Sprouts is an urban art & nature micro-school - a unique place found only in Champaign, IL.



We're small.
With a maximum of 18 students at Sprouts at any given time, we have a tight-knit community of families.



We're urban.
Sprouts is located in central Champaign; nature isn’t a place we have to travel to – we can appreciate it everywhere we are.



We're outside.
Sprouts preschool & after-school kids rarely go indoors – and our childcare class spends only rest time inside.



The nature.
We’re discovering, noticing, and developing appreciation for everything Central Illinois nature has to offer – in every season – at Sprouts.



The art.
At Sprouts, natural materials and process-style projects give children the tools to create art and the confidence and freedom to develop creativity.



The play.
Extended periods of free play with loose parts give children the opportunity to develop social skills, discover interests and talents, and grow imaginations.



Sprouts was developed and designed to provide children with an essential childhood experience. Our staff, mission, philosophy and environment intersect to create this truly magical adventure.



the programs
Sprouts offers three school-year programs in Champaign: morning preschool, full-day childcare, after-school care.



the curriculum
Our curriculum follows the natural events of Central Illinois seasons as children discover, experience, and play.



the schedule
Students are provided the time to explore nature, the materials to create art, and the space to immerse in play.







Rather than a wait list or open enrollment, we keep a pool of families interested in or waiting for a space at Sprouts.
Families in our interest pool are contacted first and given priority in enrollment opportunities.
To be included in the pool, just complete our Interest Application. There is no fee to submit an interest application and it does not constitute a commitment.
In February, current Sprouts families are offered re-enrollment options for the upcoming school year.
We then open enrollment to new families. Families in our interest pool are emailed with our Enrollment Application in early March of each year.
We also have rolling admissions during the year for any additional openings. There is no fee to submit an Enrollment Application.
Upon receiving completed enrollment applications, we schedule interviews and tours of the Sprouts facility with families that seem to be a good fit with Sprouts.
As a very small operation, a good fit is an essential part of the experience.
Enrollment fees are not paid until a child has been accepted with a firm enrollment date at Sprouts.