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.

Woman Tutoring Child

WHAT TO EXPECT

On a given day, you can expect to see the following in our classrooms:


  • Thoughtfully prepared environments

  • Healthy development based on learner readiness

  • Carefully considered materials

  • Varying instructional styles

  • Regular observations and assessments

You can also expect to see a lot of imagination at work through some of the following that reinforce learning objectives:


  • Storytelling

  • Hands-on Activities

  • Movement and Circle Activities

  • Art Expression

  • Class Plays

  • Block Rotation

  • Main Lesson Recording

Our classroom isn’t defined by walls, however. Our educational program revolves around our most celebrated component: nature. 


  • Indoor Learning Environment

  • Outdoor Learning Environment

  • Off-sites (including Wilderness Days, Farm Days, and Field Trips)

  • Home Learning/eLearning (including Duolingo and PenPal Schools)

OUR CLASSES

KINDERGARTEN

We plan to have our kindergarteners explore at the Blue Sky Farmhouse in McCordsville. Children will be encouraged to follow their curiosity and let their imaginations run wild.

LOWER ELEMENTARY

Our lower elementary classes serve grades 1-3. Each class will have a teacher, a teacher's assistant, and regularly-scheduled parent volunteers.

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.

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.

©2020 by The Nature School of Central Indiana