At Preschool on the Prairie, we believe in protecting the magic of childhood. Children learn primarily and on the deepest levels through their play. Play is exactly what they need it to be, according to their interests and prior knowledge they’ve already accumulated from their lives. It is constantly changing and adapting. Together, they share what they already know and are learning each day. At Preschool on the Prairie, the child is the curriculum, and their self-determined play is enough.
We believe a child’s right to play and valuing the quality of play are paramount. Providing a space for children to explore who they are, as well as opportunities for compassion to grow, are foundational to our early learning program.
Utilizing philosophies and practices of long established researched-based theories of early childhood from around the world, we honor and acknowledge the needs and gifts of all students. Love, risk, joy, engagement, and reflection are foundational to what we offer each child at Preschool on the Prairie.
OUR PROGRAM IS:
- Child-determined with low ratios
- Developmentally appropriate
- Aligned with standards set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
- Represented by teachers from different generations (inter-generational teaching team)
- Respectful in honoring the uniqueness of each child
- Deeply rooted in early learning research and educational neuroscience
WHY CHOOSE PRESCHOOL ON THE PRAIRIE?
- PLAY
- CONNECTION
- UNDERSTANDING
- ALIGNMENT
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PLAY MATTERS
We believe early learning is driven by child-led play. When children are able to participate in play that encourages risk, invention, imagination, and creativity, their brains are able to make connections that enhance their understanding of feelings, emotions, and abstract ideas. We focus on the process of play and creative expression rather than the final product. This freedom and focus empower children with a sense of self that will serve them well in all environments and situations in their future.
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CONNECTION TO NATURE AND EXPANSIVE GROUNDS
Located on the grounds of Conner Prairie, our school meets outdoors in all weather conditions, in the fields and woods surrounding our building. There are occasional walks to developmentally appropriate areas at the Conner Prairie Museum. Nature teaches and calms our minds and bodies to receive the full sensory experience of the natural world.
Preschool on the Prairie nurtures a child-led nature connection and whole-child development across the changing seasons.
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UNDERSTANDING THE IMAGE OF THE LEARNER
We believe children are capable beings and should be provided opportunities to activate their innate desire to explore and wonder. Children construct their learning in community with the children and adults around them. By creating meaningful relationships with children, we can create a safe and loving environment where children see themselves as strong, intelligent, empathetic, important, and powerful.
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ALIGNMENT WITH INDIANA'S EARLY LEARNING FOUNDATIONS AND THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG CHILDREN'S PROGRAM STANDARDS
Our program and environment meet the NAEYC standards. Each day, and throughout each learning experience, multiple early learning foundations set by the Indiana Department of Education are met.
INTERESTED IN ENROLLING YOUR CHILD?
At this time, we are unable to accept applications for the 2026-27 school year. Please check back here for more information about future enrollment dates.
PRESCHOOL ON THE PRAIRIE SERVES CHILDREN AGES 3-5.
CHILDREN MUST BE 3 ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 1, 2026, TO REGISTER FOR THE 2026–2027 SCHOOL YEAR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our school meets outside on the grounds of the preschool property, located on the north side of Conner Prairie. On extremely cold or stormy days, we use our brick building. Our grounds have a separate entrance from Conner Prairie with a circle drive for drop-off and pick-up.
This will be a formal system in which we check IDs. Only approved people from a child’s registration paperwork, with proper identification, will be allowed to pick a child up from the preschool.
Students do not need to be potty-trained to attend Preschool on the Prairie. However, we will not have changing tables. We welcome children to wear pull-ups and/or bring extra clothing. We will assist children with building independence in the restroom and hope parents will work on those skills at home as well.
Yes. Students must have the minimum immunizations required by the state of Indiana to attend public school. This includes: 3 Hep B, 4 DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis), 3 Polio, 1 MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella), and 1 Varicella. WE DO NOT ACCEPT ANY TYPE OF VOUCHER FOR IMMUNIZATIONS.
We require a sixty-day written notification of your intent to withdraw your child from the program in order to receive a full refund of the tuition deposit. Conner Prairie reserves the right to retain all or part of the tuition deposit for withdrawal notifications that take place in less than 60 days. The $50 registration fee and $125 annual supply fee are non-refundable.
Entry to the preschool is only available for parents and designated caregivers with proper identification during drop off and pick up. The preschool is not open to the public. Museum guests are not permitted in the area near the preschool. Museum security and operations staff monitor the grounds on a regular basis.
We believe behavior is communication of a need. In order to best serve students, we must uncover what a child is saying to us through each behavior. We will use redirection and restorative practices, always communicating with parents when concerning behaviors are displayed. We will work together to assist children to find safe and kind alternatives for emerging social behaviors. In the event a child is injured as the result of a behavior, a meeting will be held with both families to make a plan moving forward. We will not allow anyone to harm your child.
We strive to be an inclusive environment for all learners. Our philosophy values the fascinating elements of every student and every family. The teachers are equipped with the skills to provide modifications and accommodations as requested by parents or as written in an IFSP or IEP. Unfortunately, at this time, our preschool facility is not wheelchair accessible.
While we are not a co-op, families are invited to attend several specially planned event nights at our school throughout the school year. We want children to gain independence in an environment away from home. Our short mornings and low student-to-child ratios allow parents and caregivers a few brief hours to run errands and spend time with other siblings. With our system of observation and documentation, we will have a multitude of information and pictures to share with parents every week, both electronically and in person. We will also have monthly and seasonal events throughout the school year for families to attend and experience Preschool on the Prairie together.
