Nature School Elementary – Full Time – Grades K to 8
Nature School is a not-for-profit private school, recognized by the Ministry of Education, offering a full and part time program. We welcome all children, ages 3.8-13 . who would benefit from an innovative, project-based, child-led program that takes place outdoors for the majority of the time.
Our facilitators are dedicated to delivering a high quality, child centred, inquiry and project-based Forest School Program.
The students spend the majority of their time outdoors, rain or shine, with access to indoor space.
Introduction of key concepts and research tools are presented individually or in small groups, depending on readiness, rather than grade. Full-time students receive one-on-one tutoring. The Ontario Curriculum is consulted as a resource for the development and progression of skills.
Teachers are guided by the student, by the natural phenomenon (i.e.flooded field) and real-life events (i.e. decline in bee population) to act as a facilitator. They are available to help the child by providing support, resources and the tools to develop projects, which will become more complex as the child matures. Our research station includes ‘wi-fi free’ internet access, laptops, printers, microscopes and a variety of other research and presentation tools available for the consolidation and reflection of learning that occurs in the woods.
Our goal is to foster the child’s relationship with the natural world and increase their self-confidence as a learner and as a member of the community. We strive to help students develop their natural curiosity and sense of wonder about the world around them, leading them to be independent individuals who think critically, assess risk, ask questions, seek answers and become one who cares about Nature.
WE HAVE SPACES AVAILABLE! Accepting full time and part time students.
2023 – 2024 parent guide here.
Our full and part time school takes place at Cave Springs Camp, 4410 Cave Springs Road, Beamsville. We have a temperature controlled indoor classroom and washrooms, an outdoor classroom area and fire pit as well, we are minutes away from Cave Springs Conservation Area!
- 9:00AM to 3:30PM
- Subsidies are available
- Before and after care is available
The basis of our program are expanded on here:
Immersed in nature – research supports our own observations, that time in the woods is good for a child’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Reliance is built when children trek into the woods in all kinds of weather, negotiating trails, working as a team, and assessing and taking risks in the physical environment. Regular and extended time visiting the same location in the woods helps develop the relationship the child has with nature, as well as allowing them to witness the seasons throughout the year.
Child centred – trained teachers work individually with your child to develop their educational plan. Our model allows for regular individual consultations and lessons, as well as providing resources for individual practice of academic skills.
Inquiry based – “I notice, I wonder, it reminds me’. Children will be encouraged to ask their own questions, and practice mindfulness and observation skills. As children spend more time in the woods, their sense of wonder is heightened; questions become more complex and connections are made.
Project based – with varying levels of independence, children will complete projects of their choice throughout the semester. A project on bees, for example, may look like a labelled drawing of a bee, a song or book on pollinators, or it may be a well-researched video presentation on the importance of bees. Experienced teachers help to bring in aspects of math, literacy, language, and the arts. Project based learning also develops skills needed to be a successful learner, such as: research, independent learning, seeking understanding, etc.