What to Expect at Oak Ridge Nature School

Welcome to Oak Ridge Nature School, where the natural world is our classroom, and children thrive in an environment designed to nurture their growth, curiosity, and love of learning. Choosing the right educational program for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, and we’re here to help you explore what makes Oak Ridge Nature School a unique and fulfilling choice for your family.

Our Programs: A Flexible Approach to Learning

At Oak Ridge Nature School, we offer a variety of programs to meet the needs of families and students. Whether your child is ready for a nature preschool, exploring early learning in a nurturing outdoor environment, or you're seeking homeschool enrichment opportunities that provide collaborative, hands-on learning, we have options designed with your family in mind. For those looking to immerse their child in a complete educational experience, our full-time enrollment program provides a comprehensive curriculum for children, including a private kindergarten tailored to meet your child’s individual needs.

For families who prefer occasional engagement, we offer nature passes, allowing children to participate in selected activities or experiences. No matter which program you choose, all of our offerings are grounded in nature-based education that fosters curiosity, resilience, and a love of learning.

Explore more about our programs: Nature Preschool, Homeschool Enrichment, Nature Passes, Full-Time Enrollment

Small Class Sizes and Personalized Attention

Every child deserves the attention and support they need to thrive. That’s why we maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. With a maximum of 12:1, we have the opportunity to truly know each child’s strengths, interests, and needs. This personalized approach allows us to adapt learning experiences to suit each student, ensuring they feel supported and challenged every step of the way.

A Typical Day at Oak Ridge Nature School

Experience Daily Life at Oak Ridge

Daily life at Oak Ridge is vibrant and full of discovery. Children spend a significant portion of their day outdoors, engaging with their natural surroundings in activities that inspire wonder and critical thinking. A typical day might include:

• Morning Circle: Setting intentions for the day and introducing learning themes.

• Outdoor Exploration: Nature walks, science experiments, and seasonal observations.

• Hands-On Projects: Art, construction, and problem-solving activities using natural materials.

• Child-Led Play: Encouraging creativity and collaboration through unstructured play.

• Group Activities: Games, discussions, and community-building exercises.

Our approach blends structured learning with the freedom to explore, ensuring that children stay engaged and excited about their education.

Aligned with Learning Standards

While our philosophy is rooted in experiential and nature-based learning, we also meet and exceed the educational standards set by the Minnesota Department of Education. From early literacy and numeracy to science, social studies, and art, our curriculum is designed to prepare children for lifelong learning. Our private kindergarten program ensures children are ready for the next step in their educational journey, providing individualized support that helps each child excel.

For more details on Minnesota’s compulsory education laws, visit the Minnesota Department of Education website.

A Natural Alternative to Public Schools

Oak Ridge Nature School is a wonderful option for families seeking an alternative to traditional public schools. Unlike larger classroom settings, our small groups allow for personalized attention and deep connections with teachers and peers. Our emphasis on outdoor learning offers children the chance to develop problem-solving skills, resilience, and independence while fostering a deep connection to nature.

While public schools often rely on standardized testing and a rigid schedule, we prioritize individualized learning, flexibility, and a focus on the whole child. This isn’t a critique of public education, but rather an acknowledgment that families have diverse needs—and for many, a smaller, nature-focused environment is the perfect fit.

Why Choose Oak Ridge Nature School?

Parents who choose Oak Ridge Nature School often remark on the joy they see in their children’s learning. Our programs provide:

• Individualized Learning: Tailored to each child’s pace and interests.

• Hands-On Experiences: Learning through doing, exploring, and creating.

• Outdoor Immersion: Building a connection to nature and environmental stewardship.

• Community and Connection: Small class sizes that foster meaningful relationships.

Enroll Today

We invite you to explore all that Oak Ridge Nature School has to offer. Whether you’re seeking a nurturing nature preschool, an enriching homeschool program, or a complete full-time enrollment experience, we’re here to support your family’s educational journey.

Learn more and enroll today: Nature Preschool, Homeschool Enrichment, Nature Passes, Full-Time Enrollment.

At Oak Ridge Nature School, your child will experience the joy of learning in a setting that honors their individuality and sparks their curiosity. Come see why so many families trust us to provide an exceptional educational experience. We can’t wait to welcome you to our community!