Outdoor Exploration
"There must be a provision for the child to have contact with nature; to understand and appreciate the order, the harmony and the beauty of nature."
Maria Montessori
Our Outdoor Space
Dr. Montessori believed that children learn through playing and through experiencing the world with all senses. Our school is surrounded by a panoramic view of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. The neighboring farms provides our children with an opportunity to have hands on experiences with animal life cycles, an understanding of where food comes from, and how we can take care of our Earth to make it a better place for future generations.
Gardening
We take time to learn about the life cycle of the garden and explore the garden throughout all seasons. Our children take care of our garden by preparing the soil, carefully planting new plants and watering the garden when needed.
In our garden you'll find: tomatoes, strawberries, carrots, green beans, peppers, sunflowers, herbs & more!
​Our garden is sensory enriching. Children have the opportunity to see the different colors the plants provide, smell the herbs, taste the edible plants and feel the different texture of all the plant life growing in our garden beds.
Outdoor Classrooms
We provide an outdoor classroom space that is available throughout the morning. Just as children have the freedom to move independently in the classroom, children have the opportunity to move from the classroom to the outdoor classroom during the morning work time. They have the freedom to bring a work of their choosing to the outdoor space to use. The space includes tables and chairs, outdoor working mats and a comfortable reading area.
Nature Walks
The wonders of nature spark curiosity and excitement in our students! We embrace the opportunity to explore the farmland, observe seasonal changes, and engage with local farm life. Our educational walks are filled with joy, adventure, and endless discoveries! We believe that learning extends beyond the classroom, and students thrive as they connect with nature.
Playground
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Our play structure includes two slides, a rock climbing wall and a net climber.
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Several swings
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Large, double sided sandbox
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Climbing dome
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Large playhouse
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Spacious grass areas
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