REVIEW OF Saplings Nature School BY parent, harrison kwan

(5) Student Experience

My daughter, who is typically shy and takes time to warm up, was initially hesitant about joining Saplings Nature School. However, the teachers created a welcoming and inclusive environment that helped her feel at ease from the start. Over time, her confidence grew, and the natural setting provided her with unique opportunities to explore, build, and problem-solve in ways she wouldn’t have experienced in a traditional classroom. She learned about plants, animals, and indigenous cultures, and developed valuable life skills that she continues to use today. Beyond academics, she’s also become more independent and learned the importance of sharing and cooperation. Overall, her time at Saplings has been a transformative experience that has nurtured her growth in so many ways. Thank you for the experience!

(5) School Leadership

I truly appreciate how open and accessible the school leadership and administration are in their communication. Whether it’s through the Lillio app, email, or in person, they make it incredibly easy for my partner and me to stay informed and engaged with what’s happening at school. They are always responsive to any questions or concerns we might have. In terms of discipline, I’ve witnessed firsthand how fair and thoughtful the staff are in handling conflicts. They approach each situation with calmness and reason, ensuring that all sides are heard. Rather than reacting impulsively, they take the time to explain the situation, guide the children toward understanding, and encourage them to reflect on their actions. This thoughtful approach fosters respect, kindness, and personal growth.

(4.5) Teaching

The teachers at Saplings Nature School is outstanding. One thing that really stands out is how the teachers actively engage parents in the learning process. They make it easy for families to provide input, regularly asking for suggestions on topics and activities that align with the children’s interests. This creates a strong relationship between the school and parents, ensuring that the curriculum is both relevant and engaging. The teachers are clearly passionate about what they do and deeply knowledgeable about the subjects they teach. They foster a love of learning and encourage children to explore and ask questions. At the same time, they provide the right balance of support and challenge. My daughter has been encouraged to grow I’ve seen firsthand how the teachers provide constructive feedback that helps her improve while nurturing her confidence and curiosity.

(4) Academics

The academic program at Saplings Nature School goes beyond traditional learning methods, focusing on hands-on experiences, real-life skills, and creative problem-solving. The school provides an environment that encourages children to explore, learn, and develop in ways that are not typically found in conventional classrooms. My daughter has gained knowledge and skills that I feel are often overlooked in traditional schooling, such as a deeper connection to nature, an understanding of sustainability, and a sense of responsibility. One suggestion I would offer is for teachers to incorporate more problem-solving scenarios that challenge children to think critically and analytically. While the program excels in fostering creativity and independence, adding more structured critical thinking exercises could further enhance the academic experience. Overall, I believe the academic foundation at Saplings will adequately prepare my child for future steps in life, encouraging her growth in both academic and personal areas.

(4.5) Extracurriculars

At Saplings Nature School, there are wonderful extracurricular opportunities that allow children to explore different interests. The teachers frequently run their own passion projects, giving students the chance to engage in activities they might not otherwise experience. Additionally, the teachers help coordinate field trips and even facilitate playdates by connecting parents, creating a strong sense of community. These opportunities provide a great balance of fun and learning!

(3) Students

The Saplings Nature School has a welcoming feel to it, all of the students know each other. Some of the students even know which parent is associated to which child. The class size is relatively small, this allows for close knit relationship and a supportive atmosphere among the children. There is a wonderful dynamic where the children help and encourage each other and collaboration is strong within the class. I do wish there were more girls in the program. I understand this isn’t something the school can control due to registration, but the current class at Gleneagles has a lot of boys. This isn’t inherently good or bad, but I do feel that having more diversity would enhance the experience for the kids in the program.

(3.5) School Life

My daughter absolutely loves attending Saplings Nature School! Every day is a little different, and she thrives in the outdoor environment where learning happens through exploration and hands-on experiences. The children have a unique sense of adventure that you don’t see in traditional preschool settings. There’s a strong emphasis on outdoor play, which fosters creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration in ways that feel natural and engaging. One thing to keep in mind, especially for new families, is the importance of preparing your kids for the outdoors. The students spend a lot of time outside, so it's essential for children to have the proper gear for all types of weather. The teachers are very well prepared as well and always have changes of clothing if things gets wet.

(4.5) Community

What stands out to me about the broader community at Saplings Nature School is the strong sense of connection and collaboration between families, teachers, and the local community. The teachers actively encourage parents to help organize playdates and events, which fosters a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone. Saplings does an excellent job of fostering community engagement. At Gleneagles, the program is connected to the Gleneagles Community center, allowing the children to interact regularly with the staff and even the nearby fire hall and firefighters. These interactions provide enriching experiences and lasting memories for the children and help build meaningful connections outside of the school! My daughter now knows the difference between the different emergency vehicle's sirens. I believe Saplings Nature School has a good sense of providing opportunity for parents to be involved.

(4.5) School Location

What stands out about the surrounding neighborhood and community is how connected the school is to its environment and things locally. The students at Saplings Nature School regularly venture beyond the school grounds, exploring the local park, beach, playground, and engaging with the community and emergency services. Each day offers a new adventure, and my daughter loves this aspect of the school.

(2) Admissions

My experience with the admissions process was a bit challenging due to a change in administration when we first registered. The transition period made things somewhat confusing and stressful at the time. However, I understand that such changes can happen, and since then, communication with the administration has been fantastic. My advice to someone planning to apply would be to stay patient and keep an open line of communication with the school. They are genuinely committed to making sure the school is the right fit for both the child and the family.