FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BRING TO NATURE SCHOOL EACH DAY?
Each day, your child will need to bring a preschool sized backpack, insulated water bottle, and their meals for the day. We spend the majority of our day outdoors, so please check the forecast daily to be sure your child has the proper gear with them. Upon enrollment, you will receive seasonal updates on what needs to come to school with your child. Oak Ridge Nature School has backup winter and rain gear for each child.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS OF OPERATION?
Oak Ridge Nature School operates during the school year, from September through May. Additionally, we offer enriching summer camp sessions during the summer months, and details about these sessions can be found on our homepage under the Events section.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT MY CHILD TO EXPERIENCE AT OAK RIDGE NATURE SCHOOL?
At Oak Ridge Nature School, your child will embark on an immersive and enriching educational journey in a natural setting. Our curriculum is designed to foster a deep connection with the environment and promote holistic growth. Your child will engage in hands-on outdoor activities, nature exploration, and experiential learning. Through guided experiences, they will develop a strong sense of environmental stewardship, critical thinking skills, and a love for learning that goes beyond the classroom.
HOW DOES OAK RIDGE NATURE SCHOOL SUPPORT MY CHILD'S SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT?
At Oak Ridge Nature School, we believe in fostering strong social connections. Through collaborative outdoor experiences, group projects, and team-building activities, your child will develop essential social skills such as communication, empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution. Our inclusive environment encourages friendships to flourish and helps children build a sense of community.
WHY DOES OAK RIDGE NATURE SCHOOL OPERATE ON A 4-DAY PER WEEK SCHEDULE?
We believe that the quality of your child's education and their experience at Oak Ridge Nature School is of the utmost importance. By operating four days a week, we're able to dedicate the fifth day to meticulous preparation, thoughtful planning, and ensuring that every activity and lesson is tailored to provide the most enriching and engaging experience possible. This extra time allows us to carefully curate nature-based activities, develop hands-on learning experiences, and create an environment that truly fosters a love for the outdoors.
HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT ENROLLING MY CHILD AT OAK RIDGE NATURE SCHOOL?
Enrollment for the upcoming school year opens in March for currently enrolled students. We open enrollment to new students in April. We will hold applications and reach out to interested families if a spot opens up during the school year.