School of Nature RVA
A different kind of enrichment program.
Where nature, academics, and life skills grow together
Ages 2.5–5: Pre-K program
Ages 5–9: Elementary program
Ages 9–11: Advanced Elementary (coming November 2026)
Ages 12–18: Youth (launching in fall 2027)
Ages 2–3: Toddler Program (coming November 2026)
Introducing Our Program
Our Toddler program at School & Nature RVA is specially designed for children ages 2–3 (coming November 2026). This program will introduce our youngest learners to the magic of nature in a gentle, engaging way. Through sensory activities, social play, and age-appropriate exploration, children will begin to build confidence, curiosity, and foundational skills that will support them as they grow.
Learning Through Nature
In our Little Explorers program, every day is an adventure. Children will explore different textures, colors, and sounds in nature, helping them develop sensory awareness and early problem-solving skills. Social interaction is also a key focus, with play-based activities that encourage teamwork, empathy, and communication in a nurturing, outdoor environment. Each experience is designed to foster a love for learning, right from the start.
How to Enroll
This program is not open yet.
We are currently working on creating the right and safest setup for this age group.
Program visits and pre-enrollment will be announced on our website and Facebook page once available.
Planned opening: November 2026
Ages 2.5–5: Pre-K Program
Learning in Nature: Our Pre-K Program
Our Nature Discoverers program invites children ages 2.5–5 to learn through play, movement, creativity, and hands-on exploration. Whether they are counting acorns, observing wildlife, investigating plants, or creating with natural materials, children build early literacy, numeracy, communication, problem-solving, social-emotional, and practical-life skills in meaningful ways
Inspired by Child-Centered Education
Inspired by Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and other child-centered approaches, our teachers provide a thoughtful balance of routine, guidance, and freedom. Group experiences encourage cooperation and empathy, while independent exploration allows children to follow their interests and grow in confidence, curiosity, and independence.
Most importantly, learning feels joyful, natural, and exciting—helping children develop a genuine love of discovery
Meet Lena - Our Lead Teacher
Lena brings warmth, patience, laughter, and genuine care to her classroom. She has years of experience working with young children, including running her own home daycare, where she regularly incorporated outdoor exploration into the children’s days. She also studied elementary education and worked with different age groups, giving her a strong understanding of how to help children ages 3–5 build the foundations they need for their next stage of learning.
Her experience working with children with special needs has strengthened her ability to recognize and respect each child’s individual personality, needs, and pace of development. She is also familiar with Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches, which she naturally combines with play, creativity, and learning in nature.
Bilingual in English and Spanish, Lena introduces children to Spanish throughout their daily activities. Her sweet, joyful personality creates a nurturing environment where children feel safe, understood, and excited to learn.
Book a Discovery Day
Come experience our Nature Discoverers program firsthand! Families can schedule a trial day to meet Lena, explore our natural environment, and discover how our approach can support their child’s growth.
Ages 5–9: Elementary Program
Unlock Your Child's Potential: Introducing Our Elementary Program
Our Elementary Program for children ages 5–9 combines a meaningful academic curriculum with outdoor exploration, creativity, and real-life experiences. Inspired by Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and other child-centered approaches, the program uses each child’s natural curiosity to make learning engaging and relevant
Where Curiosity Becomes Learning
Children might practice math while designing a shelter, explore science by investigating plants and ecosystems, or strengthen literacy through journaling, storytelling, and discussion. Projects often connect several subjects, helping children understand how their knowledge can be applied in the real world.
In our small-group setting, learning can be adapted to each child’s interests, abilities, and development. Children receive the structure and individual guidance needed to build strong academic foundations while continuing to play, move, explore, solve problems, collaborate, and grow into confident learners.
🌲Monday – Nature Knowledge & Adventure
Children build a deep understanding of the natural world through exploration, observation, and outdoor adventures. They learn about local plants, trees, wildlife, tracks, habitats, ecosystems, seasons, weather, and how nature works together.
💫Xtra Curriculum: Systems Thinking & Problem Solving – Markets & Projects
Children begin exploring how a simple business works through hands-on projects. They may design, build, or create something to sell, decide what they need, think about cost and value, solve problems along the way, work as a team, and learn how the different parts of a project connect.
🌲Tuesday – Nature with Math, Logic, Science & Geography
Measurement, estimation, applied problem-solving, mapping, ecosystems, weather systems, biology, experimentation, and observation.
💫Xtra Curriculum: Farming, Engineering & Building
Children work on hands-on projects connected to farming, growing, building, and designing. They learn to use tools safely, understand how things are built and how they work, solve practical problems, and turn their ideas into real creations.
🌲Thursday – Literacy, Communication & Art
Reading, writing, storytelling, journaling, persuasive and reflective communication, drawing, natural art, and creative expression.
