MO Schools that Prioritize Outdoor Time

Being outside in all-weather builds resilience and gives kids a chance to observe the charges that are happening out in their community through all the different seasons.

Juniper Root is a child-led, nature play-based community. Our mission is to create an atmosphere of respect and admiration for children and nature. 

Learning about the physical world by being outside and climbing, jumping, and digging prepares children for studying the sciences. Time outdoors in all seasons and climate conditions strengthens a connection with nature. 

Support children and their families in a learning environment grounded in a deep connection to the natural world and sustainability.

City Garden School spends time outdoors every Friday during the school year while also conducting two Nature Intensives during each school year in which we take our classrooms outdoors for three weeks in the fall and three weeks in the spring, allowing us to integrate nature with our curriculum.

Our “NatureCare” philosophy is greatly influenced by the Waldorf forest kindergarten model and LifeWays North America pedagogy. We also draw from our own deep connection with the natural world and small farm lifestyle. 

Completely outdoors, School of the Wild is held at Lovett Pinetum, our home campus. We use nature study as our educational backbone and offer plenty of opportunities for exploring, self-directed play, and discovery.

A larger outdoor space means more hands-on nature experiences, encouraging curiosity and fostering a love for the environment.

Our teaching philosophy is that learning happens everywhere: in our classrooms, in the city, in the wilderness, on a walk around the neighborhood, or at the local farmers’ market. 

Small, part-time classes and camps to give preschoolers, homeschoolers, and school summer break adventurers deep connections to the natural world in their city. 

We believe in a “wild” style of learning. Children learn at a slower pace, like the river itself. Learning happens naturally.

The Primary School is perfectly situated to offer a private setting for our students with easy access to our outdoor spaces, including the Katy Trail. The Elementary & Middle School is situated on 9 acres of park-like campus adjacent to the Hominy Creek and Trail.

Fox Creek is an enrichment program for homeschool students between the ages of 6-12 in central Missouri.

 We will provide a different focus each day following the rhythm of the seasons.