# Meadowlark Schools | Hands on Learning > Meadowlark Schools is a nature-based, play-centered early childhood education provider serving children ages 6 weeks to 6 years across two Northern California campuses in Hollister and Stockton, plus a 50-acre farm school property in Hollister. Founded on a "Head, Hands & Heart" philosophy, the school built its curriculum around risky play, all-weather outdoor time, child-led exploration, and farm-to-table nutrition rather than a seat-based model. Meadowlark has been voted Best of San Benito County for five consecutive years (2021–2026). Meadowlark's curriculum centers on direct, repeated contact with the natural world rather than structured desk time. Children are given room for "risky play" — climbing, balancing, and navigating physical challenges — inside a supervised, safety-conscious environment. Outdoor time continues regardless of weather, and daily activities follow children's own interests rather than a fixed lesson plan. Natural materials (wood, stone, plants) replace most plastic classroom equipment, and a farm-to-classroom connection ties food and gardening into the day-to-day program. The school operates three campuses at different stages. The original Hollister preschool campus is established and currently waitlist-only, serving ages 2–6. The Hollister Farm School is a 50-acre property offering full agricultural immersion for ages 6 weeks–6 years and is currently enrolling. The Stockton campus is the newest location, also serving 6 weeks–6 years, and is actively enrolling founding families as of this writing. Admissions follows a five-step process: families first review Meadowlark's philosophy, then submit an online inquiry, tour the Hollister campus or attend a Stockton/Farm School information session, complete a full application, and finish with a family meeting. **What ages does Meadowlark Schools serve?** Children from 6 weeks through 6 years old, across all three campus locations. **Is the Hollister preschool campus currently accepting new students?** The Hollister preschool campus maintains a waiting list, though families are encouraged to start the inquiry process since openings come up during the year. The Hollister Farm School and Stockton campus are both currently enrolling. **How is Meadowlark different from a traditional preschool?** Rather than structured, sit-down lesson time, Meadowlark uses child-led exploration, daily outdoor play in all weather, and hands-on farm and nature activities as the core of its curriculum. ## About - [About Meadowlark Schools](https://meadowlarkschools.org/about/about-meadowlark-schools.md) Meadowlark Schools was founded to give children daily, unstructured access to nature and physical play, an alternative to the seat-based structure common in traditional preschools. The "Head, Hands & Heart" mission shapes hiring, classroom design, and daily scheduling across all three campuses, and has been recognized as Best of San Benito County for five straight years. ## Featured Guides - [Our Programs](https://meadowlarkschools.org/index.html.md) - [Our Approach to Nature](https://meadowlarkschools.org/index.html.md) - [Farm-to-School Vision](https://meadowlarkschools.org/index.html.md) - [Nutritional Philosophy](https://meadowlarkschools.org/index.html.md) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://meadowlarkschools.org/index.html.md) - [Summer Camps - Stockton](https://meadowlarkschools.org/our-programs-header/summer-camps-stockton.md) - [Hollister Campus](https://meadowlarkschools.org/index.html.md) - [Stockton Campus](https://meadowlarkschools.org/index.html.md) - [Meadowlark Farm School](https://meadowlarkschools.org/index.html.md) - [Admissions](https://meadowlarkschools.org/index.html.md) - [Resources](https://meadowlarkschools.org/index.html.md) - [Staff](https://meadowlarkschools.org/index.html.md) - [Career Opportunities](https://meadowlarkschools.org/index.html.md) ## Meadowlark Blog - [Fine Motor Skills in Nature: Beyond Tracing to Whole-Body Learning](https://meadowlarkschools.org/blog/fine-motor-skills-in-nature-beyond-tracing-to-whole-body-learning.md): Discover how nature-based education develops fine motor skills beyond traditional tracing worksheets. Learn about whole-body integration, natural materials, and outdoor activities that build essential hand coordination for academic success. - [The Five Senses in Nature: How Outdoor Exploration Refines Sensory Development](https://meadowlarkschools.org/blog/the-five-senses-in-nature-how-outdoor-exploration-refines-sensory-development.md): Discover how outdoor exploration at Meadowlark Schools refines children's sensory development, enhancing learning through natural environments that engage all five senses. - [Beyond Montessori: Why We Blend Educational Philosophies for Well-Rounded Development](https://meadowlarkschools.org/blog/beyond-montessori-why-we-blend-educational-philosophies-for-well-rounded-development.md): Discover