Our Little Green School House and Outdoor classrooms
Preserving Childhood
Welcome to Fayetteville Nature School! Our mission is to nurture the next generation in an environment that balances academics with physical and mental wellbeing while learning in and with our natural world.
We foster a love of learning through gentle schooling methods and child-led learning. Our teachers model and encourage a respect for self, our community, and our environment. We aim to cultivate creativity and nurture a child's natural curiosity.
We offer Northwest Arkansas an alternative education that truly puts children's needs first.
Conveniently located right in the heart of Fayetteville near Gulley Park, we offer our community mixed age classes serving Kindergarten through 5th grade.
We spend much of our time outdoors in one of our outdoor learning environments. Unstructured time is offered for all ages throughout the day.
School Hours are 8:30am-3:30pm. Mornings begin with meetings and child-led, Montessori style work cycles incorporating Math, Language arts, Science, and Social studies. Afternoons are often project based and include Outdoor Education, Farm Class, Spanish, or Handwork.
We would love for you to join us on our journey!
Are you Waldorf or Montessori Inspired?
Short Answer- Yes, both!
The mission of Waldorf education is to raise conscious, creative, innovative children who are capable of shaping the future of economics, justice and cultural freedom.
Montessori education values respect, child-led learning, and a beautiful, prepared environment.
These education models lead to engagement, intrinsic motivation, sustained attention, and a healthy sense of responsibility to oneself and others.
We believe these aspects of education are essential to a holistic learning experience. We recognize what we offer our community- a gentle, holistic and eclectic education that honors each child's path and our place in nature. Join us as we learn and grow together!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Nature School?
Nature school is a child centered education style that provides an inquiry-based approach to learning. At Fayetteville Nature School, we offer planned exposures to academics with ample time in our natural outdoor setting to integrate and solidify the many skills being learned. We also integrate environmental stewardship and conservation in our learning. Our school is committed to reducing our impact on the earth through recycling, composting on-site and making renewable, sustainable choices as a school.
We use a combination of Montessori style reading and math lessons, literacy based lessons, and project-based learning often in the ever-changing outdoors where lessons can touch on all subjects and disciplines: in any given moment an experience can cut across math, science, art, language and physical education.
Learning goals are amplified through explorations and hands-on experiences, rather than solely through books or on screens.
Children benefit from a daily connection to nature and learn creativity, self-confidence, community building, and environmental stewardship alongside the expected academics.
Where is the school located?
Our school is located at 2460 North Old Wire Rd Fayetteville, AR 72703
School usually takes place at our 1 acre basecamp next door to Parkside Playschool or at the nearby 27 acres of Gulley Park. Our location offers us access to a wide variety of natural ecosystems, Niokaska Creek, and the local bike trail system.
Students have use of a 700 square foot schoolhouse, a magical 200 square foot bell tent and a 300 SF canvas tent which provides private indoor learning spaces during morning work cycles.
A few times a month, we meet off site for a hike or to visit a local theater or the library.
What are the student to teacher ratios?
Fayetteville Nature School students benefit from a small class ratio of 1:12 students. This allows teachers and students to have greater experiences, connections and learning opportunities.
What are your teacher qualifications?
Every teacher at Fayetteville Nature School has been thoroughly screened, background checked, and has an applicable degree or certification such as Elementary education or horticulture.
Teachers also hold additional qualifications, certificates and trainings such as First Aid/ wilderness CPR certifications and lifeguard training.
Is there a lunch program or snacks offered at Fayetteville Nature School?
We ask that each child bring a lunch from home that honers our school food culture: No dyes, artificial sweeteners please! We are a nut aware facility, but are not nut free.
Morning snacks (usually fresh fruit and a grain or school made trail mix) are generously provided by Ozark Natural Foods!
What grades do you offer and why are students in multi-age classrooms?
Fayetteville Nature School is offered to students from Kindergarten to Grade 5. Students are placed in multi-age classrooms, which creates a dynamic learning environment where students learn from each other and have the opportunity to take on a leadership roles. Classes are divided into Kindergarten through 1st grade and 2nd-5th grade.
Do you offer any financial assistance?
100% of our tuition payments go back into our school. Fayetteville Nature School is a small community based program. In an effort to serve our community and keep our doors open, we offer financial assistnce on a very limited need based basis. We also offer tuition credits for families who are able to contribute to our learning environment.
Are the students outside in all weather?
As a nature school, our philosophy has children learning and engaging with the outdoor environment regardless of weather. We work with families to ensure children are dressed and equipped for each school day.
Check out our 'What to Wear to Nature School' Guide
In rare instances of severe weather including thunderstorms, heavy rain, strong winds and severe temperatures an indoor private learning space is available.
We follow Fayetteville Public School for inclement weather closings to ensure roads are safe to travel.
About our Commitment to Nature and to the Whole Child
- Nature feeds the heart as well as the brain. Children learn social emotional skills such as resilience and independence, along with math, science, art and literacy.
- Nature schools offer the idea that we are a part of a larger community of life-- humans, birds, plants, animals and soil. Children learn to understand and respect their place in and alongside the other living things in our world.
- Outdoor learning experiences are the foundation of raising the next generation of active citizens who take care of their natural and human communities.
- Playing in natural spaces supports a child’s sense of self, allowing children to recognise their independence alongside an interdependence and connectedness with their ecological worlds.
- Many researchers have attributed improvement academic, personal, and social skills to the hands-on aspect of outdoor learning.
- Nature chools offer the idea that we are a part of a larger community of life-- humans, birds, plants, animals and soil. Children learn to understand and respect their place in and alongside the other living things in our world.
We have space in our Kindergarten program!
Schedule a tour and enroll today! First day is Sept 3rd!