At Gathered Oak, we offer programs for children in Kindergarten through 8th grade where they are immersed in nature and farm life as they learn. Gathered Oak aims to cultivate a genuine love and affection for what is good, true, and beautiful. We do this through immersive contact with our little farm and teaching that inspires imagination and wonder.
We know you have many educational options for your child, and it is our desire to offer something distinct that will fascinate and engage your child. We’ve found that education is formative when it cultivates a genuine love and affection for the world around us. Our aim isn’t simply to teach facts and information so kids can progress or pass a test. Our aim is to provide a learning experience where kids develop a genuine love for learning, for their neighbors, and for their specific place in the world. In order for this to happen, we must have real, tactile contact with others, our environment, and with the outdoors. In fact, there is a growing body of research suggesting that extended time outdoors with other kids is a critical part of a child's development.
Our 2000-square-foot barn functions as our indoor classroom, while the 2.5-acre farm surrounding it is our outdoor classroom, complete with a garden, an oak grove, chickens, goats, pigs, and more animals to come. We know that children learn in many different ways, which is why we use a variety of methods and strategies to engage with our students to meet each of their individual needs. Children will have the opportunity to explore and discover in a mixed-age environment through self-directed, cooperative, and hands-on learning. We are deeply committed to forging connection with each child that enters our program and helping them form connection with each other. We have an amazing community of families, and it is our privilege to steward this farm and the many children that share it with us.