Cultivating Wonder through Nature Exploration
What We Do
Our mission is to provide nature-rich early learning experiences for young children within a caring community.
Mixed-Age Classroom
We create mixed-age classroom spaces for children ages 3-6 and homeschoolers in 1st-3rd grade to discover more about themselves and others, learn and have adventures in community, and feel wonder, all within the surroundings of the natural world.
Authentic Experiences
We offer authentic, real-world experiences to develop the whole child, lay a solid foundation for academic learning, and encourage children to know and care for our world.
Outdoor Exploration
We prioritize time spent outside in all-seasons, allowing children to be fully themselves and to freely move, experiment, observe, explore, learn, and create in a variety of natural spaces.
How We Teach
Teaching Philosophy
Nature-Based
Local nature is a core tenet of the program and we strive to use best practices of both early childhood education and environmental education. Wildsong aims to spend a majority of program time outdoors in all seasons and in a variety of safe weather conditions.
Child-Centered
Children’s interests and needs are considered in the emerging curriculum and there is ample time for child-directed pursuits and exploration. Wildsong is inspired by the HighScope approach, as well as Montessori and forest school philosophies.
Play-Based
Children learn skills, build knowledge, and develop social-emotional competence through play, which is a main focus of our 3-6 year old program. Wildsong programming is intended to be supplemental to other early childhood programs or home-based enrichment.
Offering Programs 1 or 2 Mornings a Week
After a successful pilot year, August 2025-May 2026 will be Wildsong’s second operational program year. Families enroll on an academic-year basis. Options for 3-6 year old children include a one morning a week program on Wednesdays or a two morning a week program on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Wildsong also offers a Thursday morning class for homeschooled children in 1st through 3rd grades.
Half-Day Program
Our programs run from 8:30 am until 11:45 am.
Small Class Size
We offer small class sizes with experienced teachers.
Program Space
Wildsong rents facilities and grounds at The Mishawaka Res, in Mishawaka, Indiana.
Wildsong programming takes place at The Mishawaka Res property, located on the east side of Mishawaka. Wildsong has access to natural areas such as the woods, creek, and meadow. We also utilize the built environment through garden beds, a natural playground area, pavilions, rustic shelters, and access to heated indoor spaces as needed for the colder months.
Who We Are
Experienced and Caring Educators
Wildsong educators have a combined 25 years of experience teaching children in a variety of educational environments. While each educator brings a unique set of skills our staff share a love for the natural world, kind spirits, and a strong desire to see each child grow and flourish as a member of our community. Wildsong teachers ensure each child is welcomed, supported, and included in each part of our day.
Testimonials
What People Say
“Using the outdoors as a classroom, Ms. Janelle gave our preschool children opportunities to explore and make discoveries in nature throughout each season. Her wide range of knowledge, thought provoking questions and facts were combined with intentional props and creative activities that fostered the children’s curiosity and provided for hands on experiences as they engaged in learning through the exploration of ice, mud, wind, seeds, acorns, flowers, leaves, sticks, etc.”
— Lead Teacher at 8th Street Preschool, where Wildsong teaches a weekly program
“Our daughter has thrived at Wildsong. She loves exploring and trying new things and comes home from Wildsong completely exhausted-in the best way possible. I could not be happier about being part of the inaugural year and look forward to continuing next year. Thank you Ms. Janelle and Ms. Andrea for this awesome community!”
— Parent of a Wildsong child
“Attending Wildsong has been a wonderful experience for both of my children. The unique approach to early childhood education has encouraged my little ones to explore and play which helps them grow academically and socially. The teachers at Wildsong provide the perfect balance of structured learning activities and unstructured play, making the class day fun! They are kind and patient. My children absolutely adore them and cannot wait for class each week!”
— Parent of Wildsong children
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