Welcome to Giving Tree School,

a nature-based preschool in Gill, MA

A whole child approach

Serving children from 2.9 through 5 years old

Giving Tree School is a nonprofit preschool, founded in 1976. Children and teachers participate together in the framework of the Highscope early education curriculum, which is designed to foster social-emotional, cognitive, and physical growth, as well as respect for individual expression and experience.

Students engage in child-led, play-based learning in our expansive Outdoor Classroom, set among the woods and pastures of Gill, just 15 minutes from downtown Greenfield. Our rugged environment encourages healthy risk-taking and fosters independence.

Giving Tree is committed to nurturing active, hands-on early learning experiences that respect each child's agency and natural curiosity. Our approach lays the foundation for self-knowledge, environmental awareness and a lifelong love of learning.

Licensed by EEC and accredited by NAEYC & HighScope.

I love that my daughter gets to spend time in an environment where kindness and warmth are embodied by the teachers and taught to the children.  The nature-based curriculum occurs in the most lovely outdoor space, and there is ample time for outdoor play. Giving Tree is a rare find.  I’m so grateful my daughter gets to spend her preschool years here.

-Carolyn Wallace, Giving Tree parent

  • Conflict Resolution

    Our unique approach to problem-solving guides children to identify feelings, share perspectives, brainstorm solutions together, and choose mutually agreeable outcomes, with adults supporting - rather than directing - the process.

  • Nature-Based Education

    Nature's rich sensory environment provides crucial stimulation for developing brains. Our dynamic Outdoor Classroom supports children's emotional regulation, focus, and bodily awareness. Students develop independence, creativity, and emotional regulation through meaningful outdoor exploration and play.

  • Social-Emotional Learning

    Our skilled educators create safe spaces for big feelings while guiding children to recognize emotional cues in themselves and others. Through supportive scaffolding, children learn to navigate social complexities with growing confidence. By acknowledging feelings, modeling language for expression, and offering strategies for self-regulation, teachers help children to develop emotional literacy and build positive relationships through self-awareness.

  • Child Agency

    We see children as capable decision-makers and active participants in their own learning journey. When children exercise agency—making choices, solving problems, and directing their play—they develop confidence, independence, and intrinsic motivation. Respecting children's decisions and capabilities builds self-efficacy and critical thinking skills. This foundation of autonomy creates engaged learners who trust their own abilities and ideas.