Emerging Sprouts
Castro Valley Campus
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Emerging Sprouts is thrilled to welcome families to our newest farm site in Castro Valley. We are located on a farm in the Crow Canyon of Castro Valley. We are an 11-minute drive to Castro Valley BART and a 10-minute drive to Costco in San Ramon.
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Emerging Sprouts operates with a co-creative curriculum in which our teachers diligently observe and track students' interests in the nature classroom. Through collaborative efforts with the students, we design a curriculum that is engaging, relevant, and rich with awe and wonder for each cohort enrolled in our program.
Our Castro Valley location offers a variety of classes, including Toddler & Parent, Preschool, Co-op/ Participation Preschool, Transitional Kindergarten & Kindergarten, and 1st - 3rd grade Classes.
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*All children in preschool and above classes must be potty-trained. However, students who are potty-trained at 2.5 and can stay with the group and carry their own backpacks will be considered​ for preschool classes that start at age 3.
Our 2025-2026 School Year Application Period will close on 4/28/25
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classes offered
Preschool
Forest School
Class
Our preschool class is foundational for all children ages 2.5 - 5 years old. This class is outside 100% of the time. As a Reggio-Emilia-inspired Forest School, we focus on teaching social-emotional skills that allow students to articulate their feelings and needs with their peers, teachers, and families. The skills students learn in our preschool foster resilience and lay the groundwork for leadership, problem-solving, self-expression, critical thinking, and more.
Participation Preschool
Forest School
Class
Our participation preschool class is designed for children aged 2.5 to 5 years, accompanied by a parent who can stay and engage in the classroom activities. This co-op model is ideal for families with one working parent who want to spend more time in the forest classroom. Importantly, this class takes place entirely outdoors.
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Parents in this class receive training on how to create a supportive and healthy learning environment while collaborating with a lead teacher from our school. This class is perfect for parents who are eager to support their children's learning, enjoy hands-on experiences, have an interest in early childhood development, and wish to be actively involved in their child's education.
TK & Kindergarten
Forest School
Class
Enrolling your child in Forest School for Preschool, TK/Kindergarten will greatly elevate their academic success and performance. Our unique learning environment not only enhances but also enriches traditional classroom education, ensuring your child thrives in their educational journey. In our forest setting, children participate in experiential learning opportunities that actively stimulate their natural curiosity, promote critical thinking, and develop problem-solving skills.
For example, when children explore diverse natural habitats and observe various forms of wildlife, they engage in firsthand experiences that deepen their understanding of subjects like science and biology. These practical encounters not only make theoretical concepts more tangible but also cultivate a profound appreciation for ecological systems and the importance of environmental sustainability.
Enrollment
2025-2026 School Year
How to apply
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Submit application
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join a Friday tour or Open House
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If invited to enroll pay your deposit to hold your child's space in our program.
First - Thrid Grade Forest School
Class
Enrolling your child in our Forest School for 1st to 3rd grade encourages open-ended learning in a forest environment, fostering creativity and innovation among children.They are invited to engage in activities such as building shelters, creating art inspired by nature, and participating in imaginative play. These activities not only foster creativity but also promote essential skills like spatial awareness, fine motor skills, and cognitive flexibility. Such diverse experiences help cultivate a well-rounded skill set that supports academic success across multiple subjects.
Moreover, the freedom to explore, discover, and experiment in natural surroundings nurtures a lifelong love for learning and encourages inquiry-based discovery. This intrinsic motivation is crucial for fostering academic engagement, making children more eager to participate in their educational journeys, and inspiring them to pursue knowledge actively. Overall, Forest School offers a compelling approach to education that equips children with the skills and passion necessary for thriving academically and personally. Children who transition from Forest School to a traditional indoor school equipped with a strong foundation and a genuine love of learning not only adapt but thrive. They bring with them valuable skills developed in Forest School, enhancing their experience in a more structured school environment.
