Fostering Discovery and Joy in Every Outdoor Moment
At Wind Ridge Schoolhouse, we believe children thrive when immersed in nature. We foster curiosity, confidence, and connection through self-directed play inspired by the Cedarsong Way. Since our founding, we have dedicated ourselves to providing a safe, enriching environment where children ages 3 to 6 can explore their surroundings, build lasting friendships, and develop a strong sense of self.
Hours, Tuition, and Calendar
Monday – Friday: 8am – 3pm
Attendance schedule options and tuition:
5 days (Monday – Friday) | Tuition is $860/month.
3 days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) | Tuition is $516/month.
2 days (Tuesday, Thursday) | Tuition is $344/month.
Schoolhouse breaks and days off generally follow the ISD-709 calendar
Enrollment considerations include whether an older sibling attended the program, neighborhood-building and proximity to the Schoolhouse, and scheduling preference.
School year programming is from the beginning of September – end of May. Schoolhouse Summer Camp includes three 2-week sessions that welcome current and past Schoolhouse children back to the woods to play and connect by age-group. Summer Camp session details are shared in early winter.
Daily Flow + Play and Learning Spaces
8 – 8:30 drop-off in classroom, inside play
9:00 backyard playscape
9:45 bathroom, snack time, guided learning
10:15 Wild Wood nature play the Cedarsong Way
11:30 bathroom, lunch
12:15 read-aloud
12:45 settling in for rest
2:15 wake from rest | classroom play, arts and crafts, or documentation book
2:30 – 3 pick-up from classroom
Are Early Learning Scholarships Available?
Yes! The Early Learning Scholarships provide families with financial assistance to help cover the cost of high-quality early care and education, preparing young children for school success. Scholarships can offer up to $12,000 for a 12-month period. The Schoolhouse is proud to be a 4-star rated Parent Aware program. Learn more or apply at https://northlandfdn.org/programs-supports/early-learning-scholarships/.
How many children are in the program each day?
With just 8 children in the program each day, the small class size nurtures a gentle, child-centered approach to preschool. Every child’s voice is heard, with ample space and time for imagination and wonder to thrive. Children’s seemingly innate understanding that all beings—plants, animals, and people alike—are connected is encouraged and celebrated. When children leave the nurturing environment of Wind Ridge Schoolhouse, they emerge brave and kind, hardy and free.
What is the Wild Wood?
The Wild Wood is the children’s home forest. Located just across the street from the Schoolhouse, it provides access to creeks, ponds, bedrock, and forested areas overlooking Lake Superior. Trail Center serves as the lively hub of the Wild Wood, fully stocked with drinking water, tea cups, first aid supplies, enrichment materials, arts and crafts, and bathroom essentials.
Nurturing Curiosity Through Outdoor Play
Laura has a Bachelor’s degree in English from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN, a Master’s of Science in Education from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN, and is certified in the Cedarsong Way. She is a founding member of the Duluth Nature Play Collaborative, a member of the MN Early Childhood Outdoor Learning Network Steering Committee, and a MN representative for the Natural Start Alliance Regional Network. Laura is a part of the Cedarsong Way Teacher Training, and has resources for purchase available there.
Wind Ridge Schoolhouse supports teachers-in-training through internships, student teaching, and practicum opportunities. Laura presents and offers workshops at regional and national nature play conferences. She was named one of Duluth’s “20 Under 40” for her work in nature-based education. In 2022-23, Laura led the Minnesota Department of Education Outdoor Learning in Kindergarten Professional Learning Community. Since 2022, she has participated in the Walking towards Reconciliation Community of Practice.
Laura and her family love to play, bike, and explore in the woods along Lake Superior.
Laura Whittaker, M.S.Ed.
Teacher and Owner