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Farm School for Ages 3-6

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“If facts are the seeds that later produce knowledge and wisdom, then the emotions and the impressions of the senses are the fertile soil in which the seeds must grow. The years of early childhood are the time to prepare the soil.” 

-Rachel Carson (1965)

NOW ENROLLING FOR 2021-22!

Preschool - Kindergarten Program for ages 3-6

(Age 3 before September 1, 2021)

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What is Farm School?

Farm School is a forest school-inspired model designed to create a balance between learning and socialization through nature-based play in a small group setting. Hands-on lessons in our living classroom develop the whole child through gardening, animal care, mindfulness and free play with curiosity and community as our guide. Crafts using materials found in the woods and on the farm help to develop fine motor skills and an appreciation for our natural resources. Children are also introduced to plant and animal identification through stories and direct observation. We help students explore their physical and problem-solving abilities while navigating the natural world around them. Our unique program allows us to meet each child, ages 3-6, where they are developmentally in order to provide them with an unparalleled learning experience.  By combining our nature-based curriculum with the children's interests, we are able to create one of a kind experience for the students in our program. Concepts are introduced, then scaffolded, or built upon, to meet the developmental and educational levels of the children in Farm School.

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Enrollment Options:  

  • 1 day per week (Friday) *WAITLIST*

  • 2 days per week (Tuesday/Thursday) *WAITLIST*

  • 2 days per week (Monday/Wednesday) *WAITLIST*

  • 3 days per week (Monday/Wednesday/Friday) *WAITLIST*

  • 5 days per week (Monday-Friday) *WAITLIST*

 

Dates:  September 13, 2021 - May 27, 2022

Times:  9:00am - 1:00pm

Location:  Seahorse Stables

See calendar for holidays and breaks

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Enrollment Requirements:

  • Children must be proficient with toileting. They know when they need to go to the bathroom and can communicate that.

  • Because we learn in an outdoor classroom without walls, children must be able to stay with the group and follow instructions most of the time.

  • Children must show respect towards peers, teachers, nature, and the farm property.

  • Review our Readiness Questionnaire.

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Want to try it out for a day or observe one of our Spring 2021 classes? Let us know!

Register for a drop-off trial day here or contact us to schedule an observation hour.

Learn more about our registration process here. See tuition and fees here.

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Financial aid is available and awarded on a yearly basis, based on need. Please register for program before applying for financial aid.

Applications for 2021-22 scholarships are due by March 1, 2021.

What makes us unique?

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  • Outdoor Education - We spend all of our class time outdoors, unless there is severe weather. This means we get dirty and even play in the rain! We love exploring in the woods and around the farm. If we do need an indoor space, we have a classroom where we can continue our studies.

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  • Small Class Size and Low Teacher to Student Ratio - We keep our class size small and our teacher to student ratio is one:six (or better), which means individual attention and care to each child's needs. ​

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  • Highly-Trained Staff who Love what they Do - We hire the highest quality teachers in the area because we know who is with your child is incredibly important. Our teachers are well-trained, trustworthy, and experienced caregivers who love the work they do. Nature Connect provides ongoing staff development and opportunities for continuing education.

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  • Room for Creative Play - We believe that children are meant to play and use their imaginations. This is what makes childhood special. Our staff see themselves as facilitators of the children's experience, holding the space for them to explore, learn, and play in the outdoors.

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  • Physical Activity - We run, jump, slide, balance, and climb all throughout the day. Nature is the best playground! Children develop their physical capabilities and learn to be resilient in our classes. If the children need rest, we certainly make space for that to happen as well. Whatever the child's energy level, we work with it. 

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  • Nature-Based Curriculum - Our curriculum is focused on our local environment and the plants and animals that live here. If we find a turtle in the woods or stumble upon a mushroom, that becomes our lesson. We believe learning happens best when children have that "spark" in their eye. While we intentionally plan our days, we are also willing to toss out our "plan" for what we discover in nature. Read more about our curriculum and philosophies here.

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  • Inquiry Learning - We love children's innate sense of curiosity and we want to foster that. Therefore, we encourage the children to ask lots of questions. We then discover the answers or have fun wondering together.

What does a day at Farm School look like?

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9:00am - Drop Off with Free Play in the Nature Play Space

9:45am - Opening Circle

10:00am - Snack

10:25am - Learning Centers 

11:10am - Nature Hike/Wander

11:30am - Lunch

12:00pm - Free Play & Creative Invitation

12:30pm - Tidy Up & Prep Belongings

12:45pm - Closing Circle 

1:00pm - Dismissal

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