Mason Jar Farm School
Enumclaw, Washington
Our Mason Jar Farm School program developed out of the idea that working farms are full of experiences that, like forest school, work to engage all of the senses. Students in these settings learn about the weather, for example, because they can feel it on their face or notice changes in the behaviors of their bird and animal friends. The germination of a seed is experienced because we can see it with our eyes, and later, taste it with our mouths as we enjoy a meal together. Aligning our students to the natural cycle of the seasons brings about a rhythm that is unparalleled in many other preschool settings.
Program Details (2024/2025)
AGES: 3-6. Children must be age 3 by September 1st of the school year (2024). Children who turn 7 before June 1st of the school year (2025) are not eligible to enroll.
STUDENT-TO-TEACHER RATIO: 5:1
CLASS SIZE: 10 children
PROGRAM OPTIONS: Monday/Wednesday
HOURS: 9:30am-12:30pm
TUITION: $345.00/month
REGISTRATION FEE: $100 per child
Why We Are Unique
With our 1:5 teacher-to-child ratio, children have the space to safely explore and engage with their environment through play. We know that young children learn best through play and that true play is intrinsically motivated, freely chosen, and creative. Our programs provide the time and space that children need to engage in deep, curious play together. We believe that this play is essential and that it happens best outdoors.
Our programs offer two healthy, organic snacks per school day. We gather in the middle of our day to share a warm snack and herbal tea. This special time is used to nourish our bodies, to model gratitude for our food and where it comes from, and to engage in conversations together. At the end of our day, we also provide a handheld snack - typically an in-season fruit or vegetable.
We nurture children in our program by providing them with familiar daily routines, gentle rhythms of rest and play, and loving guidance and support in an inspiring outdoor setting. As mentors, our teachers work hard to observe, recognize, and honor each child’s gifts. Throughout the week we practice awareness, thankfulness, and respect of self, others, and the natural world.
Our talented staff are early childhood educators, trained in forest school pedagogy, and are all first aid and CPR certified. To view our current staff profiles click here.
A ‘Sample’ Day at Farm School:
9:30 - Drop Off: Welcome and Sign-in
9:40 - Exploration and Discovery: Unstructured Play
10:45 - Circle Time: Gathering for Songs, Fingerplays,
Group Games, Discussion
11:00 - Snack: Family-style Warm Snack & Tea
11:30 - Adventure: Hike/Visit Secondary Play
Space/Special Activity
12:15 - Gather for Story/Recall/Handheld Snack
12:30 - Pickup: Sign-out and Goodbye Song
The Mason Jar Farm
In the summer of 2013, we had the pleasure of meeting Jenni Lee Sample at a local farmer’s market in Maple Valley, WA. Our first experience with her was of her kindness towards our young children and her deep interest in sharing her delicious farm veggies with us. Watching young children delight in the taste of kale chips was exciting and got us thinking, a lot, about the importance of providing healthy, organic food as part of all of our programs and classes. It also renewed and supported our passion for the nurturing arts – working the soil, baking bread, canning goods for winter, and caring for animals. All of these play a very important role in early childhood – authentic experiences for young children, and opportunities for them to be part of a productive, vibrant community.
