Frequently Asked Questions

  • Days at Cedar & Bones are active, imaginative, hands-on, and shaped by what children are noticing, wondering about, and discovering in the forest.

    Children may spend their days building shelters and fairy houses, climbing logs, swinging in hammocks, tracking deer and coyote prints, foraging for berries, listening to birds, digging in the mud kitchen, tending the garden, or creating in our open-ended art studio with clay, natural pigments, fibers, leaves, wood, and other materials gathered from the landscape.

    Morning circle provides a steady daily rhythm with songs, storytelling, yoga grounding, literacy, community voting, and listening practices that help children slow down and notice wildlife, weather, and the environment around them.

    Learning emerges naturally from these experiences. A track may lead to questions about animals, a fallen branch to building and problem-solving, berries to making pigments, or a nest to conversations about shelter and design. Teachers pay attention to what children return to, ask questions that deepen observation, and help those interests unfold across science, art, storytelling, movement, math, practical work, and play.

    No two days are exactly alike. The children’s interests, the seasons, wildlife, weather, and the life of this place all help shape what happens next.

  • Our preschool program is designed for children ages 3–5 who are toilet trained and comfortable participating in an active outdoor program.

  • We firmly believe there’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing! In our experience, some of the days that initially seem the “worst” often become the most memorable — mud puddles, foggy trails, heavy rain, frost, wind, changing leaves, animal tracks, and the sensory richness that comes with shifting weather. We regularly prepare families with gear guides and recommendations to ensure kids stay warm and dry throughout the school year.

    Safety is paramount. In extreme conditions (such as high winds or hazardous air quality), we adjust our plans to keep children safe. Additionally, we follow the Beaverton/Portland inclement weather school closures. 

  • Parents pack lunches and snacks, and we encourage nutrient-dense, easy-to-eat foods that fuel outdoor play. We guide families on best practices for packing food that stays fresh and works well in an outdoor setting.

  • Safety is our top priority. Staff maintain first aid, CPR, and wilderness safety training. We have clear protocols for emergencies, including a designated shelter-in-place plan and communication procedures with parents. Risk assessment is a daily part of our practice, and children learn essential safety skills to navigate the outdoors with confidence.

  • Proper clothing makes all the difference! We provide a recommended gear list, but key items include waterproof boots, rain gear, insulated layers, and sun protection. We help families find budget-friendly options and offer guidance on dressing for all seasons.

  • Just like in any learning environment, conflicts arise—but they are incredible opportunities for growth! We guide children in using communication, problem-solving, and emotional regulation skills to work through disagreements. Nature naturally supports this process, as kids learn to cooperate, take space when needed, and build strong social bonds.

  • We never pressure children into risky play. We support them once they show readiness and interest. Risk-taking is an essential part of development, and we support children in building confidence at their own pace. We provide guidance on assessing risks, using tools safely, and gradually expanding their comfort zone. Over time, even the most cautious children often surprise themselves with what they can do!

  • Dressing properly is key! In cold weather, we help children layer up, stay dry, and keep moving to generate warmth. In hot weather, we prioritize shade, hydration, and cooling activities like water play and resting during peak heat hours. Our program adapts to seasonal changes so children remain comfortable and engaged year-round.

  • Each child brings a full water bottle, and we have refill stations available throughout the day. We also incorporate hydration reminders to ensure children are drinking enough, especially in warmer weather.

  • All children need a well-fitting backpack, water bottle, lunch and snack, weather appropriate clothing, and that’s it! We provide all other supplies.

  • Children are naturally curious, imaginative, and driven to explore, experiment, build, question, and problem solve.

    Rather than separating learning into subjects, nature becomes a springboard for integrated learning throughout the day. Identifying plants leads to conversations about shapes, colors, textures, patterns, counting, storytelling, and observation. Building with logs may involve experimentation, teamwork, balance, measurement, and early engineering concepts.

    Teachers support children’s curiosity by asking open-ended questions such as:
    “What do you notice?”
    “What do you think will happen?”
    “Why do you think that happened?”

    We also maintain regular communication with families and offer parent check-ins throughout the year.

  • Cedar & Bones follows a 4-day weekly rhythm:

    Monday–Thursday
    9:00am–1:00pm

    Extended care may be available for families, please ask us about it!

  • Founding Family tuition for the 2026–27 school year is:

    $950/month
    (September–May)

    Tuition supports a small cohort size, low student-to-teacher ratio, and immersive outdoor learning rooted in nature-based and child-led education, conveniently located in NW Portland.