One Small Step School is a nature-based early childhood program dedicated to supporting young children’s growth through outdoor, play-based learning. Our program is rooted in the belief that children learn best through hands-on experiences, exploration, and meaningful connections with the natural world.
We offer a thoughtfully designed curriculum that integrates outdoor exploration, Mandarin immersion, and creative arts, providing children with a rich and well-rounded learning experience. Through activities such as hiking, nature play, storytelling, music, and art, children develop confidence, independence, social skills, and a lifelong love of learning.
Our programs take place across the Seattle Eastside area, including Redmond, Kirkland, Woodinville, and Bothell, allowing children to explore diverse natural environments in their local community.
At One Small Step School, we are committed to creating a warm, supportive environment where every child can thrive—growing at their own pace, building resilience, and discovering the joy of learning, one small step at a time.
Ms. Gao, our founder, holds an International Chinese Teaching Certificate and has over seven years of experience teaching Chinese in both public and private schools. She has worked extensively with both heritage and non-heritage learners, fostering a love for the Chinese language and culture in students of all backgrounds.
Before dedicating herself to Chinese language education, Ms. Gao conducted research at the University of Washington. She later founded One Small Step School, a Mandarin forest school that integrates nature exploration with immersive language learning.
In addition to her teaching expertise, Ms. Gao is also a skilled medical art editor, with her work published in numerous international medical journals. She has also undertaken the creative task of illustrating and adapting The Little Prince into a children’s picture book.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Ms. Gao is a devoted mother of two young boys. She enjoys snowboarding, yoga, hiking, and camping, and looks forward to sharing her love of learning and nature with her students through engaging after-school experiences.
ONE SMALL STEP SCHOOL 