Kindergarten

2025-26 Kindergarten Program Update

Beginning in fall 2025, our kindergarten program will be now be a part of our mixed-age Early Childhood Program. Based on the needs of our community, we are shifting from an independent kindergarten class to a mixed age 4-5 year old class with part-time and full-time schedule options.

This program is for families seeking a balance of learning and play in a natural environment. Students thrive at our school in the woods where they can engage in creative, collaborative play with their peers. Lessons begin at picnic tables under the pines or our screen porch at the barn and continue throughout the day on our woodland adventures. At our school, we work to preserve the essence of childhood. We don't do many worksheets; most of our lessons are hands-on and experiential. We aim to make learning so fun and engaging that children love going to school. We strive to instill in them a true love for learning and appreciation for the outdoors.

The part time schedule options also benefit children who are doing kindergarten academics at home by offering great opportunities to reinforce their literacy and math homeschooling lessons, to experience great friendships, and to spend time learning in nature. This class is also a great option for families who are not quite ready to transition into full-time kindergarten but still want their child to experience our nurturing environment and build foundational academic skills.

Learn More and Register for our Early Childhood Program Here

FAQ's

What will the mixed age class look like?

The class will focus on building foundational skills such as social emotional learning, early literacy, and basic math concepts with an emphasis on play-based learning and nature exploration. In a mixed-age class, 4-5 year-olds learn from each other. Older students take on leadership roles, modeling positive behaviors for younger peers, while younger children gain social and cognitive skills through collaboration. The teacher tailors lessons to each child's developmental stage, offering opportunities for individual growth while fostering teamwork, empathy, and emotional development.

What curriculum will be used?

The 4-5 year old class curriculum was developed by our beloved certified kindergarten teacher Ms. Meg Murphy, who taught our kindergarten class for the past three years. It is a tried and true curriculum that meets Alabama kindergarten academic standards and prepares students for first grade.

Our curriculum is uniquely crafted using the following resources:

Blossom and Root
Heggerty Phonics
Zoophonics
Exploring Nature with Children
Wild Math
Our Nature Connect curriculum

If my child is going to turn 6 during the 2025-26 school year, will they be ready for 1st grade after this program?

Yes, if you choose a 5 day/week schedule, your child will be ready for 1st grade after this class. If you choose a partial week schedule, we recommend that you homeschool your child on the days they are at home with you. We will provide a curriculum for you to follow on those days.

Is the mixed age class suitable for homeschooled kindergarteners?

Yes, this class is an excellent enrichment option for homeschooled kindergarteners. This class will benefit children who are doing kindergarten academics at home by offering great opportunities to reinforce their foundational literacy and math skills, to experience great friendships, and to spend time learning in nature.

Is the mixed age class suitable for children who are not yet ready for full-time kindergarten?

Yes, the 4-5 year-old program is suitable for children who are not yet ready for full-time kindergarten. It can serve as a bridge between preschool and kindergarten, helping children build readiness skills for the following year. The flexible, nature-based curriculum allows the teacher to tailor activities to meet the developmental needs of each child, providing a nurturing and supportive environment for those who may benefit from a more gradual transition into formal schooling.

Kindergarten

What will the mixed age class look like?

Is the mixed age class suitable for children who are not yet ready for full-time kindergarten?

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