Where Children Learn Through Nature, Wonder, and Belonging

Welcome to Mariposas Nature Preschool

A place where children grow through nature, wonder, and belonging.

At Mariposas Nature Preschool, we believe childhood is a time to explore, move, imagine, and discover the world through meaningful experiences. Our program offers a nurturing environment where young children can develop confidence, curiosity, and a deep connection with the natural world.

Children learn best when they feel safe, seen, and part of a caring community. Through play, hands-on exploration, and time outdoors, children are invited to follow their natural curiosity while developing important social, emotional, and cognitive skills.

At Mariposas, learning is not rushed. We honor the rhythm of childhood and create space for wonder, creativity, and discovery to unfold naturally.

A Nature-Inspired Approach to Early Learning

Our program follows a nature-inspired approach that weaves together seasonal learning, creative exploration, and meaningful work. Each week children explore themes connected to the natural world through storytelling, art, practical activities, and outdoor play.

Children might observe the changing seasons, prepare food together, build with natural materials, explore insects and plants, or engage in imaginative play inspired by their surroundings. These experiences support the development of the whole child — body, mind, and spirit.

Nature is not simply a place we visit; it is a living teacher that invites children to observe, question, and develop respect for the world around them.

What Makes Mariposas Unique

• Nature-Inspired Learning
Children explore the natural world through daily outdoor experiences, seasonal observation, and hands-on discovery.

• Small Mixed-Age Community
Our small group environment allows children to build strong relationships, learn from one another, and develop confidence within a supportive community.

• Learning Through Meaningful Experiences
Children engage in storytelling, art, practical activities, and imaginative play that encourage curiosity and creativity.

• A Gentle Daily Rhythm
A predictable rhythm of exploration, group time, and outdoor play helps children feel safe while allowing their curiosity to guide learning.

• Whole-Child Development
Our program supports children’s social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth while nurturing kindness, independence, and respect for the world around them.

Learning Through Rhythm and Relationship

Children thrive in environments that feel predictable, warm, and connected. Our days follow a gentle rhythm that balances free exploration, group gathering, hands-on learning experiences, and daily time outdoors.

This rhythm helps children feel secure while allowing curiosity and creativity to guide their learning. Through shared experiences, children develop friendships, cooperation skills, and a sense of belonging within the classroom community.

Over time, these relationships help children grow in confidence, independence, and empathy.

The Heart Behind Mariposas

Mariposas Nature Preschool was created by educator Mercedes Rumack with the vision of offering a learning environment where children can grow in connection with themselves, with others, and with the natural world.

Through years of working with children and observing the rhythms of the classroom, Mercedes developed what she now calls The Mariposas Curriculum — a nature-inspired approach that guides learning through the seasons and supports the development of the whole child through meaningful experiences, relationship, and purposeful work.

This curriculum reflects the daily life of the classroom and the belief that children learn best through real experiences that invite curiosity, creativity, and connection.

A Place for Wonder, Growth, and Community

At Mariposas, childhood is honored as a time of discovery and belonging. Our goal is to nurture children who feel confident in themselves, curious about the world, and capable of caring for the community and environment around them.

We invite you to explore our program and discover the joy of learning through nature.