Featured
This is the first glimpse into our world at The Earth School. Each image and video here is a window into the daily poetry of child-led learning, where curiosity is the curriculum and the world is our classroom. I have chosen these moments to show the heart of our philosophy: learning that is joyful, hands-on, and deeply connected to the community and the earth.
The World is Our Classroom
Learning at The Earth School extends far beyond our walls. Through our "Going Out" program, children pursue their questions in the real world, whether it's harvesting clay from a lakebed, researching marine life on the coast, or observing insects at a research institute. These purposeful excursions are not just field trips; they are an essential part of our curriculum, where the world itself becomes the teacher.
Hands-On Science & Nature Study
Science is not a subject we study; it is a way of seeing the world. We encourage children to be active investigators, whether they are building a shrimp habitat, incubating eggs, growing mushrooms, or constructing an insect hotel. Learning is driven by their own questions, leading to deep, authentic engagement with the principles of biology, botany, and ecology.
The Language of Mathematics
We see mathematics not as a collection of problems to be solved, but as a universal language for understanding the world. Children are natural mathematicians, fascinated by the biggest and smallest things. We nurture this innate curiosity with hands-on materials and large-scale projects that make abstract concepts concrete, from building epic timelines to exploring fractions with physical objects.
Art, Craft & Storytelling
Art and language are not separate subjects; they are threads woven into the entire tapestry of our learning. Children put on plays, write and recite poetry, sew, sculpt with clay, and bring history to life through their creations. We provide the space, materials, and inspiration for them to express their understanding of the world through story, performance, and handwork.
Purposeful Work & Practical Skills
We believe that learning practical skills is fundamental to building independence and character. Children at The Earth School engage in real, purposeful work every day. They cook, bake, sew, care for animals and plants, and learn to use real tools, developing competence, confidence, and a deep sense of their own capability.
A Community of Learners
Community is not just a word here; it is something we build every day. Our mixed-age classrooms create a family-like atmosphere where older children naturally mentor younger ones. We come together to celebrate festivals, mark milestones like graduation, and work on collaborative projects that benefit the world beyond our school.
The Joy of Unstructured Play
I believe that play is the true work of childhood. We provide ample time and open-ended materials for unstructured play, where children's imaginations can take flight. Whether they are building elaborate structures in the sandpit, creating rivers in the mud, or engaging in rich pretend play, this is where they develop social skills, solve problems, and make sense of their world.
Our Prepared Environment
The classroom itself is a teacher. Our spaces are carefully prepared to be beautiful, orderly, and accessible, filled with materials that invite exploration. From the low shelves to the child-sized furniture and intriguing objects from the natural world, every element is designed to foster independence, concentration, and a love of learning.