Nature-Based Learning for Young Explorers

Discovering Nature, Inspiring Growth

At Oak Ridge Nature School, we blend hands-on learning with outdoor exploration for children ages 3-8, fostering curiosity, confidence, and a love for learning in a supportive environment.

Nature-Based Educational Program

Small Class Sizes, Big Impact

Our curriculum meets Minnesota's ECIPS and MDE standards, encouraging resilience and creativity through year-round nature immersion, allowing children to thrive and connect with the natural world around them.

Nature-Based Learning

Engaging children through outdoor exploration and hands-on learning in a supportive environment.

Small Class Sizes

Personalized attention fosters curiosity and confidence in every child’s learning journey.

Year-Round Immersion

Children thrive through continuous connection with nature, enhancing resilience and creativity throughout the year.

Integrating academics with unstructured play for holistic child development.

Balanced Curriculum Approach

Nature Exploration

Discover children's growth through hands-on learning and outdoor adventures.

I highly recommend Oak Ridge Nature School. My daughter learned such a great deal about nature and created such a love and respect for the outdoors. Lorena is such a kind and caring person with a true passion for nature and teaching young children. My daughter loved her and the friends at nature school. Lorena is also a great resource for making sure the kids have what they need to stay warm, dry, free from bugs and safe from the sun. The time outdoors also helped the kids stay healthy, enhanced their creativity and imagination with so much hands on learning immersed in nature. You will not regret sending your kids to Oak Ridge Nature School.

-Emily W.

Parent Testimonials

I could not have asked for a better early childhood experience for my son and have asked often for her to take all my older ones too! My son craves being outside and he has not issues with weather or temperature - he loves it all because of this program! In public school he is able to get dressed completely on his own and I think we can all agree that that is a blessing on it's own. I will continue to take my son back to Oak Ridge for as long as Lorena will let me!

-Amy W.

You will not regret sending your child/ren to Oak Ridge Nature School! My son, 5, participated in a two-week summer camp and it was just what he needed! He came home excited every day to tell me what he learned or what he got to do. His favorite part was that he was free to explore without having to hold a friend's hand (like at his pre-school). Of course Lorena creates boundaries for safety and you are to stay within those but the fact that he could run, climb, jump, ask questions about anything, was so freeing to him. One day was particularly muddy and he had the time of his life going down the slide into muddy puddles! He learned such valuable information as well such as how to identify poisonous plants. Lorena is very knowledgeable and can offer some great tips about being outdoors. I highly recommend Oak Ridge Nature School!

-Brittany B.

Oak Ridge is incredible! Excellent care is provided for both my children. My four year old has come so far and it’s all thanks to Lorena. She has accommodated to both of their needs and still goes above and beyond for them daily. There is so much for them to do outdoors and it’s so good for them! From the swing set, sandbox, balance bikes - to the woods for their imagination to wonder.. the kids are never bored! Anytime someone I know is searching for childcare, Oak Ridge Nature School will always be my number one recommendation!

-Lucy R.