Welcome to Raintree
Missouri's first and only Reggio Emilia Inspired Forest School.
Learning is lifelong and transformative, a deeply human and endlessly inspiring journey.
At Raintree, we nurture children's innate courage, imagination, and kindness through a project based-approach layered with an emphasis on connecting to nature and their community.
A student at Raintree grows up to be a curious, compassionate steward of the world.
Rooted in the forest as a living classroom, Raintree students spend 30–50% of their day outdoors— venturing out on our 11 acre property, using loose parts, and engaging in sensory, seasonal provocations that cultivate resilience, creativity, and inquiry.
Exploration
Stewardship
At Raintree, children learn that stewardship is a way of living, not just through their close relationship with nature - but also through an intentionally designed food program that emphasizes our connection to local partners and the world around us. Here, sustainability is a daily ritual that turns into a lifelong practice.
Discovery
Raintree's Reggio-inspired child directed curriculum encourages our students to bring their ideas and creativity to life. With our design thinking approach, children our encouraged to follow their curiosity through long-term investigation, blending all aspects of education - from art and science, to story telling and analysis. This is where the bridge from imagination to ability is built.
Community
Bright, joyful classrooms and shared meals in the kitchen create a warm, spirted culture at Raintree. Our philosophy and approach centers every child's voice, priortizing small classes and long-term projects meant to kindle empathy, curiousity, and autonomy. Our teachers "loop" with students from Nursery all the way through PreK, so relationships are deep, steady, and intentional. Adults who truly know each child's rhythms, interests, and strengths guide growth with continuity of care.
Read About Raintree...
Alexa Young, CA
“Testimonials provide a sense of what it's like to work with you or use your products. Change the text and add your own."
Morgan James, NY
"A great testimonial can boost your brand’s image. Click to edit and add your own."
Lisa Driver, MI
“Have customers review you and share what they had to say. Click to edit and add their testimonial.”