In the past several weeks we have been in contact with Shilpa Sethi, who is preparing to open a new nature-based preschool at 99 Suffolk St.
Here are the first renderings for the 3500 square foot space that will serve as the outdoor classroom for Elements Preschool. There are distinct active play, observation, performance, picnic and garden spaces.
Inspired by the ‘forest school model,’ the curriculum is built around self exploration in a natural – yet urban – environment. From the school’s promotional materials:
Children learn concepts of science, numeracy and literacy informally from nature by not just playing in nature but playing with nature. Most aspects of the curriculum are taught outside, stimulating imagination and bringing subjects to life in a real context. The changing landscape and unpredictability of nature creates a new and versatile curriculum on a daily basis.
The school, which replaces LES Montessori, opens in September. Parents are welcome to begin touring the facility in April, when construction of the outdoor space is scheduled to begin. Sethi tells us there will be spots for 60 children and after school programming is also planned. The school will be open to kids ages 2-5. Admissions information is available here.
