Wonder and exploration pair up in this engaging dive into natural sciences, art, handwork, and more.
Designed for ages 6-12, this mixed-age homeschool group helps children grow their curiosity and confidence in a 100% outdoor group setting.
We maintain a small group size. Parents can choose whether to volunteer based on what works best for their family in a given season.
All our groups welcome learners with diverse abilities & support needs. See our FAQ for details
If you’re ready to register for the 2025-2026 school year please click here.
What we do together
Science
We do hands-on nature study, learning about local wildlife, plants, season changes, and more.
Each family is provided with a weekly digital handout containing that week’s main science point(s) to remember and optional extension activities that can be done at home if desired. (You can purchase our science guides and other resources on Teachers Pay Teachers!)
Art & Handwork
Our art invitations are choice-based with some gentle teacher-led demonstration & instruction. Each one is designed to build fundamental skills while allowing each child to learn through exploration and their own unique artistic processes.
Our Routine
Families can opt in for the whole day or choose the half that best meets their needs (when partial days are available). Click here for an overview of our routine
The first part of homeschool enrichment is more structured, with an adult-led group science topic offering followed by a selection of activities that foster self-guided learning individually and with friends.
The second part is primarily supervised, unstructured, child-led nature play with forest-school-style activity invitations. Students have opportunities to practice new skills like knot tying, whittling, & shelter building, learn about local plants and wildlife, use field microscopes and binoculars, learn how to “sit spot” and nature journal.
Most importantly, they have ample time to build friendships and simply be kids and play.
Class Magazine
The students who participate in the first half have the opportunity to submit art, writing, and more to be published in our seasonal class magazine. Students may also choose to participate in design, editing, and collaborative submissions. Participation in the magazine is optional. Some students become enthusiastically involved, while others contribute very little. The magazine also functions as a scrapbook keepsake. At the end of each 9-week term, every student who attended the 1st half of the program receives a hard copy of the class magazine.
Location
We meet 100% outdoors in parks and natural areas in and around Waynesboro, Virginia
We meet in a single location for at least 1 whole term in order to foster a sense of place
Participants are informed of our exact location prior to the start of each term
What should my child bring?
- a packed lunch and snack
- their own water bottle
- sunscreen
- a sturdy, comfortable well-fitting backpack (or equivalent means of bringing gear)
- clothing that’s appropriate for messy play and long periods of time outdoors in all sorts of weather Click here to see our full year-round recommended clothing and equipment.
Schedule
We meet from September through May, divided into three seasonal 9-week terms (fall, winter, and spring). It’s ideal for families to commit to a whole school year for the most robust experience.
Day & Time
- Tuesdays 10:00 am – 2:15 pm (Homeschool Enrichment Full Program)
(Half-day students leave and Nature-Exploration-Only students arrive at 12:20)
here’s an overview of our routine
Fall Term 2025
- September 2 – November 4, 2025
- Fall Break – Sept 30, 2025
- Fall Make-Up Days – Nov 11, Nov 18
Winter Term 2026
- January 13 – March 3, 2026
- Winter Make-Up Day – March 10
Spring Term 2026 – Tuesdays
- March 17 – May 19, 2026
- Spring Break – April 14
- Spring Make-Up Day – May 26
Spring Term 2026 – NEW: THURSDAYS
- March 19 – May 21, 2026
- Spring Break – April 16
- Spring Make-Up Day – May 28
Cost & Billing
Homeschool Enrichment – Full Program – $450 per 9 week term + Non-refundable $50 yearly registration fee and $20 materials fee per term
Homeschool Enrichment half day (first part only) – $270 per 9 week term + Non-refundable $50 yearly registration fee and $20 materials fee per term
Nature Exploration (second part only) – $180 per 9 week term + Non-refundable $50 yearly registration fee
Once you register, paying the $50 yearly registration fee will secure your child’s spot.
Discounts are given for siblings who attend together and for students whose caregiver stays as a volunteer or aide.
We want to include families regardless of their financial status. A small number of partial scholarships are usually available. If you need financial assistance to attend next year, please note that on your registration form.
Payment Options
Option 1: Pay a full term upfront – 5% discount (on top of sibling/volunteer discounts).
For Fall 2025 this will be billed in late July and due August 15, 2025.
Option 2: Flex-Pay – Monthly billing that adjusts for absences. This is a helpful option for those who are managing disabilities or chronic health conditions that are likely affect their attendance.
Questions? Check out our FAQ page or Click here to learn more about our enrollment process
Nourished Oaks: nature based homeschool group 