From age two to kindergarten — same trees, same teachers, same friends.
Ages 2–5
7:30–5:00, Mon–Fri, year-round
From $795/month
Licensed child care center
15+ years in Vista
Ages 2–3
Young Preschool
The earliest start in a real nature program — little ones dig, splash, sing and explore all five acres at their own pace, with potty-training support and all the patience in the world.
Children who start at two grow up at Big Tree: same trees, same teachers, same friends, all the way to kindergarten.
Ages 3–5
Preschool
Children move up to the Preschool room when they're ready. Learning grows from what captures their curiosity — a puddle becomes a lesson in volume, an acorn collection becomes counting, sorting and sharing.
Graduates walk into kindergarten confident, curious, and ready.
Enrollment
Schedules & tuition
Flexible weeks, open all year. Openings available now.
From $795 / month
Full-day and part-week schedules · choose 3, 4 or 5 days per week, full day or partial day
Open 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday–Friday, year-round
Military fee assistance · CDA · YMCA fee assistance accepted
Every moment overflows with hands-on learning, nature-led projects, and genuine community spirit. Picture muddy boots from nature walks, and collaborative art made from leaves.
Roots of discovery
Children gain a deeper connection to nature by digging in soil, planting seeds, and observing tiny woodland creatures. Hands-on experiences spark endless questions — perfect for a nature-based, emergent curriculum that values direct contact with the environment.
Child-driven explorations
If a curious mind finds a beetle under a log, that magical moment can shape the day's lessons. Educators build on each child's interests, turning spontaneous discoveries into art, science, and storytelling adventures.
Nature adventures & muddy boots
Our five acres become an extended classroom where physical play meets real-world exploration. Children balance on branches, inspect caterpillars, or measure footprints — each step combining experiential learning and gross motor development.
Holistic development
Whether painting with pinecones or collaborating on bug hotels, our interdisciplinary approach nurtures creativity, empathy, and critical thinking. Social-emotional growth flourishes as children work together.
Come stand under it.
A morning on our five acres tells you more than any web page can. Bring your questions and watch the children at work.
