Where Childhood Flourishes.

Learning through Play, Wonder, and Endless Possibilities.

Our Early Childhood program takes place in an outdoor forest school model, embracing the beauty and benefits of nature. Our outdoor classrooms offer a consistent daily rhythm that helps children feel secure and at ease. In this natural setting, play is not just play; it’s a vital part of learning that nurtures a sense of wonder and opens doors to endless possibilities. This approach enriches them internally and lays a solid groundwork for their academic achievements ahead. In addition to an abundance of imaginative free play, our days are filled with a variety of engaging activities such as watercolor painting, sewing, beeswax modeling, tea time, cooking, singing, storytelling puppetry, and participating in movement circles—all conducted in the inspiring backdrop of the outdoors. These delightful experiences are key in honing both fine and gross motor abilities, enhancing listening, focus, and language skills, and teaching children the art of collaboration within a group setting. Being in nature further encourages creativity, resilience, and a deep connection with the environment, offering unparalleled opportunities for growth and development.

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Our mixed-age early childhood/kindergarten program offers a rich and nurturing experience rooted in Waldorf educational philosophies. Our program engages children in a rhythm that combines open-ended nature play, meaningful work, and creative expression through storytelling, puppet shows, and artistic activities such as watercolor painting, beeswax modeling, and finger-knitting. A formal Circle Time integrates movement, listening skills, rich language immersion, and imaginative development through songs and verse. Ample time is spent immersed in outdoor play, as interacting with the natural world is crucial for the holistic development of young children. This nature immersion fosters creativity, resilience, and a deep connection to the environment, providing unparalleled opportunities for growth and learning.

The kindergarten experience in a Waldorf inspired model is generally a 2-3 year journey. Waldorf-inspired kindergartens focus less on traditional academics and more on the overall development of the child (social, emotional, physical), believing that a strong foundation in these early years will lead to greater academic and personal success later on. Both Heartwood and Elderflower classrooms offer the same rich and nurturing kindergarten experience. We divide the entire kindergarten grade into two learning spaces to keep group sizes small, allowing for more individualized attention, deeper connections, and a calmer, more intentional learning environment. Each class follows the same curriculum and rhythms, guided by loving teachers who work closely together to ensure a shared journey through the year.

Set entirely in an outdoor forest school model, the Kindergarten day runs from 8:45 am to 3:00 pm, including lunch time (lunches brought from home). An after-school/aftercare program is available until 5 pm for those families who are interested.

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Lower Elementary Grades

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In Grade Four, we carefully craft a curriculum that supports the developmental journey of children as they grow more aware of themselves and their world. Grade Four invites students to explore the geography, history, and culture of their local environment, thereby nurturing a strong sense of place and belonging. This year also introduces students to the captivating world of Norse mythology, enriching their understanding of heroism, morality, and human nature. Mathematical studies advance to include fractions, long division, and multiplication, with a continued emphasis on practical applications, such as measuring and geometry. The science curriculum brings the animal kingdom into focus, encouraging students to draw connections between humans and animals through detailed studies of characteristics, habitats, and lifestyles. Art and music remain pivotal, with students engaging in complex projects and performances, exploring different materials, techniques, and advancing musical skills.

The science curriculum in Grade Five shifts its focus to the plant kingdom, introducing students to the world of Botany. Through careful observation and hands-on exploration, they study the growth patterns, functions, and classifications of plants, tracing the journey from simple mosses and ferns to complex flowering species. Our forest school setting provides an ideal environment for students to engage in gardening, nature journaling, and field studies, deepening their connection to the natural world. Another highlight of the year is the Pentathlon, a cherished Waldorf tradition that brings students together to celebrate the ideals of grace, strength, and fair competition in the spirit of Ancient Greece. Through foot races, javelin throwing, long jump, discus, and more, students embody the harmonious balance between physical skill and inner character. This event is a meaningful rite of passage, reinforcing the values of sportsmanship, perseverance, and beauty in movement.

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In Grade Six, we gently guide students into a year that strengthens clarity, discernment, and inner structure as they stand more firmly in their growing sense of self. As the harmony of Grade Five gives way to a deeper questioning of how the world is built and sustained, the curriculum turns toward the strength and endurance of Ancient Rome. Students explore the rise and fall of civilizations, the shaping of law and governance, and the remarkable feats of Roman engineering, discovering how human will and vision leave lasting marks upon the world. Through this study, they begin to sense the weight of responsibility and the power of individual contribution within a greater society. Mathematics continues to unfold, expanding into ratios, proportions, and increasingly refined geometric work, cultivating precision, balance, and clear thinking. Language Arts deepens as students write with greater structure and intention, strengthening their ability to articulate thoughtful ideas with confidence and care.

The science curriculum in Grade Six turns toward the physical forces of the Earth itself. Students enter the world of geology, studying rocks, minerals, mountains, and the quiet yet powerful movements that shape the land beneath our feet. From there, they are introduced to the observable laws of physics, exploring sound, light, heat, and magnetism through careful experimentation and reflection. Our forest school setting offers a living classroom in which landforms, soil, and natural phenomena can be experienced directly and meaningfully. Artistic expression remains an essential thread throughout the year, with perspective drawing, clay modeling, woodworking, music, and movement providing balance and beauty alongside intellectual growth. In this way, Grade Six supports the child in building both strength and sensitivity, helping them develop a sturdy inner framework while remaining connected to wonder, creativity, and community.