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:
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 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 (including Farm Days and Field Trips)
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Home Learning/eLearning (including Duolingo and PenPal Schools)
OUR CLASSES
KINDERGARTEN
Our kindergartners will be together with our preschoolers and enjoy the benefits of a mixed-age class experience. 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.
