Located at Tryon Life Community Farm in SW Portland, Mother Earth School is an all-outdoor preschool and kindergarten program led by trained Waldorf teachers where each child is honored as a unique being with special gifts to offer the world. This magical 7-acre permaculture farm is nestled against 650 acres of State Forest only 20 minutes from downtown, providing an oasis from city life.

In this inspiring farm and forest setting, children blossom as they learn naturally from real life processes. Healthy whole grains are prepared daily over fire in the outdoor kitchen. The children help prepare the snack, wash the dishes and feed the scraps to the chickens. They also participate in gardening, wild crafting, and handwork projects, all of which teach sustainable practices as they learn to care for themselves, each other and the world around them. The forest is our playground where nature provides a wide range of opportunities for physical exploration and imaginative play. The seasonal cycles are celebrated through daily storytelling, puppetry, songs and verses as well as during festivals throughout the year. As children develop a personal relationship with the natural world, a sense of reverence for the Earth and all life is cultivated.