The Woodland School is an early childhood program for children ages 2 to 5, where education is an art and nature is our classroom.
Anticipated Opening Fall 2026. 2-, 3- and 5-day options available.
August 21, 2026 update: We’re thrilled to announce that the Woodland School has found a home on the campus of Sweet Briar College. Its preschool building and playground are located an easy walk to a woodland, so we will have ample space to spend in nature.
We are now applying for licensure and plan to open this fall, although the date is yet to be determined.
We are accepting applications now! Please visit the Admissions page to find out how to apply.
Out of reverence for all that childhood develops in each person, we offer a place for children to explore nature, play imaginatively, and begin to experience the full possibility of their young lives.
“Play is brain building, a central part of healthy child development, a key to executive function skills, and a buffer against the negative impacts of stress.”
—AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS
Program Levels
Early Care: 7:00 to 8:00 a.m.
Morning Program: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Extended Day: 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Optional After-Care: 3:00 to 5:30 p.m.
A Typical Day at The Woodland School
Each day follows a familiar rhythm of imaginative play, meaningful work, seasonal crafts, songs and stories, shared meals, and time outdoors. Children spend much of their day on the playground, in the garden, and exploring the nearby forest.
Meet the Director and Lead Teacher
Suzanne Ryan brings more than 20 years of experience as a Waldorf educator to her role as Director and Lead Teacher. Her background in education, biology, and forestry reflects The Woodland School’s commitment to childhood, experiential learning, and the natural world.
Suzanne is excited to offer an early childhood program in Amherst that guides children to inhabit their environment, “lovingly, knowingly, skillfully, and reverently.”1
1 Wendell Berry, poet, farmer, and environmentalist