“There must be provision for the child to have contact with nature, to understand and appreciate the order, the harmony and the beauty in nature… so that the child may better understand and participate in the marvelous things which civilization creates.”
Maria Montessori
180+ LEARNERS
30+ CARING STAFF MEMBERS
1:15 RATIOS
DAILY
OUTSIDE TIME
ABOUT THE NATURE SCHOOL OF CENTRAL INDIANA
Committed to Education
The Nature School of Central Indiana was founded with one purpose - to build a space for all students to grow, learn and create with each passing day. Through a unique teaching approach working within the core principles of Waldorf Education and Maria Montessori, a focus on nature and experiential learning, and a truly passionate staff, we help students develop academically and personally to the highest level.
We invite you to explore our site and discover the academics and community The Nature School of Central Indiana provides to each and every student. Get in touch with us today to schedule a tour, learn more about enrollment, or ask any other questions.
MISSION STATEMENT
A Brighter Tomorrow
The Nature School of Central Indiana believes in addressing the needs of the child holistically and instilling in them a lifelong love of learning, an awareness of their role in and connection to both their local community and the world, and a deep understanding of their individual abilities and potential with the ideal that nature is the best teacher. We hold all of these beliefs and elements as the foundation of learning and aim to build upon this foundation with an individualized approach to presenting curriculum and support this method with both local and global partnerships with like-minded organizations.
THE NATURE SCHOOL OF CENTRAL INDIANA PHILOSOPHY
Changing the World for the Better
We strive to create not only an academically successful school that prepares learners for the rigors of higher education, career, and life, but one with a loving, nurturing, welcoming, and empathetic environment that captures the whimsy and wonder of childhood and the inquisition and curiosity of the developing child. The Nature School believes in changing the world for the better, one learner at a time.
EDUCATION ONE
Our Authorizer
We are proud to represent our authorizer, Education One, and their student first values. To read more about them, click here.
OUR SCHOOL
Nature is Our Teacher
The K-8 program at The Nature School of Central Indiana places an emphasis on every aspect of student growth and development, working within the core principles of Rudolf Steiner's Waldorf education and Maria Montessori's methods. Suitable class sizes and exceptional, qualified teachers allow us to offer a comfortable and inclusive educational environment focused around nature, while ensuring each student receives the individualized attention and support they need.
The fundamental principle of the Montessori method is to value a child’s naturally inquisitive and developing mind to foster learning in an intuitive and natural way. This style of instruction in conjunction with Montessori materials place learning in the hands of the student.
Working within Waldorf principles, children are encouraged to learn to play musical instruments, knit, crochet, draw, and express their imagination and creativity. Additionally, elementary school children keep a journal where they record their experiences and what they have learned.
WHAT TO EXPECT
On a given day, you can expect to see the following in our classes:
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Thoughtfully prepared environments
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Healthy development based on learner readiness
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Carefully considered materials
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Varying instructional styles
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Regular observations and assessments
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Connection to Nature
You can also expect to see a lot of imagination at work through some of the following that reinforce learning objectives:
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Storytelling
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Hands-on Activities
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Movement and Circle Activities
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Art Expression
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Class Plays
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Block Rotation
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Main Lesson
Our classes aren’t defined by walls, however. Our educational program revolves around our most celebrated component: nature.
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Outdoor Learning Environment
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Off-sites
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Home Learning/eLearning (including Duolingo and PenPal Schools)
OUR CLASSES
Preschool
Our 3 and 4 year old preschoolers enjoy the benefits of a mixed-age class experience. Children will be encouraged to follow their curiosity and let their imaginations run wild.
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1: Private Preschool Classroom
PRIMARY AND LOWER ELEMENTARY
Our lower elementary classes serve grades K-3. Each class will have a teacher, a teacher's assistant, and regularly-scheduled parent volunteers.
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2: K/1st Grade Classrooms
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2: 2nd/3rd Grade Classrooms
UPPER ELEMENTARY
Our upper elementary classes serve grades 4-6. Each class will have a teacher, a teacher's assistant, and regularly-scheduled parent volunteers. In conjunction with our regular curriculum, students will learn foreign languages and connect with pen pals globally.
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2: 4th-6th grade classrooms
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Our middle school class serves grades 7-8. Each class will have a teacher, a teacher's assistant, and regularly-scheduled parent volunteers. On top of our regular curriculum, foreign languages, and pen pals, learners will have extended experiential and business-planning opportunities.
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1: 7th/8th Grade Classroom
