Dr. Dodge's Nature Preschool
Now Accepting 2025 Class Applications
Ages 3-5
Opening 2025
Holistic Nature education
Nature-based, Play-based, Child-led curriculum comprised of borrowings from Waldorf and Montessori. Your child will have a daily job comprised of learning skills such as reading, counting, and fine motor coordination
Weekly field trips: hikes, library, sledding, beach
Your child will explore many trails in our local area as well as discover new books during our weekly library visits
Gardening
We have a greenhouse and garden beds where your child will participate in planting, caring for, and learning about plants.
Enrichment
Our enrichment programs consist of music, dance, yoga, arts & crafts, mindfulness & meditation within a serene and safe environment
5:1 Ratio
A 5:1 ratio helps promote individualized attention and child-led learning.
Large fenced in play area
We heavily value your child's safety.We have a large enclosed play area for daily outdoors time
Responsibility
Your child will learn responsibility through daily chores such as filling bird feeders, feeding chickens, caring for the garden, preparing snacks, and taking care of their space by cleaning up after themselves
No screen time
our focus lies in igniting the imagination of our students during their time with us. We do have a single screen for viewing our wild life cameras and bird feeder camera during our morning circle time
BrightWheel App
We use the Brightwheel app for all communications and payments. You will receive daily videos and updates
Registered nurse on site
We have two registered nurses living on-site who are available for both field trips and day-to-day classes.
Our Mission:
is to protect the innocence of childhood. To respectfully provide a dynamic natural environment to deepen the child’s relationship with nature, and to encourage every students innate curiosity.
Our Philosophy:
Our philosophy is simple. Respect children and their emotions, listen to them, engage them, embolden them. We support every child to reach their full potential in all facets of their life, and encourage them to become the moral leaders of the future
What is nature school?
Nature school embodies an immersive outdoor education approach where students explore natural environments to cultivate personal, social, and technical skills. It encapsulates an inspiring journey, providing children, with consistent opportunities for hands-on learning amidst woodland surroundings. Operating as both a pedagogical philosophy and a tangible institution, the term 'nature school' seamlessly intertwines the educational approach with its physical manifestation.​
Infrastructure
At our outdoor daycare, we believe that nature is the best classroom. Our program is run on our land, which provides a rich and welcoming natural environment for children to thrive. While the daycare is located on our property, it is not inside our home—we have a separate geodesic dome designed specifically for the preschool. This unique structure offers a cozy, weather-safe space for rest, snacks, and indoor activities, while maintaining a close connection to the outdoors.
Children have access to acres of land to explore, including a large fenced-in play area, a hammock circle, a play set, and winding nature paths. These thoughtfully designed spaces encourage hands-on learning, movement, and imaginative play in a secure, stimulating environment.
The land surrounding our program serves as the heart of our curriculum, where children engage in meaningful outdoor experiences—from nature walks and gardening to fort building and seasonal exploration. These activities foster curiosity, creativity, physical development, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
Safety and comfort are always top priorities. Our nature-based setting provides a nurturing and consistent atmosphere where children can build trusting relationships with caregivers and peers. We also place a strong emphasis on community, offering regular family events and activities that strengthen our connections and celebrate the shared joy of outdoor learning.
Meet the Owners & teachers
Andie
Co-Founder and teacher, andie dodge, is a former scientist with a doctorate in neuroscience. She graduated with her bachelor's from Virginia tech at 18 years of age and her doctorate at 24 years of age. She completed post doctorates at both NYU & tufts focusing on Alzheimer's and parkinson's therapeutics. Following an immediate family member becoming ill, Andie moved to be with her family in maine. This transition has led her to realizing her true passion of integrating science and educating youth. She believes nature can serve as an incredible teacher, nurturing creativity, resilience, and problem-solving skills. her background in neuroscience enriches her understanding of child development, helping her create a curriculum that promotes cognitive and emotional growth rooted in the wonders of the outdoors.
Meagan
Co-Founder and teacher, Meagan Dodge Loves bringing life to creativity and imagination. Earning a degree in music education and working in the fitness industry for nearly a decade, meagan is excited to foster Children's exploration in music and movement. meagan has years of experience balancing safety with freedom to play as a former lifeguard and camp counselor. She is excited to provide playful activities using the outdoors as the perfect teacher to hone proprioceptive development.
Tom
With a lifelong commitment to care and community, Thomas Dodge brings a wealth of experience and a calm, steady presence to our nature preschool team. Before joining our teaching staff, Thomas spent his entire professional career as an ICU nurse, where he supported patients and families with compassion, focus, and resilience.
Thomas also served as the staff nurse at Chewonki, a nature-based educational organization in Maine, where he combined his medical expertise with a deep appreciation for outdoor learning. His love of nature and adventure began early, as a soccer coach and ski instructor in his younger years, and continues to shape the way he supports children’s growth and exploration today.
Whether guiding forest walks, tending to scraped knees, or helping children build confidence in the outdoors, Thomas brings a unique blend of nurturing care, outdoor knowledge, and playful energy to each day. He’s especially passionate about helping young children develop empathy, resilience, and a lifelong connection to the natural world.
Abbie
Abbie Dodge brings warmth, energy, and a natural gift for connecting with young children to our preschool community. A devoted mother to two young children—a toddler and a newborn—Abbie understands firsthand the rhythms, needs, and joys of early childhood.Currently pursuing her nursing degree, Abbie is passionate about both nurturing others and lifelong learning. Her background includes experience as a children’s snowboarding instructor, where she helped young learners build confidence, coordination, and a love for outdoor adventure.An avid traveler, Abbie brings a spirit of curiosity and openness to everything she does, encouraging children to explore the world around them with wonder and enthusiasm. Whether it's through imaginative play in the woods, quiet moments of reflection, or joyful movement, Abbie fosters an environment where each child feels seen, supported, and inspired to grow.
Debbie
Debbie brings a lifetime of care, dedication, and hands-on experience to our preschool community. A retired nurse and devoted mother of three, Debbie has spent her career nurturing others with compassion, patience, and a deep sense of responsibility. Her background in healthcare gives her a unique perspective on child wellness and safety, and her experience raising children has instilled in her a calm, confident presence that helps little ones feel secure and understood.
Debbie is passionate about supporting children’s emotional growth and fostering a joyful, respectful environment where they can thrive. Whether she’s exploring nature trails with curious preschoolers or offering a quiet moment of comfort, Debbie’s gentle guidance helps children feel seen, heard, and valued every day.
