The Nature School Of Central Indiana
A K–8 public charter school grounded in nature-based,
Montessori, and Waldorf education.
ABOUT THE NATURE SCHOOL OF CENTRAL INDIANA
Committed to Education
Founded in 2021, TNS, is a K–8 public charter school that blends Montessori, Waldorf, and nature-based learning. Our campus is located on 200 acres at Camp Belzer, where learners spend their days not only with books and lessons, but also outdoors—exploring the creek, walking the trails, and learning directly from the natural world around them.
Our curriculum is state-standards based and includes all the core academics—math, reading, science, and social studies—while also integrating art, music, and outdoor skills. We emphasize hands-on learning, curiosity, and real-world connections.
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A typical day at TNS includes:
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A morning work cycle focused on core academics through hands-on and small group learning.
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Lunch and recess outdoors to recharge and connect with peers.
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An afternoon work cycle focused on usually finishing up lessons from the morning or special projects.
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Once a week learners participate in Field Study. A three hour class where learners spend extended time outdoors building skills, exploring environmental lessons, or engaging in project-based learning. They also enjoy lessons in Music and Art during this time. This happens in the place of a morning or afternoon work cycle on a class's scheduled day.
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On Fridays, our week closes with a Community Meeting before early dismissal, giving students a voice and a sense of shared connection.
180+ LEARNERS
30+ CARING STAFF MEMBERS
1:15 RATIOS
DAILY
OUTSIDE TIME
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.
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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.
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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
