Mountain Sprouts was founded in 2009 by a small group of parents in need of childcare who did not want to sacrifice the benefits of preschool curriculum. They partnered with Tierra Learning Center to establish a one-room preschool in the existing barn. Over the years, families, teachers, directors and board members have come and gone all leaving their mark of love while strengthening the program to meet the needs of our community.

A few highlights from our growth since 2009 include:

2011: Received non-profit status

2012: Developed a summer camp program

2017: Added the Willow program, a mixed age class combining preschool through first grade aged students, in downtown Leavenworth through a partnership with the Wenatchee River Institute

2018: Added a second class at Tierra to address the growing needs of the community

2021: Created Seedlings, a nature based, parent-child playgroup, at Tierra

2022: Licensed Willow through the Department of Children, Youth and Families as the 7th recognized Outdoor Nature-Based program in the state

2022: Entered into partnership with Plain Valley Nordic Team to facilitate a nordic ski program for young children

2023-2024: Certified eight staff members in the Cedarsong Way, premier American Forest School practice and philosophy, paving the way for accreditation in 2025. Our partnership with Cedarsong will hold us accountable to high-quality American forest school practices and strengthen our ability to fulfill our mission

We fill an important role in our community by providing full-day, year-round licensed childcare at the Evergreen preschool (Tierra). We introduce children to nature-immersion at the half-day Willow Preschool while five- to seven-year-olds attend the full nature-immersion Willow Extension program as an alternative to traditional kindergarten and first grade or in collaboration with the local Homelink program. We welcome students ages three through nine to week-long summer camps at Enchantment Park. Families with toddlers and preschoolers can attend the outdoor facilitated play-group to experience nature-based learning together. In all of our programs, we encourage exploration, critical thinking and community building.

Mountain Sprouts Childrens Community

Nature School in Leavenworth, WA

2025 Spring Break