Ages
Children ages 3 through 6 can attend Thorne Nature Preschool. Children must be three years old by their first day of the program and fully toilet trained in order to attend.
Location
Lafayette Nature Center: 300 Old Laramie Trail E, Lafayette, CO 80026
Thorne Nature Preschool is based out of the Lafayette Nature Center. This is the first custom-designed nature preschool facility in Colorado!
Follow this link to learn more about our new preschool facility and the surrounding nature classrooms.
Costs
2026-2027 School Year (Late August to May):
| Schedule | Half Day 9 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. |
Full Day 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. |
Add Early Care 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. |
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Day (M-F) | $18,342 annual tuition
| $21,744 annual tuition
| $1,360 annual tuition
| 3 Day (MWF) |
$10,990 annual tuition
| $13,073 annual tuition
| $792 annual tuition
| 2 Day (T/Th) |
$7,879 annual tuition
| $9,286 annual tuition
| $568 annual tuition
| |
Calendar and Schedule
Thorne Nature Preschool runs Monday through Friday, with two, three, and five-day enrollment options available (T/Th, MWF, and M-F accordingly).
Program Hours: The school day runs from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with options for early care (8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.) and extended care (2:00pm to 3:30pm)
Click here to view the 2026-2027 School Year Calendar.
Early Care & Extended Care
Early care is available from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Extended Care is available from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
During extended care, children are offered the option of napping or indoor quiet time. The children then have the opportunity to play outside at the Lafayette Nature Center as weather allows.
Families can choose two, three, and five-day options for either early or extended care. However, the schedule must be consistent throughout the year (ex: if your child attends preschool Monday through Friday, you could choose additional care for all five days, M/W/F, or T/TH.)
Parent Resources
FAQs
We understand that selecting the right preschool for your child is a big decision and you may have some questions. Click the button below to view frequently asked questions about Thorne Nature Preschool.
Our Educational Philosophy
Thorne Nature Preschool provides an early childhood education experience that fosters growth of the whole child - cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and creative, while cultivating a profound connection to nature. Utilizing integrated academic and social curriculum grounded in nature, Thorne Nature Preschool nurtures the well-being of each child while preparing them to succeed in school and in life.
Follow this link to learn more about our educational philosophy and resources for nature-based learning.