OUR FOCUS IS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE WHOLE CHILD – HEAD, HEART, AND HANDS!
Our Mission at Creekside is to allow time for authentic play while building relationships and fostering a love for learning through a child-led, interest-based curriculum. Creekside Nature School provides a place-based, outdoor learning environment offering hands-on experiences where children can learn through play and exploration.
Areas of development supported in our outdoor space:
Mathematics
Science
Body Competence
Creative Arts
Social Skills
Visual Awareness
Emotional Awareness
Spatial Awareness
Literacy
Creekside Nature School provides children an environment which allows whole-child learning in an outdoor setting. Creekside operates on a school year schedule offering the option of classes 2 days per week (T/TH or M/W). Child-led, emergent curriculum is supported by teachers who use scaffolding to build on the exploration and discoveries of the children.
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning.”
— Fred Rogers
PLACE-BASED EDUCATION
Place-based education immerses learners in local landscapes, allowing opportunities to help build the foundation for the study of language arts, mathematics, social studies, science and other subjects across the curriculum.
Creekside offers place-based education, which helps children learn to…
Become familiar with their local flora and fauna
Take responsibility for their environment
Connect with the world around them
Notice the change in seasons
“There’s no such thing as bad weather.”
— Linda Akeson McGurk
ALL WEATHER PLAY
Rain or shine, we play and learn in nature. Children experience a range of benefits from time outdoors. Dressing for the weather is key to keeping the children comfortable for playing and learning in the outdoors. At Creekside, students are provided with weather appropriate outerwear at the start of the school year. This gear keeps the children warm and dry and allows for hours of enjoyment on what most would consider "inclement" weather days. Rainy days, filled with water experiments and mud kitchen concoctions, are often our most favorite days.
Social/Emotional Well-being
Connection with Nature
Increased Creativity
Improved Physical Health
Creekside Nature School is proud to be acknowledged by the National Wildlife Federation as a Certified Wildlife Habitat. Our gardens and natural setting support birds, butterflies, bees, frogs, deer, rabbits, and other local wildlife. Creekside is a place where wildlife can find natural sources of food, water, cover, and places to raise young.
CAMPUS
There's so much to see and enjoy at Creekside Nature School. Whether we’re wandering through the trees, observing the animals, building obstacle courses, making mud pies, tending to our garden, or splashing in the creek, students connect with the environment in a meaningful way and go home each day with a greater appreciation for nature.
WALKING TRAILS
Hiking is a fantastic way for children to both exercise and explore. It can improve cardiovascular health, boost mood, and reduce stress. In addition to the health benefits and educational opportunities, it's also an excellent way to spend time with friends.
ANIMALS
Studies have shown that interacting with animals provides numerous benefits for people, including reducing stress and anxiety and improving mood. Also, caring for animals can be a great way to teach responsibility and compassion to children.
CREEK HABITAT
Creeks are often home to a wide variety of plants and animals, making them an ideal place to explore and learn about the natural world. By exploring near our creek, children can improve their physical coordination, develop their sense of curiosity, and gain a greater appreciation for nature. Plus, it's fun!