Nurturing Curiosity Through Nature and Play-Based Learning

Time outdoors is a valued and consistent part of every child’s day at Piedmont Progressive Preschool. We prioritize outdoor play every day—rain or shine—because fresh air, movement, and connection to the natural world support healthy development and joyful learning.

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Children explore our natural playground, tend raised garden beds, observe seasonal changes, and engage in open-ended outdoor play that encourages curiosity, resilience, and care for the earth. Through gardening and nature exploration, children develop a sense of responsibility, wonder, and respect for living things.

Nature is an essential context for learning, reflection, and growth within our program.

Our classrooms are warm, inviting, and thoughtfully designed to support play-based, child-led learning. Teachers curate a rotating selection of centers, loose parts, and open-ended materials that invite exploration, creativity, and problem-solving. Children are encouraged to follow their interests, make choices, and engage deeply in their play.

In our three- and four-year-old and four- and five-year-old classes, children are introduced to hands-on experiences such as woodworking during the second semester. Using real tools with close guidance, these developmentally appropriate activities support coordination, perseverance, and confidence—while honoring each child’s readiness.

As children grow, learning naturally expands. In our four- and five-year-old classroom, teachers intentionally support gentle kindergarten readiness through meaningful play, group experiences, and daily routines. Children build foundational skills such as collaboration, communication, early literacy awareness, and independence—without shifting away from a play-based, child-led approach.

At Piedmont Progressive Preschool, learning is grounded in relationships. We foster a close-knit school community where children feel safe, seen, and supported, and where social-emotional growth, empathy, and collaboration are nurtured each day.

Meaningful traditions are intentionally woven into the rhythm of our program, honoring the changing seasons and creating continuity throughout the year. Through shared rituals, seasonal celebrations, and recurring experiences, children build a sense of belonging and connection—to one another, to their teachers, and to the natural world.

Family partnership is an essential part of life at PPP. We offer a variety of opportunities for families to be involved in ways that feel meaningful to them, from volunteering in the classroom and participating in community events to serving on the Parent Council. Every form of involvement helps shape a rich, connected preschool experience for children and families alike.