Welcome To Snails & Turkey Tails Nature School

 

At Snails & Turkey Tails, we believe childhood is meant to be lived outdoors. Nature School is a small, relationship-based learning community where children spend their days exploring forests, beaches, meadows, and shorelines through play, curiosity, and meaningful connection.

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Rather than following a predetermined curriculum, we follow the questions and ideas that emerge from the children and the seasons. A tidepool, an acorn, a bird's nest, or a winding trail can become the beginning of weeks of investigation, storytelling, scientific discovery, artistic expression, and imaginative play.

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Inspired by the schools of Reggio Emilia and the rhythms of the natural world, we believe children learn best when they are trusted with time, given meaningful responsibilities, and invited to wonder. Days unfold slowly, allowing children to build friendships, solve problems together, take supported risks, care for the places we visit, and develop confidence through real experiences.

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Nature School is not about rushing from one activity to the next. It is about climbing fallen logs, following animal tracks, creating with natural materials, preparing simple snacks together, building shelters, observing seasonal changes, sketching discoveries, and returning to familiar places week after week until they become part of each child's story.

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With a small group, caring teachers, and long stretches of uninterrupted time outdoors, children develop resilience, independence, creativity, and a deep sense of belonging—to each other and to the natural world.

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We believe that when children are given the freedom to explore, the time to wonder, and a community that truly sees them, learning happens naturally.

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What Children Experience

• Exploring at the beach, the meadow, and the campground

• Following seasonal discoveries and children's questions

• Nature-based art and creative expression

• Tool use and skill building

• Building, collecting, and creating with natural materials

• Storytelling, songs, and imaginative play

• Scientific observation and documentation

• Climbing, balancing, gentle hiking, and supported risk-taking

• Caring for our outdoor classroom and one another

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Our Approach

Child-led inquiry

We believe children are capable researchers, creators, and problem-solvers. Teachers observe, listen, and create invitations that extend children's thinking.

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The outdoors as our classroom

Nature provides endless opportunities for investigation, creativity, and connection.

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Learning through relationships

A small community allows children to develop confidence, independence, and meaningful friendships.

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The hundred languages

Children communicate their ideas through drawing, building, movement, storytelling, collecting, designing, and exploring.

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A Typical Day

10:00 — Arrival & Gathering
Children settle in, connect with friends, and explore invitations waiting in the outdoor classroom.

10:30 — Nature Exploration
Hikes, observations, seasonal investigations, and open-ended play.

12:00 — Lunch & Community Time
Children enjoy lunch together and share stories, discoveries, and conversations.

12:30 — Atelier & Creation
Art, building, tool work, storytelling, or continued project work.

1:45 — Reflection & Closing Circle
Children gather to share observations and prepare for home.

2:00 — Pick Up

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​​​Why a Small Outdoor Program?

In a small setting, children have the time and space to form strong relationships, follow their curiosity, and develop confidence at their own pace. We believe meaningful learning happens through connection, not rushing from activity to activity.

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Tuition & Enrollment

Nature School is offered as a semester-based program, allowing children the consistency and connection needed to build relationships, develop confidence, and engage in meaningful long-term investigations.

 

Schedule
Mondays & Wednesdays
10:00 AM–2:00 PM​

 

Ages
3–4 years

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Enrollment
Fall and Spring semester enrollment

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Tuition
$1,000/month

Tuition includes:

• Two outdoor learning days each week

• All art materials, natural materials, and project supplies

• Thoughtfully prepared invitations for exploration and discovery

• Seasonal investigations and nature-based experiences

• Small-group learning with an experienced educator and assistant teacher

• Ongoing observation and documentation of children's learning

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Registration Process

Families interested in joining Nature School are invited to complete an application. Your application is considered complete once we receive the $75 non-refundable application fee. After reviewing your application, we will contact you to schedule a brief intake call to learn more about your child and answer any questions about the program.

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If Nature School feels like the right fit for your family, a non-refundable enrollment deposit is required to reserve your child's place. Because enrollment is intentionally limited, the deposit secures your child's space and allows us to thoughtfully prepare for the upcoming semester.

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Enrollment is confirmed once all registration forms have been completed, the enrollment deposit has been received, and tuition arrangements have been finalized.

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Mid-Year Enrollment

Nature School welcomes new families throughout the school year as space allows. Mid-year enrollment is considered on a case-by-case basis, with thoughtful attention given to each child's transition and the dynamics of our small learning community.

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