools issues a snow day. We have one scheduled make up day (per class day of the week) at the end of the school year.
Risks
“An indoor childhood does reduce some dangers to children; but other risks are heightened, including risks to physical and psychological health, risk to children’s concept and perception of community, risk to self-confidence and the ability to discern true danger.”
-Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods
Tuition
We don’t want tuition to feel out of reach for any family. Make sure to reach out to create a customized plan that will work with your family's budget.
Sprouts Parent/Child Class (ages 2-4)
Fall and Spring Only
$745 per student*
Saplings Nature Preschool (ages 3-4)
$1890 per student*
Wilderness School Courses
Nature Mentorship (ages 13-18)
$1640 per student*
*An additional $150 deposit is due per student
*Discovery is a community partner with all the local home school partnerships. Reach out for more information.
Flexible Tuition Pricing
Annual Family Income
$0-$30,000- 20% off
$30,000-50,000- 15% off
$50,000-70,000- 10% off
$70,001-90,000- 5% off
Above $90,000- Standard Tuition
Sibling Discount:
$35 off additional students from the same household
FAQs
Are kids outside, no matter the weather?
For the most part, yes! Basically, we'll be outside as long as we're safe. We have the option to bring our nature study indoors if the conditions change or students become too cold/wet to continue outside. Most days we will be outside for the full class time. Other days we will start outside and come in when necessary.
How can I get help with tuition?
We don’t want tuition to feel out of reach for any family. Students have the option to utilize Home School Partnerships to fund DWS Courses. In addition, DWS offers income-based tuition reduction, payment plans, early payment discounts, and volunteer opportunities for parents to make tuition more affordable. Our goal is to never turn away a family due to tuition cost. Make sure to reach out to create a customized plan that will work with your family's budget before registering.
The class I want to register for is full. What should I do?
Please register for the wait list. We use the wait list to know when/if we should open another section for a class. You do not need to pay the deposit to register for the wait list. If a spot in the class opens up, you will automatically be sent an email that will allow you to join the class. An email will be sent to the next person on the wait list two days later, if you haven't claimed your spot in the class.
Where do classes meet?
Courses are held at Little Pine Island Camp in Comstock Park.
Are classes per year or seasonal?
All classes are one year long. When you enroll in a class, you are enrolling in a one-year program (Fall, Winter and Spring).
Is there work outside of class?
There is no mandatory work outside of class. Each week, we will email out our newsletter with a few optional extension activities that you may choose to do at home. This is meant to support you in your schooling at home, not to burden you in any way.
Can parents come too?
The Sprouts classes for ages 2-4 is a parent/child class. Babies are always welcome for no fee. For older student courses - Saplings, Redbuds, Willows, Maples, and Cedars, students are encouraged to learn independent from parents to promote social connection with their peers. Reach out if your child has a unique need and you'd like to participate in class each week.
Will restrooms be available?
At Little Pine Island Camp, we rent facilities that include restrooms. Before dropping off your student at their outdoor classroom, we ask that they "try to go" so they don't miss out on important class time. We also teach and encourage "wild wees," appropriately using the restroom in the forest. This is a valuable skill for both boys and girls, so we teach, but never force, a student to "go" outside. We have a scheduled restroom break during lunch for younger students. Older students are able to go in groups to the restroom if necessary.
Are snacks/lunch provided?
In the Saplings Nature Preschool class, we provide their daily snack.
For all other classes, students are asked to bring their own lunch, snacks, and water bottles. On occasion, we might eat or drink tea from plants foraged from our outdoor classroom, under the direct supervision of our knowledgeable instructors.
What gear is provided?
Students are asked to come dressed in layers, ready for a day outside. We do not provide gear, but do help guide parents in what to buy and how to dress for different weather.
Will my child be safe in an outdoor classroom?
Student safety is our number one concern. Even though we allow students much freedom to explore, young children are never out of sight. In addition, we teach basic safety skills to students so they know how far they may go from an adult, how high they may climb, and what to do if they need help. Our staff members are certified in first-aid and CPR skills, and always have access to a phone in case of an emergency. Click here to read more about risks associated with an outdoor classroom.
My child has allergies/health/medical condition or disability. Can s/he participate?
Every child benefits from being out in nature. Often, being outdoors is a calming environment and students with special needs thrive in the outdoor classroom. We want to learn more about your child and find a way to make it work! Please contact us and we will make a plan together.
