OUR MISSION
To provide a premier early childhood environment to meet the social, emotional, physical, creative and academic needs of your child, while introducing them into a lifelong, meaningful relationship with the natural world.
ABOUT GGHF CURIOUS BY NATURE SCHOOL
GGHF Curious By Nature offers a one-of-a-kind, nature-based early-childhood program that helps children develop key critical thinking skills to support their success in math, science, language and the arts. Our students go outside to learn, explore and play every day, rain or shine! At GGHF Curious by Nature School, our teachers combine child-centered philosophies (i.e., Reggio Emilia) in their instructional practice in the areas of music, language, arts and crafts, math, science, culture, and learning about Pacific Northwest habitats.
Nestled in the quiet, historic town of Gig Harbor, Washington, we offer Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K classes for children ages 2-6 and enrichment classes and camps for school-aged children ages 4-11.
WHAT SETS US APART
At GGHF Curious by Nature School, we believe children are naturally driven to explore, learn, and grow—and that nature is one of their greatest teachers. Our one-of-a-kind, outdoor-based program nurtures the whole child through meaningful, play-based learning in a natural environment.
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Our instruction is rooted in hands-on experiences, child-led exploration, and responsive teaching practices. Through immersive daily activities, children develop a strong connection to the natural world while building foundational skills across all areas of development.
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The Three Pillars of CBNS
Our approach to early childhood education is guided by three core pillars — Nature-Based Learning, Reggio-Inspired Practices, and Kindergarten Readiness. These principles shape everything we do, from the way we design our classrooms to how we partner with families.
LEARNING IN NATURE
EVERY DAY
Children engage in outdoor learning experiences that promote curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Teachers guide exploration and discussion around:
Seasonal changes, plants, and animals
Local ecosystems and weather patterns
Natural habitats and native species
People, cultures, and community
DAILY ACTIVITIES
Each day is filled with engaging, developmentally rich activities, including:
Outdoor play - rain or shine
Natural science experiments
Creative arts, music, and movement
Language and early literacy activities
Sensory exploration
Large and small motor skill development
OUR TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
Our teachers design and guide learning experiences that foster independence, imagination, and a love of discovery. We:
Build strong, nurturing relationships with every child
Create opportunities based on children’s interests, abilities, and developmental stages
Support learning through play, exploration, and inquiry
Ask open-ended questions to spark reflection and problem-solving
Encourage self-expression and communication in all its forms
Foster empathy, cooperation, and friendships through shared experiences
Partner closely with families, valuing the insight and knowledge of each child’s first teachers—their parents
Honor each child’s individuality and celebrate their unique learning journey
Every day at Curious by Nature School invites children to explore, discover, and connect—with themselves, their peers, and the world around them.