The Grove Farm School
Now enrolling for the 2025 - 2026 school year
We are a fully outdoor, Reggio Emilia-inspired school located on our six-acre site across the street from Farm 12. The 2024-2025 school year was our pilot program year with a small group of students. For the 2025-2026 school year, we will be a licensed outdoor school with part-time and full-time options.
The Grove is very child-led, and exploratory play is at the top of our priorities. Children will be in all weather, playing with animals, learning life skills, gardening, getting dirty, and so much more!
Remember there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!
We will be enrolling 30 total spots for private pay families and 30 total spots for families on a reduced rate as we will be licensed for 60 children. Please note the selection at the bottom of the page.
We are looking for teachers for the 2025-2026 school year. Please be on the look out on our social media and website if you’re interested!
Daily Rhythm
Drop Off
Morning Circle Time
Main Lesson
Snack
Free Play
Lunch
Free Play
Pick Up
Details
Classes will follow the Puyallup School District Calendar for breaks and days off.
Each class will have six children with one teacher and one assistant.
Part-time and full-time options are available as well as morning and afternoon.
Children must be 2.5 to 5 years old before September 1st of the 2025-2026 school year.
During the first few weeks of school, children will be separated into developmentally appropriate age groups for specific activities but will spend most of the day together.
Over the summer, handbooks, policy and procedures, release of liability, and other additional forms will be sent and need to be filled out before the first day of school.
The registration fee is nonrefundable.
THE GROVE SCHEDULE
FULL-TIME CLASS
Monday - Friday from 9 am - 4 pm
(Investment of $2,100/mo)
PART-TIME CLASSES
Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9 AM - 12 PM
Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 1 PM - 4 PM
Tuesday/Thursday from 9 AM - 12 PM
Tuesday/Thursday from 1 PM - 4 PM
(3 days a week investment of $540/mo)
(2 days a week investment of $360/mo)
“(My daughter) comes back happier, more confident, and excited to share with me about her day. I have noticed the impact it has had on her curiosity about nature around her, as well as her resilience in various weather conditions.
I have been reading “The Anxious Generation” regarding the harmful impact of the increase in technology combined with the loss of free childhood play and the influence it has had on the last two generations. What you all are doing is the complete opposite of both and is changing the narrative for our littles. So grateful to be a part of The Grove community! Thanks for creating something unconventional for our kiddos.” - Grove Parent
PLEASE NOTE
With experienced staff and small class sizes, it is of the utmost importance that we create an environment where every child feels seen, heard, and encouraged. We will do our best to meet individual needs as much as we can. However, with the nature of farm school being completely outside, rough terrain, natural elements, and encouraging child-led risky play, we may not be the best fit for every child.
We have found that the children who thrive most in this environment are: extremely active, creative, and use their imagination often, able to vocalize their needs (for example, thirsty, hungry, tired, cold, etc.), and have an energetic spirit. Being fully outside, we have a few nonnegotiable safety rules. If your child cannot adhere to these rules and it puts them or other children at risk, you could be asked to leave The Grove Farm School.
If you are unsure if your child would thrive in this environment, please reach out to laramiller@stepbystepfamily.org.
2025-2026 Enrollment Registration Fee FoR PRIVATE PAY FAMILIES
This paid registration fee means you are on the list for your prefered class! Once the handbook and additional forms are sent out, if you or administraition at The Grove mutually do not feel like your family is a good fit, there is the possiblity for a refund of your registration fee. If all spots are filled, we will start a waiting list for open spots.
We have 12 full-time spots, 18 morning spots and 18 afternoon spots each day.
If you have any questions, please email laramiller@stepbystepfamily.org.
If your preferred time is full, please fill out this waitlist inquiry below.
If you are inquiring about reduced rate, sliding fee, etc, please see the section below.
2025-2026 Enrollment Registration Fee FoR FAMILIES on a sliding fee
This is for Step By Step and Farm 12 families as well as families who are hoping for a reduced rate. Please fill out the form below. Priority will be given to SBS & Farm 12 families. We will then go on a case by case basis/first come, first served.
We have 18 full-time spots, 12 morning spots and 12 afternoon spots each day.
Once the handbook and additional forms are sent out, if you or administraition at The Grove do not feel like your family is a good fit, we will put your application on hold and go to the next family on the waiting list.
Please fill out this form for each individual child if you are requesting more than one spot. It is our plan to get all spots solidified and families notified by March 4th.
If you have any questions, please email laramiller@stepbystepfamily.org.
“As a child with speech difficulties, the Grove has been the perfect school environment for our son. Their play-based approach perfectly aligns with both (his) needs and our desires for his early childhood development. We wholeheartedly recommend The Grove and will continue to embrace it as a vital part of our children's lives.” - Grove Parent