Growing WILD together!
Zoo School is a nature-based, licensed preschool for children ages 3 to 5 years old. We offer full time (M-F) and part time (M/W/F or T/Th) options during the school year and during summer.
Our 2026-2027 school year session is full. You may join our waiting list by following the link below. Registration for summer 2027 and 2027-2028 school year sessions will open in mid-January.
School Year ’26-’27 Information
2026-2027 Calendar
Our values: Growth, Wonder, Integrity, Love, Diversity
- Growth. We believe in the sacredness of childhood. We understand this incredible stage of human development, and we honor it by encouraging children to play and by supporting their growth, as we play and grow ourselves. We also commit to grow as an early childhood education program rooted in educational research.
- Wonder. We believe in the power of curiosity. We know that an open-minded approach to life allows imaginations to grow and flourish, connections to form, and meaning to be built. We see the world with new eyes each day.
- Integrity. We commit to becoming the best version of ourselves. Young children learn by observing the role models in their lives. We strive to provide strong models for children to imitate, and we teach children the power of their own words and actions.
- Love. We embrace that loving, safe relationships are the foundation of high-quality early childhood education. We approach our families, our children, and our work with love in an effort to build a compassionate community.
- Diversity. We recognize that everyone is different, and that our differences strengthen us as a community. Together, we create a place where all children are free to discover and to celebrate their own unique cultures and identities.
Our mission: To inspire the healthy social emotional, physical, creative, and cognitive development of young children through close-up experiences with animals and nature.
The Lake Superior Zoo School is a
4 Star Parent Aware rated program!
Parent Aware is Minnesota’s voluntary rating system for early childhood programs, including those in centers, homes, schools, and churches. Programs that participate in the Parent Aware rating program at any star level are going above and beyond the basic licensing requirements by taking additional trainings and developing curriculum and family support systems that research shows lead to children’s success in future schooling. Higher levels of rating also mean more state and county scholarship support is available to help each family pay for preschool! Learn more about star levels, finding child care, and other resources at https://www.parentaware.org/learn/
Days, Times, and Tuition Rates
- Monday-Friday; 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with full-time and part-time options
- 2026-2027 Calendar
- School Year ’26-’27 Information
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register my child?
Priority registration takes place mid January to mid February. Apply using the buttons above. Applications will be accepted until all spots are filled. A $25 application fee is due when applying. Once all spots are filled, the buttons become waiting lists and there is no fee to join a waiting list.
Who should apply?
The Lake Superior Zoo School is open to toilet trained children ages 3 to 5 years old located in the Twin Ports area. Children must be 3 years old by the first day of the session in which they are enrolling. Children between 33 and 36 months of age may be considered for enrollment on a case-by-case basis and are required to meet with LSZS staff prior to acceptance to ensure they are developmentally ready for a nature-based school setting. We accept payment through the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), Early Learning Scholarships, and the Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood – PLUS program.
What happens after I register?
Registered families will either be offered a spot at Zoo School or placed on the waitlist for the session in which they registered. Priority of placement is as follows: 1) children of zoo employees, 2) previously enrolled children, 3) siblings of previously enrolled children, 4) families enrolled in both summer and school year session, 5) families in need of financial assistance, 6) new families requesting full time care, 7) new families requesting part time care. Placements will be made on an ongoing basis if spots are still available.
Is there a deposit once placement is announced?
Yes, once you are offered a spot, there is a $200 non-refundable deposit that holds your child’s place and helps pay for supplies.
What does a typical day look like at the Lake Superior Zoo School?
• Arrival & Inside Play
• Morning Meeting
• Snack
• Zoo Walk
• Lunch
• Story Time
• Rest
• Outside Play
• Snack
• Playscape Play & Departure
Learn more about our program plan here.
How is tuition collected?
Tuition is collected through Brightwheel via automatic bank withdrawal or credit card.
Will there be holiday breaks?
Please see our 2026-2027 Calendar.
What is the class size and how many teachers are there?
We have a class size of 18 children per day with 3-4 teachers and additional support staff.
Are there other nature-based preschools in Duluth?
If our enrollment is full, you can check out these other high-quality nature programs in the Duluth Nature Play Collaborative:
• Wind Ridge Schoolhouse
• Kindred Paths Nature School
• Wandering Roots Nature School
• Duluth Nature School
• Hartley Nature Preschool
• Cedar Hollow Forest School
• Little Barnyard Preschool (Esko)
For questions or more information contact:
Sarah Wilcox
Preschool Director
swilcox@lszoo.org
(218) 461-3587
