What ages do you accept?
Children ages 3–5.
Does my child need to be potty trained?
Yes. Children must be toilet-proficient — they know when they have to go and can communicate it. (Going outdoors is a celebrated option here.)
Is Dr. Dodge's a preschool or a pre-K?
Both. Younger children begin with us at three, and our oldest students complete their pre-kindergarten (pre-K) year here — with deliberate kindergarten preparation in literacy, mathematics, science, and social-emotional skills woven through our nature-based days.
What does 'nature-based preschool' mean?
Nature is our primary classroom. Children learn through hands-on exploration of the woods, gardens, water, and real world — with a deliberate curriculum for literacy, math, science, and social-emotional growth woven through the experience.
How much time do children spend outside?
Most of every day, in every season. We come inside our geodesic dome for rest, severe weather, and some projects.
What happens when it rains?
We put on rain gear and go find puddles. Rainy days are some of our best mud-kitchen and stream-science days.
What about winter?
We're outside all winter — sledding, tracking animals, investigating ice. Children dressed properly are warm and happy, and we help families get the layering right. We don't close on snow days.
What happens during extreme weather?
In severe conditions (dangerous cold, lightning, high winds), we move into our warm, light-filled geodesic dome classroom.
Where do you go on field trips?
Maine's forests, beaches, tide pools, farms, gardens, preserves, and museums — recent favorites include Dodge Point, Reid State Park, the Cathance River, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, and even a schooner ride. We take at least two adventures every week.
How are children transported?
In our 15-passenger Ford Econoline. Every child rides in their own car seat, strapped into the seats.
What does a typical day look like?
Our day follows a reliable rhythm: arrive, gather, wonder, explore, nourish, rest, create, wander, home. See A Day at Dr. Dodge's for the full picture.
Do children nap or rest?
Yes — after lunch, children rest, nap, or enjoy books and quiet activities.
Do you provide meals or snacks?
Tuition includes daily snacks — often harvested and prepared with the children from our own gardens. Families pack a lunch and a labeled water bottle daily.
How do you teach letters and numbers?
Through the world: a letter of the week explored via nature hunts, stories, movement, and sound play; math practiced daily with acorns, stones, sorting, and counting. Skills are woven into investigations children care about.
How do you prepare children for kindergarten?
Dr. Dodge's graduates know their letters and numbers — and how to ask questions, take safe risks, manage big feelings, and work with friends. Confidence and curiosity are the best kindergarten prep there is.
How do you handle challenging behavior?
With respect, connection, and consistency. We treat behavior as communication, coach emotional regulation in the moment, and partner closely with families. Children here are known well, which prevents most challenges before they start.
How do you support social-emotional development?
It's one of our six core learning areas: belonging, confidence, empathy, and care are practiced daily — in morning affirmations, in conflict resolution on the trail, and in genuine friendships.
How do you communicate with families?
All day through the Brightwheel family app — photos and updates arrive as the day unfolds, so you see the discoveries while they're happening — plus messaging with teachers, and The Weekly Wander, our family newsletter sharing what we're investigating and why.
What should children wear?
Weather-appropriate layers, head to toe — we provide a seasonal gear list at enrollment. Dressed right, children are comfortable outdoors in every season.
What is your class size?
A maximum of twelve children.
What is your teacher-to-child ratio?
6:1.
What are your tuition and payment policies?
Tuition is $1,200/month for the 3-day program and $1,700/month for the 5-day program, including field trips, materials, and daily snacks. Tuition is billed monthly, and withdrawal requires 30 days' written notice. See Programs + Tuition for details.
Do you offer sibling discounts?
Yes — siblings receive a 10% tuition discount.
Can children start mid-year?
Yes. We enroll on a rolling basis — children may begin any time a spot is available. Apply here.
Do you offer summer programming?
Yes — summer nature camp runs from the end of the school year in June straight through to the start of school in September, with 3-day and 5-day options. See Summer Camp.
How do I schedule a tour?
Email contact@ddnatureschool.com and we'll arrange a time for you and your child to visit together.
How does the waitlist work?
When programs fill, we keep a waitlist and contact families the moment a spot opens, in order. We're always honest about likely timing.
Come See For Yourself
Ready to wander with us?
The best way to understand Dr. Dodge's is to walk the trails, step inside the dome, and picture your child here. Tours are offered to prospective families as part of our admissions process.
To schedule, email contact@ddnatureschool.com — we’ll find a time for you and your child to visit together.