An outdoor preschool that feels like family

Welcome to Tree Sprites!Here in San Anselmo, children greet the day beneath oak branches and open sky. Their mornings flow with rhythm: baking bread, tending the garden, and listening to stories that awaken wonder.
Young child in a light dress kneeling beside a metal tub filled with vegetables and flowers, gently holding a bird.
What Makes

Tree Sprites Special

Illustration of a cozy house with a red door, large tree with a swing, garden vegetables, and animals, symbolizing the nurturing home-like environment at Tree Sprites.
Each day at Tree Sprites unfolds like a story, filled with rhythm, warmth, and simple joys. Children knead bread, gather herbs from the garden, and listen to stories that carry the wisdom of the seasons.

We move through the year in harmony with nature’s rhythm, celebrating festivals that honor light, harvest, and renewal. These moments weave a sense of belonging and reverence for life that children carry within them long after they leave our garden gate.

Families often tell us,
“It feels like coming home.” 
Looking for a place where…
Your child feels safe, seen, and free to explore outdoors,
Learning unfolds through play and wonder, and
Your whole family feels supported and connected?
Scroll to see how Tree Sprites brings it to life.
hand-drawn image of the bird and an arrow

Our Programs

We offer year-round opportunities for children to learn, grow, and thrive in nature, from preschool to summer adventures.
Illustration of a small bird perched on a wooden post among wildflowers, symbolizing simplicity and connection with nature at Tree Sprites.
Rooted in Care, Nourished by Nature:

What You Can Expect

Teresa reading a storybook to a small group of children gathered closely, showing warm family-like care.
Home Away From Home
Two children smiling while petting a fluffy rabbit outdoors, highlighting hands-on learning with animals.
Real-Life Learning with Rabbits, Chickens, and Gardens
Child smiling while eating a colorful, home-cooked meal at Tree Sprites.
Home-Cooked Meals Made with Care
Children in colorful rain gear playing outside, experiencing joy and movement in all-weather nature play.
Growing Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
Children gently observing and touching a bird under teacher guidance, practicing empathy and care.
Nature Immersion, Every Day
Parents and children gathered outdoors, dancing around a maypole with colorful ribbons during a community celebration.
A Community for Parents, Too

Join a Community
That Grows Together

Complete form to join our waiting list

When a spot becomes available we will contact you to arrange a tour

Visit us with your child to see if it is the right fit

Submit application and deposit to hold a spot

Tree Sprites accepts children aged two years and six months to five years old. Our program is currently full, please join our waiting list.

What Families Are Saying

Real stories from families who’ve found their home here.
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Thank you for the best year of preschool for J that we could have dreamed of.

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Thank you for all you do in setting a lovely, free, creative and safe space for E and the other kids at Tree Sprites.
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I am so deeply grateful for the love, reverence, magic, fun, humor, and joy you bring to the children.
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We're grateful for such a nurturing environment for our son to learn, grow, and explore.
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Thank you for all the love, warmth, and light you provide for the children each day.
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You are so intentonal with how you run the school and the direct impact on the children & the community is clear. We are so grateful to be a part of it.
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We are beyond grateful for the love you give to our girls. We feel so lucky to be a part of this community.
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The level of nurturance dee understanding and respect that give the children in your care is profound, and we all benefit greatly.
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We are beyond grateful for the love you give to our girls. We feel so lucky to be a part of this community.
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The level of nurturance, deep understanding and respect that you give the children in your care is profound, and we all benefit greatly.
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Our family were all recipients of your kindness and guidance while B attended Tree Sprites.
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We are so lucky to have found such a magical, nurturing, and caring "second home" for our daughter this year.
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Thank you for all the magic you bring into all our lives.
Illustration of a white rabbit sitting beside a cabbage among grasses, symbolizing gentleness and nature at Tree Sprites.

Tree Sprites grew from the life we once made for our own children —

Days shaped by rhythm, gardens, and wonder. After years of guiding little ones through similar spaces, we now share that magic with families ready to grow, together.

~ Todd & Teresa

FAQ

Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from families.
What if my child has trouble adjusting?

We understand that every child is different, and transitioning into a new rhythm can take time. We approach each child with patience, warmth, and consistency, meeting them where they are. Our teachers gently guide them into the day’s activities and offer plenty of comfort, connection, and one-on-one support. Most children begin to feel at home within a few days or weeks, but we honor each child's unique pace.

What will my child’s day look like?

Our days follow a comforting rhythm that includes free play, gardening, circle time with songs and movement, wholesome meals, nature walks, rest, and creative activities such as painting, baking, or seasonal crafts. The structure is predictable but flexible, allowing your child to feel secure while also exploring new experiences. Each activity is designed to support social-emotional growth, sensory development, and a deep love of learning.

What kinds of meals do you serve?

We serve warm, nourishing, organic meals made with love. Our food is simple, seasonal, and wholesome—think warm porridge, vegetable soups, fresh fruit, whole grains, and garden-grown produce. We are mindful of allergies and dietary needs and strive to make mealtime feel like a shared ritual that nourishes both body and spirit.

Plant the Seed for Your Child’s Future

Located in Marin County, CA, Tree Sprites fills up quickly, we encourage early inquiries. Not sure yet? We’re happy to answer any questions.
Watercolor illustration of a peppermint sprig with green leaves and white veins.
Child at Tree Sprites Preschool holding up fresh green clover, symbolizing growth and new beginnings.
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