💫Xtra Curriculum: Survival Skills & Team Building
Children take on outdoor challenges that build practical survival skills, confidence, cooperation, and leadership. Through activities such as shelter building, navigation, and team challenges, they learn to communicate, solve problems together, and rely on one another.
Meet Mason - Our Lead Teacher
Mason is a passionate outdoor educator with an impressive knowledge of nature, wildlife, plants, and survival skills. His enthusiasm is contagious, and he naturally inspires children to observe their surroundings, ask questions, investigate, and become excited about the living world around them.
For Mason, every outdoor adventure is an opportunity to learn. A walk through the forest might lead to identifying animal tracks, investigating an ecosystem, measuring natural structures, writing about a discovery, or working together to solve a practical problem. He naturally weaves academics into these experiences, making learning meaningful, memorable, and connected to the children’s discoveries.
Mason is exceptionally patient and respectful of each child as an individual. He gives children the time, encouragement, and guidance they need to grow at their own pace while developing confidence, resilience, emotional awareness, and respect for others and nature. As Mason says, “I like to grow plants and youth.”
How to Enroll
If you’re ready to give your child an inspiring, nature-based education, we welcome you to learn more about enrollment and explore our Elementary program firsthand. Families interested in our Nature Discoverers program can schedule a trial day to experience our unique approach in action. To reserve a spot for the upcoming term or to arrange a trial day, simply Register Here and reach out to us, and we’ll be in touch with all the details. Join us and see how nature can nurture your child’s growth and love for learning!
Unlock Your Child's Potential: Our Advanced Elementary Program
Our Advanced Elementary Program at School & Nature RVA is designed to ignite the potential of children ages 9–11. Combining outdoor exploration with a nurturing, small-class setting, this program provides the ideal environment for developing critical thinking, creativity, and leadership skills while fostering a lifelong love for learning
Where Curiosity and Growth Flourish
In our Advanced Elementary Program, the outdoors becomes a vibrant learning space where students thrive. By tackling math challenges through real-world applications like mapping and measurement, delving into science through environmental experiments, and honing literacy skills with nature-inspired storytelling and journaling, students engage in immersive, hands-on activities that make complex concepts exciting and accessible. Each experience nurtures curiosity, resilience, and problem-solving, turning the natural world into a springboard for academic and personal growth.
Guided by Educational Excellence
Our program is led by a seasoned educator skilled in Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and other progressive, child-centered approaches. These philosophies empower students to take ownership of their learning, fostering independence and collaboration. With a thoughtful balance of structured lessons and exploratory freedom, our teacher supports each child’s unique strengths while helping them master essential academic skills.
How to Enroll
This program is not open yet.
We are currently working on creating the right and safest setup for this age group.
Program visits and pre-enrollment will be announced on our website and Facebook page once available.
Planned opening: November 2026
Ignite the Potential Within: Introducing Our Youth Program for Ages 12–18
Launching in fall 2027, our Youth Program at School & Nature RVA is designed to harness the vibrant energy and "fire" inside adolescents, channeling it into opportunities for growth, learning, and self-discovery. This program is all about giving teenagers the tools and real-world experiences they need to evolve academically, emotionally, and socially in a safe and nurturing environment
Fueling Growth Through Experience
In our Teen Program, learning goes beyond textbooks and traditional classrooms. We create opportunities for students to engage directly with the world around them. By working on real-life projects, shadowing professionals, and participating in experiences organized in collaboration with universities and industry experts, students will explore their interests and test their abilities.
Whether designing solutions for real-world problems, gaining hands-on experience in a professional field, or collaborating on innovative projects, our program allows teens to learn from reality. They’ll discover their strengths, confront challenges, and build the resilience to grow from failure in a supportive, encouraging space
A Safe Space to Learn, Fail, and Thrive
Adolescence is a time of exploration, and we are here to provide a safe space where students can take risks, make mistakes, and grow stronger through each experience. Our program encourages students to try out their ideas, develop new skills, and reflect on their learning journey, all while being guided by caring educators who understand the importance of this transformative phase
Collaborative Learning and Mentorship
Guiding this dynamic program is a team of experienced educators and mentors who embrace the energy of adolescence and see its potential for growth. Our philosophy is rooted in empowering teenagers to take ownership of their learning journey, encouraging collaboration, creativity, and self-expression.
By integrating mentorship and collaboration with experts, we help students gain practical insights into various fields while fostering leadership, independence, and curiosity
Join Us in Shaping the Future
We’re building a unique educational experience for teens—and we want your family to be part of it. Pre-enrollment will be open summer 2027, and families are welcome to join us in co-creating this program. Your voice matters as we design a curriculum that reflects the aspirations of our students and families.
Whether you’re eager to help shape the program, collaborate in selecting mentors and projects, or simply secure your child’s place in this transformative journey, reach out to us today. Together, we can ignite the fire within our teens and watch them grow into confident, capable, and inspired young adults.
Let’s build a future where learning is real, growth is celebrated, and every teen has the chance to thrive.