Welcome to
Farm School
A New Kind of Education
Why Farm School?
Farm School isn’t just about meeting educational benchmarks; it’s about nurturing the whole child.
Our mission is to foster the development of curious, creative, and compassionate children by intertwining academic goals with real-world experiences. Through this approach, we are building a model for a new type of school—one that emphasizes meaningful connections with each other, with our community, and with the natural world.
What We Offer:
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Holistic, Hands-On Learning:
Our curriculum is inspired by the rhythms of nature and designed to be as dynamic as the children we teach. With 65% of learning time spent outdoors, students engage with their environment, whether they’re exploring the farm, tending to the garden, or observing the farm animals.
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Scratch-Cooked Meals:
We believe that good food is fundamental to good learning. That’s why we offer three meals and snacks each day, all prepared from scratch using local ingredients. These meals not only nourish our students but also teach them the importance of sustainable, healthy eating.
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Excellence Within Reach:
High-quality education shouldn’t be out of reach. We offer a holistic educational experience at a price that’s accessible to families who value an integrative approach to learning.
At Farm School,
we're reimagining education.
Nestled on a working farm, our learning center offers a truly unique educational experience where children spend most of their day immersed in nature, engaging in hands-on learning that connects them to the world around them. This is more than just an outdoor classroom; it's a place where young minds can flourish, driven by curiosity and guided by a deep connection to community and environment.
Sample Daily Schedule For Ages 4-9:
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8:00-9:00 AM: Arrival & Morning Writing Prompt/Choice Board
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9:00-10:00 AM: Morning Meeting & Nature Lesson
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10:15-10:45 AM: Morning Meal & Choice Board
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10:45-12:00 PM: Learning Labs (Math & ELA)
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12:00-12:45 PM: Lunch/Choice Board
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1:00-3:00 PM: Enrichment Classes
(Music, Farm & Garden, Art, STEM, and more)
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3:00-3:30 PM: Closing Meeting, Chores, Afternoon Snack
Sample Daily Schedule For Ages 10-12:
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8:00-9:00 AM: Arrival + Morning Writing Prompt/Choice Board
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9:00-10:00 AM: Learning Labs/Computer Literacy, Math, ELA
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10:15-10:45 AM: Morning Meal & Choice Board
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10:45-12:00 PM: Culinary Leadership & Student-Led Teaching
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12:00-12:45 PM: Lunch + Choice Board
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1:00-3:00 PM: Specialty Workshops (Music Ensembles, advanced Farm & Garden, Advanced Art, and more)
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3:00-3:30 PM: Closing Meeting, Chores, Afternoon Snack
A Day at Farm School:
Sample Schedules
Our daily schedules are thoughtfully crafted to ensure that each age group experiences a
balanced mix of academic learning, creative expression, and physical activity, all within the context of our farm environment. Our academic calendar year begins the day after Labor Day and ends in alignment with the Scott Valley Unified School District (usually the first or second week of June).
We meet Monday-Thursday from 8:30am-3:30pm, with options to drop off as early as 8am and to participate in our afterschool program (billed separately) from 3:30-5:30pm Monday-Thursday.
Is Farm School the Right Fit for Your Family?
At Farm School, we believe in a deeply personalized approach to education—one that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and connection. But we recognize that this approach is not for everyone. Our most important consideration is ensuring that each family is truly aligned with our philosophy and approach to learning.
A Different Kind of Schooling
Farm School is not like conventional schools. We do not follow traditional report cards or standardized testing. Instead, our focus is on experiential learning, self-directed exploration, and community engagement. This can be a significant shift for families accustomed to the traditional education system, and it’s important to reflect on whether this pioneering approach aligns with your values and educational goals.
Deep Reflection:
Choosing Farm School means embracing a new paradigm of education. We encourage each family to engage in deep reflection to ensure they are emotionally prepared to
take this journey with us. This involves being open to a non-traditional path and understanding that
our methods may challenge long-held beliefs about education.
Are You Ready for a New Approach?
To help guide this reflection,
we recommend the following books to incoming families:
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“Unschooled” by Kerry McDonald – Explore the principles of unschooling and the benefits of self-directed learning.
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“The Book Whisperer” by Donalyn Miller – Discover how to inspire a love of reading in children, beyond the confines of traditional literacy instruction.
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“The Anxious Generation” by Dr. John Duffy – Understand the pressures facing today’s youth and how alternative education can provide a healthier path.
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“Boys Adrift” by Dr. Leonard Sax – Learn about the challenges boys face in modern education and how different approaches can help them thrive.
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“Last Child in the Woods” by Richard Louv – Delve into the importance of reconnecting children with nature and how outdoor experiences can enhance their well-being and learning.
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“Dumbing Us Down” by John Taylor Gatto – Examine the shortcomings of traditional schooling and how alternative approaches can better meet students’ needs and foster true learning.
Explore,
Reflect, and Connect
We invite you to explore more about Farm School, reflect on your educational values, and connect with us to learn how we can support your child’s educational journey. Together, we can pioneer a new approach to learning—one that honors the whole child and the natural world.
Join Us!
At Farm School, we believe that education should be an adventure, where each day is filled with discovery, creativity, and connection. We invite you to join us in this journey. If you’re ready to explore a different path for your child’s education—one that prioritizes connection, nature, and holistic development—Farm School is the place for you.
Schedule a Tour
Experience the magic of Farm School firsthand. Schedule a tour today and see how our
unique approach can make a difference
in your child's education.