Antioch University

Programme overview

This concentration places nature at the center of early childhood curriculum and prepares practitioners to work in or launch nature preschools and forest kindergartens. The program emphasizes hands-on, practical outcomes so graduates leave with materials they can use immediately in professional settings. Courses are delivered by Antioch University New England faculty through a mix of online and selected face-to-face sessions in Keene, NH, with an optional summer residency.

What you'll study

The curriculum focuses on the distinct curricular approaches used in nature preschools and forest kindergartens, drawing on outdoor-based methods to foster curiosity, creativity, and environmental respect in young children. Each course is designed to produce tangible professional products such as program brochures, policy documents, business plans, Reggio-inspired curriculum documentation, grant proposals, and parent communications. Some classes are offered online and others meet on selected Fall and Spring weekends or during July weeklong intensives in Keene, NH.

Entry requirements

Applicants submit an online admissions application with essay questions and program-specific materials, a resume or CV, a non-refundable $50 application fee, and official transcripts from all prior postsecondary institutions. Two letters of recommendation from professional or academic referees are required. An interview with a department faculty member will be arranged if selected. Master’s and certificate applicants are not required to submit GRE or other standardized test scores. Additional requirements apply for international applicants and for those without a bachelor’s degree.

Career prospects

The program is tailored for current teachers, school leaders, and individuals aiming to found or administer nature-based early childhood programs. Graduates can expect to apply their training to roles in nature preschools, forest kindergartens, early childhood centers adopting outdoor curricula, or to launch new nature-based programs using the business, policy, and curriculum materials developed during the degree.

Scholarships & funding angle

Antioch offers the President’s Merit Scholarship for new master’s students who meet a minimum 3.40 GPA and demonstrate relevant work/life experience; the award is $6,000 paid over the first two academic years and requires full-time enrollment and satisfactory term progress. The campus also provides information on broader tuition, fees, and financial aid options; applicants may consult Antioch’s Scholarships and Grants resources for details.