Our daughter started at Exploration Academy this summer and has been loving it! We were looking for an outdoor program with a focus on creative, child-led learning, and EA is exactly that. The kids spend a ton of time outside in Golden Gate Park. They also travel to museums and playgrounds, and round out their days with cooking and science experiments. Our daughter is always brimming with stories from the day. We have known Teacher Nathan and Paula for some time, and we know when our kids are with them, they are safe and taken care of. The teachers have put a lot into starting this school and making sure it is a great experience for both the kids and parents, and we are so grateful to be a part of it.

If you're looking for a preschool that fosters curiosity, independence, and a true love of the outdoors, this is the place. Our child has been attending this outdoor forest-focused preschool, and we couldn't be happier with the experience. The program is built entirely around exploring nature, and every day is a new adventure. The kids spend their time climbing, hiking, building, and discovering -- and our child comes home excited to share about the days adventure(s). The two lead teachers are absolutely incredible. Even though they're just starting their own school, you can tell how much heart and thought they put into everything. They're constantly learning, improving, and adapting, which makes the program feel dynamic and fresh. Their passion for teaching and connecting with kids really shines through, and they create such a supportive and fun environment. Most importantly, our child loves going every single day. It's clear the kids are thriving -- laughing, playing, and learning through hands-on experiences. It feels so rare to find a preschool that lets children truly be kids while still fostering curiosity and problem-solving skills.

Teacher Paula and Teacher Nathan are two creative, patient and kind teachers who have courageously branched off on their own to start Exploration Academy. 

Our son, who was speech delayed, was a student at a prior school that they worked for. They have not only given him confidence but have helped him transform into this chatty, explorative, social butterfly. The transformation he has gone through over the past year is truly remarkable and we are so thankful for them.

Their program is the most unique that we have seen in San Francisco. They get to spend their days exploring our beautiful city, Golden Gate Park, local beaches all while learning.

Most importantly, the kids are all happy, feel heard and safe and just overall having a great time. We couldn’t have asked for a better program and are very happy to be apart of it and to watch it grow.
 Our son’s time at Exploration Academy has been truly transformative. Led by two wonderful, nurturing teachers, (Teacher Nathan and Paula), the program offers a nature-based learning experience that fosters curiosity, confidence, and kindness. Each day is filled with exploration—climbing logs, building with leaves, and observing the beauty of Golden Gate Park while also spending time at some nearby museums. The teachers create a warm, respectful environment where every child feels seen and supported, allowing them to grow socially, emotionally, and intellectually. Our son has grown so much!