Thrive Forest School - Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve

Preschool without walls

We are Louisville’s first nature-based preschool, nestled in the beautiful woodlands of Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve. We’ve removed the walls and brought child-led, exploratory learning to where it makes the most impact: outside. Forest schools (also known as “forest kindergartens”) have been well established for over 50 years and are among the fastest growing models in early-childhood education. Why? Because they work. Development and learning are enhanced when children are given the space and confidence to follow their curiosities, engage with peers, stimulate all senses, and test their limits. This fosters a love of learning which will serve them well beyond primary school and into their adult lives.

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More Physical Activity

During forest school sessions, both boys and girls are significantly more physically active than they are at a regular school, and their activity is both more intense and more prolonged. Physical activity from outdoor play can in turn contribute to better motor skills.

(SOURCE: MARKET WATCH)

Less Fidgeting

At forest school, active children are easily able to burn off excess energy, which can be particularly beneficial to children with ADHD. Researchers have also found that nature has a soothing, restorative effect that makes it easier for children to focus in a natural area or after spending time in one. And the more natural the area, the stronger the effect.

More Imaginative

Nature is the perfect setting for dramatic play and abounds with open-ended play materials like pine cones, rocks, sticks, logs, sand and leaves that encourage children’s imaginations to run wild. These creative skills are essential for problem-solving and succeeding at school and life later. Also, natural spaces are not gender-coded, which encourages boys and girls to play together.

Judging Risk

Children who are allowed to take risks in nature, for example by climbing trees, using tools and being near fire, naturally learn how to manage those risks. Risky play is also believed to nurture adventurousness and cultivate resilience and self-reliance, both traits that can help children overcome challenges.

Desire to Protect Nature

Children who spend time in nature have a better understanding of how it works and become emotionally attached to it. Several researchers have showed that this makes them more likely to want to protect nature later in life.

What do parents say?

“When you pick up your child and they are running toward you with a huge smile on their face – that is enough to make you love a place. I see my children’s confidence, body awareness and ability to evaluate risk in their daily lives. Our trust in Thrive has been built with child-centered care, well-equipped staff, thoughtful updates, and happy self-assured children.” – Katie K.

“Wyatt started with Thrive Forest Preschool 4 years ago and is still enjoying many of those friendships today in Afternoon Adventurers. I see extraordinary personal growth in our son. He went from a timid kid watching in the background to leading the other children in play. Thrive is part of our family, I can’t recommend it enough!” – Ariel F.

“We started with Thrive in the Acorns program when my daughter was 2 as our first opportunity to have open play with a group of her peers. She blossomed! We signed up for preschool and camp as soon as she turned three and our experiences with all have been fantastic! So glad we found this program and cannot recommend highly enough.” – Rebecca W.

“We have two kids at Thrive, and we love it so much. The environment is always one of gentleness and kindness. The teachers and directors all embody these virtues, and I can see this same gentle kindness in my kids more and more every day. It is so reassuring to know my sons are in good hands, and that they have so many beautiful kind souls to look up to as role models.” –Lindsey L.