Nature based program for preschoolers, ages 3 and 4.
Outdoor learning on 107 acres of forest, fields, farm, streams and a pond. Ketcha is tucked between the seashore and the salt marshes of Scarborough, Maine.
September through May our students are active in the outdoors learning while playing, hiking, gardening, and helping at the farm. Play based learning is fostered with long blocks of time for our students to immerse in our many nature settings. We provide the freedom and supports needed for child led exploration, exciting discoveries, imagination and creativity, risk taking, problem solving, socializing and sometimes even just relaxing into mindful moments.
We follow students’ interests and excitement to pursue topics and develop project based activities. We combine emergent topics with nature lessons to fulfill our mission for place based environmental learning preparing them for a lifetime of stewardship and sustainability. To further support learning in the area of emergent literacy our circle times feature letter of the week lessons on bugs and birds, farming, weather, seasons, plants and animals of Maine, connections and cycles of nature, geography, geology, and more.
Program Hours & Schedule
- Morning Sessions: 8:30am – 12:00pm
- Extended Days: 12:00pm – 4:00pm
- Tuesday – Friday
The Tuesday through Thursday morning program is a 3 day minimum schedule. Optional extensions are offered for each afternoon (Tuesday to Friday) from noon to 4pm. The extended day enrollments are on a monthly per-day basis. For example you could register for the 3 mornings and just one afternoon, or all four mornings and 2 afternoons. Fridays can be added to the Tuesday through Thursday schedule. We offer Fridays as a stand alone single day option.
Payment Policies
- Tuition payments are due on the first of each month starting August 1st and ending April 1st. A $25 fee will be charged for late payments.
- Monthly payments are equalized. The number of program days per month varies depending on holidays.
Registration
A visit is required before registration. When registering only check off September. This will hold your spot for the whole school year through May. Our system is set up as monthly sessions for payment processing. You need only pay $70 to hold your spot. Of that, $20 is a once yearly administration charge and the other $50 will be credited to your first month’s tuition. Enrollment is open throughout the year based on availability.