City of Boise Outdoor Preschool (ages 3.5 to 5) is rooted in hands-on, curiosity-driven learning that connects education to the local environment and nurtures a strong sense of community and responsibility. By learning outdoors and engaging with the natural world around them, children gain confidence as they climb, dig, problem-solve, and make choices in real time. These direct, meaningful experiences make children more engaged with the world around them and eager to explore.
Outdoor Preschool- 2 Locations
Preschool begins on August 24 and concludes on May 13, following the school district schedule for holidays, days off, and breaks
Boise Urban Garden School - BUGS
West Boise
2995 N. Five Mile Rd
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
9 a.m. - Noon
Garden-based preschool
Children grow and harvest plants
Large garden & nature play area
Indoor kitchen space; restrooms
98% outdoor learning
$360 month / $3,600 year
Foothills Learning Center - FLC
North End
3188 Sunset Peak Rd
Monday through Thursday
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Nature-based preschool
Daily trail & ecosystem exploration
Large outdoor play area in Hulls Gulch
Indoor classroom & restrooms
98% outdoor learning
$600 month / $6,000 year
Enrollment Information:
Steps for enrolling a child in the City of Boise Outdoor Preschool for the 2026–2027 School Year include:
1. Check your child’s eligibility:
- Child is at least 3.5 years old by August 31, 2026
- Child is no older than 6 years old by June 1, 2027
- Child is fully potty trained in all aspects
2. Submit an interest form for the 2026–2027 school year.
Please note that submitting the “Interest Form” alone does not place your child on the waiting list; Steps 3 and 4 must be completed before your child is added.
When filling out the form please ensure that you submit an email address you check regularly and that it is entered correctly, as this will be our primary method of communication.
There is no deadline, as enrollment operates on a first-come, first-served basis and populates as waitlist once slots are filled.
3. Schedule and complete a tour:
The Education Specialist will contact you to arrange a tour. After the tour is completed, eligible children will be added to the waiting list.
4. Receive notification:
You will be informed of your child’s enrollment status within two weeks and instructed of next steps.
Following this process, participants will register for Boise Outdoor Preschool separate from seasonal activity registration windows.
Please note, City of Boise Outdoor Preschool begins on August 24, 2026, and concludes on May 13, 2027, following the Boise School District schedule for holidays, days off, and breaks.
Play-Based Learning Approach
We take a playful learning approach in which early academic and social-emotional skills develop together through meaningful play and rich experiences in nature. Letters, numbers, and other foundational concepts are never taught in isolation; instead, they emerge naturally through exploration, conversation, outdoor adventures, and guided play. Our natural environment offers a never-ending supply of imaginative materials—a tree becomes a ship, tumbleweeds turn into umbrellas, and our fort transforms into a fire station.
Community and Social-Emotional Development
Community-building is at the heart of our pre-K experience. A strong, consistent community is essential for young children's social-emotional development, fostering belonging, trust, and a sense of security that improves behavior and encourages future academic risk-taking.
Outdoor Learning Spaces
Our outdoor learning spaces are designed for exploration, creativity, and the freedom to follow interests. Whether manipulating natural materials, climbing over logs, studying insects, harvesting vegetables, building with friends, or observing seasonal changes, children learn by doing and by trusting themselves as capable thinkers and learners.
Caring for plants, observing wildlife, and experiencing the rhythms of nature help children (ages 3.5 to 5) develop a sense of stewardship, understanding that they play an important role in taking care of the place they live and learn. This sense of responsibility also extends to caring for themselves and their belongings, as children practice putting on outdoor gear, keeping track of their items, and packing their backpacks as part of the daily routine.
Contact
If you have questions about the City of Boise Outdoor Preschool or would like to schedule a tour at either location, please email or call the Early Education Specialist at 208-608-7816, and we’ll be happy to walk you through the registration process.
Send a Message to Parks and Rec
For other after hours park related emergencies (i.e. irrigation issues, restrooms), please call (208) 489-6640.