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Each of our two campuses are nestled in beautiful, natural surroundings that boast an expansive area for the students to use and explore. We
believe that connection to the natural outdoor environment is paramount to giving the child, and particularly the adolescent, all
that she needs to reach her full potential.
At the Concord Campus, the natural environment is thoughtfully brought into each classroom at every level in many ways. For example:
- teachers carefully select plants and miniature biomes for the classroom that will engage children's interaction and support the language and botany lessons they receive
- the learning materials are made of beautiful, natural materials wherever possible
- windows are designed to be low and to invite children to observe the outdoors
- each classroom has direct access to their own garden, as well as use of the raised vegetable garden beds
- the framed art, selected library books and the language materials reflect the wonder of nature and inspire inquiry about the natural world
- care of our regional birds and mammals is a daily task for children beginning at the age of 12 months as they reach to fill the bird and squirrel feeders
- all the children utilize the extended 11 acres of:
- nature trails
- a pond
- a small animal barn for chickens and a few small farm animals, cared for by the children
- equipment to challenge physical outdoor play and climbing
These experiences of the younger students are a natural link to the more extensive work of the Adolescent Community on the farm at our
Huntsburg Campus. The entire 100-acre farm and woodland property of this campus is considered "the classroom". On any given day, students can be
seen working in groups all over the property, both indoors and outdoors, immersed in a variety of subjects of study. Immersion in nature is
a striking element of the adolescent's experience on the farm.
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