A nature based school since day one.

Since day one this has been a nature based school. Getting outside in all types of weather is a critical component to what we believe is good for children, ourselves, and our world. Our goals were to be organic, vegetarian, and local. In the fall of 2011 we opened with just two children. In the summer of 2020, when we were up against reopening during the pandemic, we opened the Annex on Mountain Road.

The rooms follow the weather, not the calendar. Children go outside every day, in every season, because that is where the work happens. Teachers stay close and let children lead. The kitchen keeps to what the school set out to do: organic, vegetarian, local.

Ali Gardner joined as a parent in 2013, then moved into administration part time. She has since earned the Program Director Step 1 Credential and Teacher Associate level IIIB through the Vermont Department of Children & Families. Sarah Tousignant founded the school and serves as Executive Director. Megan Stapleton is Assistant Director. Laura Jackson leads curriculum and pedagogy.

Teachers follow the children's interests. Exact times for activities may vary slightly depending on what the children are drawn to. A day can hold snack and free choice next to a structured activity, without rushing either one. That is how attention gets room to grow.

The after school day starts with drop off and classroom free play from 8:00 to 8:45. From 8:45 to 10:00 there is snack and free choice alongside a structured activity. In the afternoon, from 3:00 to 4:30, there is snack and games or free play in the field. Rooms are set up so children can move between quiet work and open play.