Baker City, Oregon
Pine Creek Nature School
- September – May
- Ages 3 – 5
- Old Souls Farm, Baker City
- Recorded Preschool Program
"The mission of Pine Creek Nature School is to hold space for children to explore, play, and grow in connection with the natural world."
We cultivate a deep sense of belonging by honoring each child's unique identity and voice, while nurturing a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Rooted in respect for self, others, and the environment, we support the development of the whole child. We investigate nature through play-based exploration and hands-on activities involving art, science, math, literacy, music and most importantly play.
Pine Creek Nature School is registered with the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care as a recorded preschool program.
Where We Meet
We're located at 42692 Pocahontas Road, Baker City, OR on Old Souls Farm & Market at the base of the beautiful Elkhorn Mountains. Our outdoor classroom includes two heated yurts amidst a grove of willow, cottonwood, and alder trees.
Our Team
- Emily Denne — Lead Teacher & Owner
- Amanda Grove — Lead Teacher
- Jessica Allen — Assistant Teacher
Classes & Curriculum
Our Programs
Our teachers are guided by the principles that children follow their interests and learn by doing; through play-based exploration and hands-on experiences. Teachers guide with questions instead of only giving answers, they offer support while meeting children where they currently are in their journey of creating a sense of self and learning about the world around them. We aim to honor the magic of childhood through quality literature, music, math, art, science, and most importantly play. It is a priority that all of our classes have a low child to teacher ratio.
Chickadees
The Chickadee Program is an exploratory and play-based class designed to nurture curiosity, confidence, and a deep connection to the natural world. It focuses on building social-emotional skills, strengthening fine and gross motor skills, noticing nature and its rhythms, and getting used to being outside in all weather!
- Days: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
- Hours: 8:30 am – 11:30 am
Bluebirds
The Bluebird Program builds on the foundations described in the Chickadees class. It includes developing early skills in literacy, math, and science through hands-on activities and explorations.
- Days: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
- Hours: 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Steller's Jays
The Steller's Jay Program blends structured instruction with child-led exploration connecting outdoor experiences to academic concepts. We implement engaging, hands-on activities that integrate literacy, math, science, music and art.
- Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
- Hours: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
All programs are held outdoors, rain or shine. Please dress your child in weather-appropriate layers and sturdy footwear every day.
Our Daily Rhythm
Chickadees — Tues / Wed / Thurs
- 8:30
- Drop-Off & Morning Invitation
- 8:50
- Today's Inquiry (Lesson / Activity)
- 9:30
- Music & Movement
- 9:45
- Snack & Story
- 10:00
- Nature Exploration / Free Play
- 11:30
- Pick-Up
Bluebirds — Tues / Wed / Thurs
- 12:30
- Drop-Off & Afternoon Invitation
- 12:50
- Today's Inquiry (Lesson / Activity)
- 1:30
- Music & Movement
- 1:45
- Snack & Story
- 2:00
- Nature Exploration / Free Play
- 3:30
- Pick-Up
Steller's Jays — Mon / Tues / Wed / Thurs
- 9:00
- Drop-Off & Morning Invitation
- 9:20
- Morning Inquiry (Literacy & Math Lessons)
- 10:00
- Music & Movement
- 10:15
- Snack & Story
- 10:30
- Free Play
- 11:30
- Guided Nature Exploration / Science Inquiry
- 12:00
- Lunch & Story
- 1:00
- Pick-Up
Join Our Community
Enrollment
Pine Creek Nature School uses Brightwheel to manage enrollment, billing, and communication between staff and families.
Start by creating a Brightwheel account and completing our General Interest Form. This can be done for an upcoming school year or any future year. If space is available, you'll receive an Admissions Packet through the app to complete enrollment.
Create a Brightwheel Account
Complete our General Interest Form on Brightwheel. You'll be prompted to create an account if you don't have one.
Receive Your Admissions Packet
If space is available, we'll send an Admissions Packet through Brightwheel to complete your child's enrollment.
Welcome to Pine Creek!
Pay the enrollment fee and get ready for an adventure. We'll make sure every child has a gentle, joyful start.
Fees & Tuition
| Class | Monthly Tuition |
|---|---|
| Chickadees | $375 / month |
| Bluebirds | $375 / month |
| Steller's Jays | $520 / month |
- A $100 enrollment fee (non-refundable) holds your child's spot and applies toward the first month's tuition.
- A $50 materials & site fee is charged in September and January.
Resources
For Families
Helpful links for current and prospective Pine Creek families.
Please reach out with any questions or to schedule a tour of our space!
Families
What Parents Are Saying
"(He) has had the absolute best time with you and your nature school. You've created an environment that applauds curiosity, friendship and learning about their natural world. You've let him be his authentic self and I can't thank you enough."
"I appreciate the smaller group size and the amount of outdoor exploration you give them. This has been a perfect fit in my mind, as some of our prior preschool opportunities didn't feel right. (He) has improved in his confidence, socialization, appreciation of nature and curiosity. Thank you so much Emily!"
"We absolutely LOVE PCNS! I'm so grateful for all the outdoor time, the simple open-ended things to play with, and your incredible patience and kindness. She enjoys nature school and has grown in her love of the outdoors, she is more creative and curious and repeats a lot of the things she learns and does at school."
"I cannot say enough amazing things about Pine Creek Nature School. It has been such a positive, exciting experience for my adventurous, outdoor-loving preschooler. Emily is so patient and kind and creates such a safe space for kids to explore, learn and get a little dirty in the process; the way it should be! Lessons allow kids to develop mindfulness and appreciation for nature and our place in it. I am so grateful for Pine Creek Nature School and the foundation it's setting for my son."
