Growing wild.
Growing bilingual.
What is Rio Bueno?
A bilingual forest school where curiosity, culture, and nature come together.
Our Programs
Preschool Class
Our Preschool program invites children to spend their days immersed in nature, guided by curiosity, play, and Spanish language. Through child-led exploration, hiking, storytelling, creative projects, and meaningful connections with the natural world, children develop confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
October–June
Ages 3–5 (toilet trained)
9:00am–1:00pm
Project Rewild
Project Rewild is an after-school program that blends nature exploration, creative expression, and unstructured outdoor play. Through nature journaling, hands-on art with natural and traditional materials, and weekly adventures outdoors, children cultivate creativity, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the world around them.
October–December & March–May
Elementary age
Wednesdays
2:30pm–4:30pm
3:30pm–5:30pm
*Choose a time slot upon registrationt
The Mud Club
The Mud Club is a hands-on, outdoor play program that introduces young children and their families to the joy of nature-based learning. Through themed activities, stories, songs, sensory exploration, and plenty of unstructured play, children are free to explore, create, and build a meaningful connection with their community and the natural world.
Starting Spring 2027
Toddlers & Preschoolers
10am–Noon
Testimonials
"Your program allowed my child to completely immerse herself in an environment where she could really connect with her creative self. She was thrilled about her surroundings, animals, plants, creations, teachers, and the new friends she made. After camp, she would come home and be inspired to build on what she learned/experienced during camp and continue to create. She made friends with all the other girls in camp and thoroughly enjoyed the animals. The art she brought home is creative, detailed, and a happy reminder of her time at camp!"
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"My daughter attended the 4-day Nature Art Camp and absolutely loved it! She was so excited to tell me about all the activities and projects from each day, and thrived with the hands on, outdoor environment. Travis and Paola were so kind, welcoming, and created a wonderful space for the kids to explore art, creativity, and nature."
testimonials
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"My 7-year-old daughter had an amazing time at the [Art in Nature] summer camp!! She loved all the interactions with animals, creating her mobile, foraging for berries, and playing with friends.”
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FAQ
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Unlike many traditional preschools, that are held almost entirely indoors, usually have a rigid structure and academic focus, forest schools are child interest-led and play-based, leaving space for the children’s curiosity and the natural rhythms of the outdoors. Unique to Rio Bueno Spanish language development will build a foundation for multilingualism.
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Wildlife, farm animals, plants and gardens, creeks, trails, pastures, forest, and seasons will all help to guide the day. Children will develop their imagination and wonder while they explore our 65 acres of beautiful land along the Washougal River. In addition, they will expand their ability to think critically, resolve conflict, problem solve, move their bodies with confidence, ask for what they need, assess basic risk and many other life skills. All of this happens under the watchful eye of our instructors.
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Children love to jump in puddles or play in the snow! Some of the most memorable learning opportunities for children occur when they experience the changes in the weather throughout the different seasons. That is why it is mandatory that all children and adults wear the appropriate gear recommended in our school handbook, to ensure they stay warm and dry during the winter and safe during hot weather. Assessing weather conditions is a daily safety practice; we do have multiple sheltered spaces we can use if necessary.
In extreme conditions (such as high winds, heavy snow, unsafe driving conditions, hazardous air quality), we follow the Washougal School District inclement weather school closures. During the winter months, and based on temperature/weather assessments, we might resort to flexible hours to better accommodate our day outside, for example we might switch from 9:00 - 1:00 to 10:00 - 2:00.
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All staff are first Aid, CPR, and wilderness safety trained.
We intentionally have a small student to instructor ratio to ensure all kids receive personalized attention and supervision. At Rio Bueno, maintaining open and clear communications with families is a priority. Details about our emergency protocols and procedures can be found in our school handbook.
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Our preschool program is designed for children ages 3–5 who are toilet trained and comfortable participating in an active outdoor program.
Project Rewild serves students at the elementary level, and for those attending local public schools, it is offered after the school day and along local bus routes.
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We are located on the Washougal River, 4 miles from downtown Washougal and Highway 14.
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All children need a well-fitting backpack, water bottle, lunch and snack.
Very important is weather appropriate clothing (please refer to our school handbook for details). That’s it! We provide all other supplies.
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4 day option
Monday — Thursday
9:00am — 1:00pm2 day option
Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday
9:00am — 1:00pmProject Rewild
Wednesday
2:30pm — 4:30pm