An Adirondack Classroom

Weekly Outreach - Hike in Old Forge

In the heart of the Central Adirondacks, where towering pines meet pristine lakes, Kinderwood has quietly shaped the early years of countless children for over 50 years. This nonprofit Montessori-inspired preschool offers more than just an education - it provides a foundation for life, blending academic development, character-building, and outdoor exploration in a way that’s uniquely suited to its rural, community-focused environment.

For families grappling with the challenges of a post-pandemic world, Kinderwood has become a lifeline. It’s a place where young children not only learn their ABCs and 123s but also rediscover the joys of social connection. After months (and years) of disrupted routines and isolation, the program's small class sizes and emphasis on teamwork help children rebuild essential social skills. Through shared outdoor adventures and collaborative classroom projects, Kinderwood's students learn how to communicate, problem-solve, and form friendships, setting them up for success both in and out of school.

Kinderwood’s emphasis on year-round outdoor exploration is especially significant. Whether downhill skiing through fresh powder at our local mountain, picking apples on a crisp fall day, or hiking Adirondack trails and jumping in puddles in spring, the children are immersed in activities that foster resilience, curiosity, and a deep love for nature. For many students, these experiences are not just play—they are moments of discovery, sparking a sense of wonder and grounding them in the natural rhythms of their environment.

However, Kinderwood’s impact goes beyond the classroom and the forest trails. It’s also a pillar of support for working families in the Central Adirondacks. Access to affordable, quality early childhood education can be a challenge in rural areas, but Kinderwood meets this need with a commitment to inclusivity. Thanks to generous community support and fundraising efforts, the program offers scholarships to ensure that more families can benefit from its offerings, regardless of financial circumstances.

The program’s flexibility - offering three or five day schedules for 3 and 4 year olds - provides critical support for parents juggling work and family life. For many, Kinderwood is not just a preschool but a partner in raising their children, helping to create a stable foundation during formative years.

Kinderwood’s dedication to fostering the whole child extends into music education and creative play. Weekly music classes bring rhythm and melody into students' lives, enhancing their emotional and cognitive growth. These moments of creativity and joy complement the Montessori-inspired curriculum, which focuses on nurturing independence, curiosity, and hands-on learning.

In a world that has changed so much in recent years, Kinderwood remains steadfast in its mission: to prepare children not only for school but for life. By blending the timeless values of connection, exploration, and learning, this nonprofit preschool continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for families in the Central Adirondacks. For the children who attend, Kinderwood isn’t just where education begins - it’s where they begin to understand their place in the world.