The Nature School Of Central Indiana
A K–8 public charter school grounded in nature-based,
Montessori, and Waldorf education.
Rooted in Nature.
Growing with Wonder.
Our Roots
Founded in 2021, TNS is a K–8 public charter school where nature is our teacher and childhood curiosity is our compass. Rooted in the wisdom of Montessori, inspired by the artistry of Waldorf, and nourished by nature-based learning, our days unfold between thoughtfully prepared classrooms and winding trails, babbling creeks, and open skies. Learners engage in state-standards–aligned academics—math, reading, science, and social studies—interwoven with art, music, movement, and outdoor skills, all designed to place learning into curious hands and imaginative hearts.
You’ll find prepared environments, carefully considered materials, varied instructional styles, regular observation, and learning guided by readiness. You’ll also find stories and circle time, movement and making, plays and painting, main lessons and block rotations—where imagination ignites understanding.
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Our classrooms may have walls, but our learning does not. From forest to field, on-site and off, in-person and eLearning, we cultivate wonder, resilience, and reverence—growing whole children, grounded in the living world.
A Day in the Life
​Morning work cycles of hands-on, small-group exploration
Afternoon cycles for projects, practice, and possibility.
Outdoor lunch and recess for renewal and relationship
Weekly Field Study invites extended immersion in the outdoors through environmental exploration, skill-building, and project-based learning, alongside music and art.
Community
Fridays close with Community Meeting and early dismissal, honoring voice, belonging, and shared purpose.
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.
Mission
Philosophy
Changing the World for the Better
At The Nature School of Central Indiana, we believe in fostering a love for learning through hands-on experiences in nature. Our dedicated educators guide students to explore the wonders of the natural world, encouraging curiosity and creativity. With a focus on environmental stewardship and holistic development, we inspire young minds to connect with the earth and each other. Join us on this educational journey where every day is an adventure in learning and growth.
Our School
We Grow Together like the Trees in a Forest.
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 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 express their imagination and creativity. Additionally, elementary school children keep a journal where they record their experiences and what they have learned.
