PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Full-Time Highlights
- Kinder-6th grade
- Monday-Friday 9am-2:30pm
- Part-time Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9am-2:30pm
- Kinder-6th grade
- Core courses, enrichment, agri-learning
Part-Time Highlights
- Kinder-6th grade
- 3 days per week (MWF) 9:00AM-2:30PM
- 2 half-days per week (MW) 9:00AM-12PM
- 1 day per week (Friday in the Park only)
HOW IT WORKS
Our Model re-thinks traditional school models – We are different
We re-imagine traditional education by fostering child-led learning, love of God, valuing in the family unit, and enjoying nature. Cultivating a partnership with parents for the benefit of the child’s education is a top priority at Heritage Nature School. We see learning beyond state testing and rote memorization often found in traditional schools. Instead, we prioritize the mastery of concepts over the quantity of concepts. Learners are encouraged to take ownership of their learning by asking questions, thinking critically, and collaborating with their peers. We believe that all children are capable of learning at a high level when they are engaged in activities that center real-life application, child- interest, and creativity. Learners are encouraged to take ownership of their learning by asking questions, thinking critically, and collaborating with their peers. We believe that all children are capable of learning at a high level when they are engaged in activities that center real-life application, child- interest, and creativity.
ADMISSIONS
WHO SHOULD APPLY
- Families who want their child to receive a Christ-centered education.
- Families seeking a small child-led and child-paced environment for their children.
- Families who feel that traditional schooling has not been beneficial for their child and are seeking alternative education models.
HOW TO APPLY
- Complete Interest Form
- Complete admission application – application will be available once enrollment opens February 3, 2024.
- Once your application is received, HNS staff will schedule an in-person tour and family interview with you and your child to better get to know each other.
- If you are selected for admission, you will be sent a welcome packet!
HOW TO BEGIN
PLEASE COMPLETE THE INTEREST FORM IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN THE APPLICATION PROCESS
FAQ
What is a microschool?
Microschools are independent learning spaces and are the result of rethinking traditional educational models to better prepare children for their future. Microschools emphasize child-led learning, creativity, independence, and unique learning methods.
What grades does the microschool serve?
Traditionally speaking, we serve grades kinder-6th grade, however please see the FAQ “What are age bands” to learn more about how we structure our groups.
What are age bands?
Heritage Nature School learners operate in mixed-age learning groups, called “age bands.” We typically group learners in 5-7Y, 8-9Y, and 10-12Y groups. Mixed-age bands allows children to learn at their own pace and go beyond traditional learning expectations within grade levels.
Are all of your teachers certified?
Though we do have certified teachers on staff, we do not strictly require certification for our teaching staff. We place a high value on experience and a genuine interest in alternative education methods.
How do you handle students with special needs?
HNS strives to provide children with an education that meets their needs. Therefore, it is important to note that we are not currently staffed or equipped to provide special services for students with severe learning disabilities, cognitive disabilities, emotional issues, or behavior issues that manifest in violent or angry outbursts. We do not currently have the resources necessary to help them to reach their full potential.
What curriculum do you use?
Simply Charlotte Mason (History, Geography, Language Arts, Phonics)
Montessori for Homeschoolers (Math)
Do parents have to be involved in day-to-day learning?
Parents do not have to teach or be present during school hours. We do ask that parents are involved in other ways such as collaborating with our teachers on the students interest so that we are able to customize the students individual interest studies for their enrichment time. This participation is essential to the growth and development of our school.
How do you verify that the education is meeting academic standards?
To ensure that our children are growing academically, we conduct routine informal assessments through student observation and record-keeping. These informal assessments are built-in to our authentic classroom model. Additionally, we issue basic progress reports each semester.
How do we make sure we have the right documentation if we decide to transition our kids back to a public school?
Much like homeschooling, part of the microschooling process is making sure that you keep records that your children are making sufficient academic progress. This can vary by age level, but generally, it looks like maintaining a portfolio of student work and academic progress reports. The local school district must enroll students who transition from micro-schools back into their local public schools. Private schools may require some type of entrance exam or demonstration of grade-level competency to determine grade-level placement.
Do you offer part-time and full-time options?
Flexibility and customization are key components of a microschool’s framework. We provide Full-time (5 days a week) and Part-time (3 days a week MWF) for families.