At Meadowlark Schools, we nurture children's natural curiosity through immersive, nature-based education. Our play-centered approach provides the foundation children need to develop into confident, compassionate, and capable individuals.
Where Nature, Play, and Learning Bloom Together in Stockton
Opening August 2025 – Join our families at our new Stockton campus where children connect with nature, engage in meaningful play, and develop essential skills for lifelong success.
Welcome to Meadowlark Schools Stockton
We're thrilled to bring our award-winning nature-based, play-centered educational approach to Stockton! Opening in August 2025, our new campus will provide the same high-quality early childhood education that has made our Hollister location the "Best of San Benito County" for four consecutive years (2021-2024).
Our Stockton campus will serve children from 6 weeks to 6 years old, offering infant care, toddler programs, and preschool/pre-K education in a thoughtfully designed environment that supports connection with nature, meaningful play, and holistic development.
Located in Stockton's city center, our campus will feature both natural outdoor learning spaces and inviting indoor environments filled with natural materials and engaging resources that inspire exploration, creativity, and wonder.
Our Nature-Based Curriculum
Our learning environment reflects our belief that children are inherently curious, seek relationships with others, and construct their knowledge and understanding of the world through their active engagement with their environment and the people, materials, and experiences within it.
Daily Rhythm at Meadowlark Schools
While each day flows according to children's interests and needs, our rhythm generally includes:
- Morning arrival and open exploration time
- Morning circle for community building
- Extended outdoor time
- Family-style lunch
- Rest/quiet time
- Afternoon activities (often outdoors)
- Closing circle
- Departure
This flow provides a balance of active and quiet times, individual and group experiences, and indoor and outdoor learning.
Outdoor Learning in All Seasons
At Meadowlark, children spend significant time outdoors in all seasons, using natural environments and materials for play and exploration. This approach develops children's connection to the natural world while supporting all areas of development.
We believe there's no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing! Children go outside daily throughout the year, with appropriate adaptations for extreme conditions. We provide guidelines for weather-appropriate clothing and maintain a supply of extra gear for children who need it.
Program Details for Stockton Families
Ages Served
- Infants (6 weeks to 18 months)
- Toddlers (18 months to 3 years)
- Preschool/Pre-K (3 to 6 years)
Schedule Options
- Full-day program (7:30 am to 5:30 pm)
- Half-day options
- 2-day, 3-day, and 5-day scheduling available
Teacher-to-Child Ratios
We maintain low teacher-to-child ratios to ensure each child receives individualized attention. Our specific ratios are better than state requirements, and do not exceed 1:12. Check in with us on specific age groups and locations to learn what size class your child would be in.
The Benefits of Nature-Based Learning
Research consistently shows that children who participate in nature-based, play-centered programs develop:
- Stronger executive function skills - critical for school readiness and life success
- Enhanced creativity and problem-solving abilities - through open-ended exploration
- Better physical coordination and body awareness - from navigating varied terrain
- Improved social-emotional skills - through collaborative outdoor adventures
- Greater self-confidence and independence - by tackling appropriate challenges
- Deeper connection to the natural world - fostering environmental stewardship
Our approach embraces "risky play" – age-appropriate challenges that allow children to test limits, develop confidence, and learn to assess risks. Examples include climbing trees (to appropriate heights), balancing on logs, using real tools with supervision, or playing near water with careful oversight.
The Meadowlark Difference
Beyond Traditional Preschool
While many Stockton preschools follow traditional or Montessori approaches, Meadowlark offers a unique alternative that blends the best elements of various educational philosophies:
- The self-directed learning valued in Montessori
- The artistic and natural elements emphasized in Waldorf education
- The play-based approach backed by developmental research
- Our unique "Head, Hands, and Heart" philosophy that nurtures the whole child
Built on Success
Our Stockton campus builds on the established success of our Hollister location, which has:
- Been voted "Best of San Benito County" for four consecutive years
- Maintained a waiting list of 50+ families
- Established a reputation for excellence in early childhood education
Our Growing Vision
As we develop our 50-acre farm property near our Hollister campus, children from all Meadowlark locations will have increasing opportunities to connect with agricultural experiences. This working organic farm will eventually become Meadowlark Farm School, providing immersive learning about food systems, animals, and sustainable practices.
Enrollment Information for Our Stockton Campus
Becoming a Founding Family
As a new family at our Stockton campus, you'll help shape our school community from the very beginning. We invite you to:
- Join our interest list to receive updates and invitations to pre-opening events
- Attend an information session to learn more about our educational approach
- Schedule a pre-opening tour as we near completion of our facility
- Complete enrollment paperwork to secure your child's place
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Meadowlark different from other preschools in Stockton?
Meadowlark Schools offers a nature-based, play-centered approach that emphasizes outdoor learning, appropriate risk-taking, and whole-child development. Unlike many traditional or Montessori programs, we integrate significant outdoor time in all weather conditions, use natural materials, and focus on building children's connection to the natural world while developing all the skills needed for future academic success.
Do you accept subsidy programs and financial assistance?
Yes! We believe quality early childhood education should be accessible to all families. Our Stockton campus will accept various subsidy programs including CalWORKs Child Care, California State Preschool Program (CSPP), and Alternative Payment Programs (APP). Please visit our Financial Assistance page for more information.
How will my child transition to kindergarten from a play-based program?
Research consistently shows that children from play-based, nature-focused programs develop stronger foundational skills for academic success than those from programs emphasizing early academics. Through meaningful play and exploration, children develop the attention, self-regulation, problem-solving, and social skills that predict long-term school success.
What if my child has never spent much time outdoors?
Even children with limited outdoor experience quickly adapt to and thrive in nature-based programs. We introduce outdoor experiences gradually and supportively, helping each child build comfort and confidence at their own pace.
Will you offer transportation services?
We do not currently provide transportation services. Families are responsible for transportation to and from school.
Start Your Meadowlark Journey
We invite you to join our growing community of families committed to providing their children with a nature-based, play-centered early education experience. As we prepare to open our doors in August 2025, now is the perfect time to secure your child's place in our founding group of students.
Contact us to schedule a tour, join our interest list, or ask questions about the program!