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Why parents choose us
🌲 Outdoor, nature-based learning daily We do not close on snow days
🧠 Individualized, small group (max 12 kids, 6:1 student - teacher ratio)
🚌 Weekly field trips included
❤️ Focus on emotional confidence + independence
🎓 Led by experienced educators
Our Mission:
We want every child to love coming to school
At Dr. Dodge’s Nature Preschool, our mission is to cultivate confident, curious, and independent children through nature-based learning, hands-on exploration, and deeply individualized support—creating a foundation for lifelong growth and a genuine love of learning.
Holistic Nature education
Nature-based, Play-based, Child-led curriculum comprised of borrowings from Waldorf and Montessori. Your child will have a daily job comprised of learning skills such as reading, counting, and fine motor coordination
Our Philosophy:
Our philosophy is simple. Respect children and their emotions, listen to them, engage them, embolden them. We support every child to reach their full potential in all facets of their life, and encourage them to become the moral leaders of the future
What is nature school?
Nature school embodies an immersive outdoor education approach where students explore natural environments to cultivate personal, social, and technical skills. It encapsulates an inspiring journey, providing children, with consistent opportunities for hands-on learning amidst woodland surroundings. Operating as both a pedagogical philosophy and a tangible institution, the term 'nature school' seamlessly intertwines the educational approach with its physical manifestation.
Infrastructure
At our outdoor Preschool, we believe that nature is the best classroom. Our program is run on our land, which provides a rich and welcoming natural environment for children to thrive. While the Preeschool is located on our property, it is not inside our home—we have a separate geodesic dome designed specifically for the preschool. This unique structure offers a cozy, weather-safe space for rest, snacks, and indoor activities, while maintaining a close connection to the outdoors.
Meet the Owner & teachers
Andie
Owner and teacher, andie dodge, is a former scientist with a doctorate in neuroscience. She graduated with her bachelor's from Virginia tech at 18 years of age and her doctorate at 24 years of age. She completed post doctorates at both NYU & tufts focusing on Alzheimer's and parkinson's therapeutics. Following an immediate family member becoming ill, Andie moved to be with her family in maine. This transition has led her to realizing her true passion of integrating science and educating youth. She believes nature can serve as an incredible teacher, nurturing creativity, resilience, and problem-solving skills. her background in neuroscience enriches her understanding of child development, helping her create a curriculum that promotes cognitive and emotional growth rooted in the wonders of the outdoors.
Tom
With a lifelong commitment to care and community, Thomas Dodge brings a wealth of experience and a calm, steady presence to our nature preschool team. Before joining our teaching staff, Thomas spent his entire professional career as an ICU nurse, where he supported patients and families with compassion, focus, and resilience.
Thomas also served as the staff nurse at Chewonki, a nature-based educational organization in Maine, where he combined his medical expertise with a deep appreciation for outdoor learning. His love of nature and adventure began early, as a soccer coach and ski instructor in his younger years, and continues to shape the way he supports children’s growth and exploration today.
Whether guiding forest walks, tending to scraped knees, or helping children build confidence in the outdoors, Thomas brings a unique blend of nurturing care, outdoor knowledge, and playful energy to each day. He’s especially passionate about helping young children develop empathy, resilience, and a lifelong connection to the natural world.
Abbie
Abbie Dodge brings warmth, energy, and a natural gift for connecting with young children to our preschool community. A devoted mother to two young children—a toddler and a newborn—Abbie understands firsthand the rhythms, needs, and joys of early childhood.Currently pursuing her nursing degree, Abbie is passionate about both nurturing others and lifelong learning. Her background includes experience as a children’s snowboarding instructor, where she helped young learners build confidence, coordination, and a love for outdoor adventure.An avid traveler, Abbie brings a spirit of curiosity and openness to everything she does, encouraging children to explore the world around them with wonder and enthusiasm. Whether it's through imaginative play in the woods, quiet moments of reflection, or joyful movement, Abbie fosters an environment where each child feels seen, supported, and inspired to grow.
Debbie
Debbie brings a lifetime of care, dedication, and hands-on experience to our preschool community. A retired nurse and devoted mother of three, Debbie has spent her career nurturing others with compassion, patience, and a deep sense of responsibility. Her background in healthcare gives her a unique perspective on child wellness and safety, and her experience raising children has instilled in her a calm, confident presence that helps little ones feel secure and understood.
Debbie is passionate about supporting children’s emotional growth and fostering a joyful, respectful environment where they can thrive. Whether she’s exploring nature trails with curious preschoolers or offering a quiet moment of comfort, Debbie’s gentle guidance helps children feel seen, heard, and valued every day.
