Inquiry-based Education.

Teachers actively model engagement and ask open-ended questions to encourage critical thinking and conversation. By asking leading questions that begin with “I notice that..” or “I wonder why..” questions are suggestive rather than directive, encouraging the process of divergent thinking. It is important to us to validate every child’s thoughts and ideas. We believe inquiry-based teaching encourages children to express themselves, trust their observations, and build self-confidence.
Interest-led Learning.
We do not have a predetermined curriculum that we follow. The reason for this is simple: our kids let us know what they are curious to know more about. Teachers will tell you that if a child is interested in something, the learning opportunities are endless. The seasonal changes, along with the various classroom destinations, continuously provide us with new things to explore. With knowledgeable teachers coming alongside the children as they discover, it is impossible to run out of things to learn. Science lessons, integrated with other subjects, occur regularly. This is a more tangible and natural way for our children to acquire and retain meaningful knowledge.

Why Forest School?

Angel Oak Nature Academy was created to provide children with the opportunity to explore, learn, and develop naturally while being immersed in nature. Over the past decades, children have gradually spent more and more time indoors and in front of screens, leading to mental, social and physical underdevelopment. AONA strives to get kids back outside for extended periods of time to play and learn.

The forest school concept is not a new one. In Germany over 150 years ago, Friedrich Frobel coined the word “kindergarten”. This translates to “child’s garden” in English. Frobel started the world’s first outdoor kindergartens (“Waldkindergartens” or “forest kindergartens”). These classes met entirely outside, year-round. This type of learning platform for children under the age of 7 proved very successful over time. Because measurable positive academic results continue, the German government has fully embraced this type of learning style. The United States is gradually understanding the value forest schools can bring to a child’s cognitive, physical, and social development. Forest schools do not have to take place in only a forest; any outdoor setting without human structures will provide the natural environment for a forest school.

By enrolling your child into our program, you will be allowing them to have a more natural and exciting learning experience.

Benefits of a nature-based learning environment:

Strengthened Social Skills
Superior Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking Skills
Stronger Immune Systems
Elevated Academic Performance in Higher Grade Levels
Longer Attention Spans
Better Mental Health
Increased Physical Strength
Understanding of Stewardship of the Environment

Safety first.

We believe that exposing children to moderate risk and allowing them to develop an awareness of their surroundings is healthy for their development. Engaging in activities like climbing trees, balancing on logs, running on uneven ground, and engaging in rough-and-tumble play allow children to strengthen their senses and gross-motor skills. They develop self-confidence through facing challenges successfully. Teachers are constantly monitoring and assessing risks to ensure overall safety of each child. For this reason, we maintain a very low student to teacher ratio.

In any given situation of life, children desire to know what the boundaries are. Expectations are given to our pods (groups of kids) so that they are free to explore while staying safe. Once classes understand the reason for having boundaries on where they can go, we have found that they are willing and able to maintain them.