Frequently asked questions

What ages do you accept at Oak Ridge Nature School?

We welcome children ages 20 months to 7 years old. Our mixed-age group model supports individualized learning and social development. Children over age 5 are invited to join our Homeschool Enrichment Sessions.

Is your program outdoors in all weather?

Yes! We spend 50-80% of our time outdoors (closer to 50% in the winter months). Rain, snow, or sunshine—children dress appropriately and experience the seasons firsthand. We believe all weather offers valuable learning opportunities. All children enrolled in our program will have access to the following gear: full snowsuit, full rainsuit, snow mittens, snow hat, fleece neck gaiter, and snow goggles. Parents receive a seasonal checklist of what to send to nature school each day.

What are the school hours and schedule?

We operate Monday through Thursday, 7:40 AM to 4:20 PM. Drop-off each morning is in the Outdoor Classroom during Spring, Summer and Fall. Winter drop-off locations vary based on the temperatures. Children spend the majority of their day outdoors, exploring and learning through hands-on activities.

A typical day includes morning drop-off and gear checks. We move into open-ended outdoor play and nature exploration followed by circle time with seasonal themes, stories, or group conversations. After morning snack, we engage in hands-on learning connected to our nature-based unit studies (focused on the Minnesota Early Childhood Indicators of Progress). We enjoy our lunch break as a group, often reflecting on the highlights of the day before settling in for rest, reading, or journaling. Our days include nature walks, group activities, and child-led discoveries. As our day comes to an end, we gather to tidy our space and prepare for pickups.

Can you tell me about the homeschool enrichment sessions?

We offer homeschool enrichment sessions designed for ages 5 and up. These are typically once-a-week, 4-hour sessions that align with seasonal themes and include hands-on projects, group problem-solving, and nature-based learning. These sessions are perfect for homeschool families seeking a social, creative, and outdoor-focused learning experience. Please check our sessions tab for availability.

What kind of curriculum do you use?

Our program follows an emergent, nature-based approach. We build on children’s interests and seasonal changes with unit studies that integrate science, math, literacy, and environmental education. We also align our preschool learning goals with the Minnesota Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPs) to ensure developmental growth in a holistic and age-appropriate way.

Do you have an indoor classroom?

We do! While we are a primarily outdoor program, we maintain a dedicated indoor classroom space that serves as a warm, inviting shelter during extreme weather or for focused activities like journaling, read-alouds, or collaborative projects. Our indoor space is intentionally designed to reflect our nature-based philosophy, with natural materials and calm, open-ended learning areas.

What are the current openings and is there a waitlist?

We currently have a few openings left for a September 2025 start for children ages 2 through 7. Our summer 2025 program has a current waitlist with priority given those enrolling in our fall 2025 program. If you'd like to learn more or to schedule a tour, please fill out our enrollment form here.