The Nature Preschool - Lake Forest, California

Kaitlin Gange

Both of my boys have attended the Nature Preschool since they were about 2 years old. They absolutely love the school and Miss Marilyn, and in the beginning they would cry because they didn't want to go home. I love the focus on nature and being outdoors. The kids love the animals, exploring, and getting busy in the dirt. The school is play based, but Marilyn incorporates many lessons into the play and the activities keep the kids engaged. My oldest son graduated to kindergarten, and his teacher said his preschool did a great job preparing him. I recommend this wonderful little school to everyone.

Austin and Cheryl Carter

My daughter has been attending The Nature Preschool since Ms. Marilyn has opened. We absolutely love the experience we have had! She started at 2 1/2 and is now 5. Marilyn is such a caring teacher who puts her students first and treats them like her own. Marilyn has created lesson plans that allow kids to have fun in nature but still be kindergarten ready. We absolutely love The Nature Preschool and highly recommend it to every family!

Veronica Carpenter

The Nature Preschool is truly a gem and an extraordinary place for early childhood education. Our son, attended this preschool, and the experience was nothing short of magical.

The heart and soul of this preschool is undoubtedly Ms. Marilyn, an educator who possesses a unique gift for nurturing young minds and parents through the years of early education. As first-time parents, we put a lot of research and thought into where to send our son, who was at the time 2.5 years old. Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, we knew we wanted him in an indoor/outdoor environment that balanced learning and experimenting with playtime and fun. From the moment we toured Nature Preschool with our son, we knew it was the right place for him. While the transition to preschool was a challenging journey for him, due to some separation anxiety and the fear of the unknown, Ms. Marilyn's kindness, care, and compassion made all the difference. She didn't just welcome our son into her classroom; she enveloped him in warmth and understanding, making him feel safe and comfortable.

One of the standout features of the Nature Preschool is the incredible indoor/outdoor experience it offers. The natural surroundings provide a unique and enriching environment for children to explore and learn. Under Ms. Marilyn's guidance, our son and his classmates spent their days immersed in the wonders of nature, fostering a deep appreciation for the world around them.

Our son thrived emotionally, socially and academically. We were constantly amazed by what he learned and the stories he came home with. Ms. Marilyn's teaching methods are engaging and innovative, sparking his curiosity and igniting his passion for learning. We witnessed a remarkable change in his confidence and enthusiasm in just under 2 years of being enrolled with Ms. Marilyn. The sense of community that Ms. Marilyn has cultivated at the Nature Preschool is exceptional. While we have moved on to transitional kindergarten, we still keep in touch with friends and Ms. Marilyn.

We wholeheartedly recommend the Nature Preschool to any parents seeking a nurturing, enriching, and unique early education experience for their child. Ms. Marilyn's dedication and the wonderful environment she has created are unparalleled. The Nature Preschool is more than a school; it's a place where children blossom, and families are forever grateful for the positive impact it has on their little ones' lives.

Carol Sales

We love The Nature School. Our kiddo has the best year with Ms. Marilyn and Ms. Jenny. We have tried other traditional schools but he would always cry and he was not as engaged or learning as we hoped.

When he started with Ms. Marilyn, everything changed. Their outdoor environment and schedule is perfect for a 3 years old to strive. She really knows what the kids need to learn while having fun - as they should.

They learn so much been outside, with fresh air and doing all the activities toddlers/kids should be doing. Her backyard has all the things kids love.

The learning was so organic; they have always a theme, musics and we have a beautiful collection of arts and crafts that was developed daily. I loved seeing their daily activities in photos through their app.

My son was always excited to go to school. Our family is so thankful for Ms. Marilyn, it was a blessing to find her.

KRISSY COSTEA PHOTOGRAPHY

The Nature Preschool was the perfect introduction to socializing for our youngest daughter. She is a very attached little girl who has a hard time being away from home. Marilyn was very nurturing towards her and helped her get through some of her anxieties around leaving mom and dad. We absolutely loved the setting and think it is such a sweet place for kids to grow before they get into a larger school setting. We miss The Nature Preschool very much and would recommend it to any parents with small children looking for a good way to start socializing and learning in a fun, outdoor environment!

Sonja Lindermeier

What a wonderful and unforgettable experience it was!

We fell in love with Marilyn's Nature preschool the first time we visited and our 4-year old enjoyed every single day!

Marylin’s backyard is like a kids dream came true with so many things to play with and to explore. My son came home with crafts and new songs he learned almost every day. Marilyn perfectly knows how to combine a hands-on curriculum with the outdoors to develop all kinds of skills.

If you want your child to enjoy a relaxed, hands-on outdoor learning experience under eucalyptus trees with pet chickens, this is the place for you!

Thank you Marilyn for being such a wonderful teacher!

Lisa Costa

The Nature Preschool was such a God send! My daughter enrolled in its first year and it was everything we needed for her during the pandemic. Miss Marilyn is very caring, respectful and guides the kids to reach their potential. My daughter grew so much in the 1 year she was there. Miss Marilyn's nature set up is very curiosity-driven, which drives the students to explore, learn and be adventurous. Her backyard is beyond cute with all the things kids need to be outdoor adventurers!

Thank you, Miss Marilyn, for loving on Adelynn and helping her to reach her potential!

-Lisa C.

Ronna Zobel

The director, Marilyn Sullivan, is warm, kind, and loving. As my son’s Boy Scout leader, she always welcomed my son like he was her own. I always felt he was in safe, nurturing hands. Marilyn is definitely hands on and is very innovative and creative. My son always returned from Boy Scout meetings happy and with new, exciting adventures to share. I’m grateful for the loving guidance and support she showed my son; I am confident she will do the same for all children in her care.