Placing students in authentic environments in which they have first-hand experiences.

Providing a hands-on approach to learning by implementing inquiry-based studies.

Exploring concepts in real time as they occur in authentic settings following the natural cycles of nature and inquiry.

Connecting to relevant community activity such as environmentalism, conservation, agriculture, etc.

Deploying educators who value relevant experiences in authentic environments over isolated instruction in re-created or virtual environments. 

Immersing children in all seasons and most weather by locating programming in outdoor settings. 

Integrating best practice and curriculum into the outdoor setting.

Employing educators with expertise in the nature school ethos and who hold deep values of stewardship, conservation, and nature connectedness. 

Placing the teacher in the role of facilitator who frames experiences and brings children opportunities for discovery.

Placing the child in the role of the initiator who drives the learning process.

Providing flexible, dynamic curriculum that is  responsive to the child.

Deployed by educators who hold developmentally appropriate expectations of learning and behavior.

Placing educational theory and research at the foundation of the curriculum.

Addressing how and what children learn through a deep knowledge of child development.

Designing learning environments that are engaging, organized, and tailored to meet individual needs.

Designing daily routines and weekly plans that are predictable yet flexible.

Creating a learning community that emphasizes relationship-building and responsive teaching.

Partnering with families to build authentic relationships and promote strong communication.

Delivering programming at a peaceful, gentle pace where the academic, administrative, curricular, regulatory, and otherwise cluttered and stressful nature of early childhood education are excluded from the child’s experience.

Expressing a deep respect for childhood through an abundance of time spent in open-ended 
outdoor play.

Ensuring that NATURE is a child’s third teacher (the parent is first, the teacher is second).

Providing a safe, private, family home setting as the backdrop to early learning adventures.