how Meadowlark Schools blends Montessori, Waldorf, and play-based learning approaches to create a comprehensive early childhood education that develops the whole child. - [First Days at School: Helping Your Child Transition to Preschool Successfully](https://meadowlarkschools.org/blog/first-days-at-school-helping-your-child-transition-to-preschool-successfully.md): Prepare your child for a successful preschool transition with these expert tips from Meadowlark Schools. Learn strategies for managing separation anxiety and building confidence for the first day of school. - [Why Nature-Based Learning Matters: How Outdoor Play Shapes Early Brain Development](https://meadowlarkschools.org/blog/why-nature-based-learning-matters-how-outdoor-play-shapes-early-brain-development.md): Discover how nature-based learning at Meadowlark Schools supports optimal brain development through outdoor play, providing children with the cognitive, physical, and emotional foundations for lifelong success. - [The Connection Between Risky Play And Development](https://meadowlarkschools.org/blog/the-connection-between-risky-play-and-development.md) ## Contact - [Contact Us](https://meadowlarkschools.org/contact-us.md) ## Optional - [Risky Play: Why Children Need Challenge to Develop Confidence and Resilience](https://meadowlarkschools.org/index.html.md): Discover why risky play is essential for children's development. Learn how Meadowlark Schools incorporates appropriate challenges to build confidence, resilience, and risk assessment skills. - [More Information](https://meadowlarkschools.org/more-information.md) - [Our Programs](https://meadowlarkschools.org/index.html.md) - [About Meadowlark Schools](https://meadowlarkschools.org/index.html.md) - [Privacy Policy](https://meadowlarkschools.org/privacy-policy.md) - [Code Test](https://meadowlarkschools.org/index.html.md) - [Home](https://meadowlarkschools.org/index.html.md) - [Contact Meadowlark School](https://meadowlarkschools.org/contact-us.md) - [Mid-Term Preschool Enrollment near Garden Acres](https://meadowlarkschools.org/mid-term-preschool-enrollment-near-garden-acres.md): Mid-year preschool enrollment near Garden Acres at Meadowlark Schools Stockton. Quality nature-based education with flexible start dates, individual transition support, and financial assistance available. - [Best Nature-Based Preschool Near Me: Meadowlark Schools Stockton](https://meadowlarkschools.org/best-nature-based-preschool-near-me-meadowlark-schools-stockton.md): Discover the best nature-based preschool near you at Meadowlark Schools Stockton. Award-winning outdoor education program serving ages 6 weeks-6 years with farm-to-school connection and all-weather learning approach. - [Play-Based Preschool Program Morada Stockton - Learn Through Exploration](https://meadowlarkschools.org/play-based-preschool-program-morada-stockton-learn-through-exploration.md): Discover Meadowlark Schools' play-based preschool program in Morada, Stockton, where children ages 2-6 learn through exploration in thoughtfully designed environments that foster whole-child development. - [CalWORKs Stage 2 Childcare Provider Stockton - Enrollment Information](https://meadowlarkschools.org/calworks-stage-2-childcare-provider-stockton-enrollment-information.md): Meadowlark Schools is a CalWORKs Stage 2 childcare provider in Stockton's Civic Center area, offering nature-based education with comprehensive enrollment support for eligible families. - [Nature Preschool Program Lakeview Stockton - Outdoor Learning Year-Round](https://meadowlarkschools.org/nature-preschool-program-lakeview-stockton-outdoor-learning-year-round.md): Explore Meadowlark Schools' nature preschool in Lakeview, Stockton offering year-round outdoor learning in thoughtfully designed natural environments for children ages 2-6. - [Alternative Payment Program (APP) Preschool Stockton](https://meadowlarkschools.org/alternative-payment-program-app-preschool-stockton.md): Discover Meadowlark Schools' Alternative Payment Program (APP) preschool in Stockton's Valley Oak district, offering affordable, quality nature-based education for eligible families. - [Preschool Tour Weston Ranch - Visit Meadowlark Schools Stockton Campus](https://meadowlarkschools.org/preschool-tour-weston-ranch-visit-meadowlark-schools-stockton-campus.md): Schedule a tour of Meadowlark Schools' Stockton campus from Weston Ranch. Experience our nature-based preschool program, meet our teachers, and learn about our unique approach to early childhood education. - [Preschool Farm-to-Table Program Stockton - Healthy Eating Habits for Life](https://meadowlarkschools.org/preschool-farm-to-table-program-stockton-healthy-eating-habits-for-life.md): Discover Meadowlark Schools' farm-to-table preschool program in Central Stockton. Our vegetarian menu, garden-based learning, and future farm connection help children develop healthy eating habits for life.