An essential childhood experience.

Why choose Sprouts?

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.

the sprouts experience

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 sprouts school

You won't find another school like ours.

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.

the sprouts Reviews

Sprouts has been amazing for our timid, indoor-loving, homebody girl.

The outdoor setting, lots of engaging, creative and inclusive educational activities and the personal, caring staff make Sprouts the best daycare in C-U.

Couldn't imagine sending our daughter anywhere else! She geniunley looks forward to coming to Sprouts and leaves each day with a smile (and dirty clothes - a sure sign of a great time!).

At Sprouts I always felt complete trust that my children were given the best possible care.

the sprouts admissions

Our admission process at Sprouts, like our school, isn't one you've seen before.

Interest Application

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.

Enrollment Application

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.

Interview & Tour

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.