Rooted in Love, Growing with Purpose
Since 2016, Little Sprouts has been nurturing Durango's youngest learners through play, nature, and community.
Our Story
From a Dream to a Garden of Learning
Little Sprouts Learning Academy was founded by Emma Whitfield, a former kindergarten teacher who believed early education should feel less like a classroom and more like an adventure. After years of seeing children arrive at kindergarten without the confidence or curiosity to thrive, Emma set out to build something different.
What started as a small program of 12 children in a converted farmhouse has grown into a full campus serving over 80 families. Our nature-inspired curriculum draws from Reggio Emilia and forest school philosophies, grounding every lesson in hands-on exploration and real-world discovery.
"Children don't need to be taught how to learn. They need an environment that makes learning irresistible.
" — Emma Whitfield, Founder
Emma Whitfield
Founder & Lead Educator
Training & Certifications
- M.Ed. Early Childhood Education
- Reggio Emilia Certified
- Nature-Based Learning Specialist
- CPR/First Aid Certified
Every child is a researcher, an artist, and a storyteller. Our job is to provide the environment and the encouragement — they do the rest.
What We Believe
The values that guide everything we do at Little Sprouts.
Play Is Learning
Unstructured play builds problem-solving skills, emotional resilience, and creativity. We protect play time fiercely because it's where the deepest learning happens.
Nature Is Our Classroom
Rain or shine, our students spend time outdoors every day. Nature provides infinite teaching moments — from counting pinecones to observing seasonal changes.
Every Child Belongs
We celebrate differences and create a community where every child feels safe, seen, and valued. Inclusion isn't a program — it's woven into everything we do.
Partnership with Families
Parents are a child's first teachers. We keep families connected through daily updates, seasonal conferences, and open-door classroom visits so learning continues at home.
Come See Our Campus
Schedule a tour and experience the Little Sprouts difference firsthand.