Nature Kids Academy -Nurturing Bright Beginnings in Ashland, OR

We make early learning fun, easy, and full of smiles—every step of the way.

A dirt trail winds through a lush green forest with tall pine trees and sunlight filtering through the leaves.

Preschool Options

Morning Preschool (monthly, 12 months)
$600.00

8:30 - 12:30 Free play, outdoor adventures, art, science, circle time snacks and lunch! Many of our younger students come in the mornings.

Full-Time Preschool (monthly, 12 months)
$1,200.00

8:30 - 4:00 The day includes free-play, circle time, outdoor adventures, snack and lunch, quiet time, art, and general mayhem :)

Family Coaching Comes with Enrollment
$0.00

Part of our program is providing families with coaching to get through difficult behavior or situations. This is provided for free!

A young girl with curly red hair, wearing a blue dress and pink rain boots, walking down a dirt forest trail surrounded by tall, green trees.

Learning Through Play

Our youngest learners are social creatures. The world today is much more difficult to navigate socially for our children. At Nature Kids Academy we strive to teach our students the social skills they will need to succeed. This is one of the many benefits of learning through play.

Learning Through Art

Children are natural artists, and at Nature Kids Academy we make sure your little learner has time to create and grow as an artist!

Learning By Interacting With Nature

Children are naturally curious and soak up knowledge, especially when they are in the right environment. We believe in the incredible healing ability that nature has. Being outside to learn and play is where we are all supposed to be. At Nature Kids Academy our students will experience their natural habitat on a daily basis.

Who We Are

Eric Peterson

Owner/Director – Eric has over 30 years of teaching experience. He started teaching at Little Friends Preschool when he was 17 years old and continued through graduate school where he received his Master’s degree specializing in kindergarten readiness in preschool-age children. He has 3 children of his own ranging from 15-27.

Ella Smith

Lead Teacher - Ella has been with Nature Kids for the last year and is an important part of our program! Ella grew up in Ashland and has a love for children as well as nature and the Ashland area.

A group of smiling children and a man taking a selfie on a rocky beach under a clear blue sky. The man is wearing sunglasses and a blue t-shirt, and the children are close to him, also smiling.
A close-up of a smiling young boy with missing front teeth, an adult man with a beard and a child with long brown hair, all outdoors with trees in the background.

Have a Question?

Send us a note and let’s figure things out together. We’re here to help!