Nature School
The Well Natured Child
Welcome
We are SO thrilled to announce the opening of our part time outdoor preschool program, the first nature school of its kind to serve Wilson and Wayne County.
Our program is structured for ages 3-5. Weekly curriculum will be based on our motto, “Play, Explore, Create”, and will consist of child-led learning, imaginative play, arts and crafts, and mini educational units with an emphasis on nature and animals.
You can expect your child to flourish in our nurturing farm environment surrounded by our many friendly animals and upcoming gardens. Construction of our beautiful open air schoolhouse was completed in August 2025.
The inaugural 2025-2026 school year has already grown from 1 day/ week classes to 3 days of learning each week! We meet on M, W, F and most children attend our program once or twice a week. This is a great supplement to any traditional preschool that your child may already be enrolled in, as well as a soft landing for any first time preschooler who isn’t quite ready for a full time program.
If you are a parent who has ever been interested in the concept of “unschooling” or “wild schooling” for your child, our program will be the perfect fit for you. At the end of the day, your child will go home dirty, happy, and nourished in a way that can only come from learning in nature.
All classes are currently FULL. We take applications all year long and are so happy to share that we already have a waitlist for the 2026-2027 school year. It’s never too early to fill out an application to get on our waitlist- we have parents apply for their children as early as 6 months old! You can find our application at the bottom of this page.
We look forward to serving your family!
With gratitude,
Sarah Ratley
Our Philosophy
At The Well Natured Child, we believe that children thrive when they are given the freedom and opportunity to learn and explore in nature. Our program is rooted in the understanding that children are naturally curious, and when they are empowered to test boundaries and explore the world around them in a safe, supportive environment, they can grow into their best, most authentic selves.
We are committed to caring for the whole child, emotionally, physically, and mentally. We recognize that mental wellness is just as important as physical wellness, and we place an emphasis on mindfulness, reflection, and emotional regulation. Research has shown that time spent in nature has a powerful impact on a child’s ability to self-regulate, helping them to better manage their emotions and behaviors. Nature provides an inherently calming and grounding influence on the nervous system, making it the perfect backdrop for deep, experiential learning.
We also believe in the power of learning through play. In our program, children are encouraged to engage in hands-on, immersive experiences, whether it’s planting in the garden, caring for animals, or participating in nature-based projects. We believe that learning through play is more impactful than sitting down to complete worksheets. The opportunities for discovery, problem-solving, and creativity in play are endless and vital for the development of critical thinking, emotional growth, and social skills.
Our program is inspired by nature-based educational approaches. We draw inspiration from the Waldorf philosophy, which emphasizes creativity, imagination, and the importance of rhythm and routine in a child’s day. Waldorf education believes in the sanctity of childhood and supports the idea that children should have plenty of time and space to immerse themselves in activities that stimulate both their minds and their senses.
Ultimately, our goal is to empower children to become their best selves by nurturing their natural curiosity, providing opportunities for exploration, and offering a supportive and loving environment that fosters emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. We believe in offering our students flexibility and choice that allows them to thrive in their own way, and at their own pace. By honoring each child’s unique journey and connection to the natural world, we believe we can inspire a lifelong love of learning and creativity.
About the Founder
Hi, I'm Sarah, Founder and Director of The Well Natured Child.
My passion for working with children began early, having grown up in a family that fostered 17 children over the years. This experience profoundly shaped my world view, allowing me to understand at a young age just how crucial it is for children to experience a safe, loving, and nourishing environment in order to thrive.
Graduating from Campbell University with a degree in Psychology and Studio Art equipped me with a deeper understanding of child development. After college, I spent four years working with older children (including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities) in various social work settings. I then spent another four years as a private nanny, caring for children from infancy through age 12. These diverse experiences helped me cultivate a well-rounded understanding of children's needs across different stages of development.
For the last 8 years, I have operated The Painted Farmer, our agritourism business where we host weekend events like Toddler Time, Goat Yoga, Painting with Goats, and Summer Camp. I love working with children in an outdoor environment, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to help foster a sense of joy, exploration, and connection with nature.
As a proud bonus mom of two wonderful boys, ages 12 and 15, I continue to grow in my role as a parent and educator. This summer, I received my Nature-Based Teacher Certification in Baltimore, Maryland. I am committed to continuous learning and growth, both personally and professionally, and I look forward to working closely with parents to ensure a supportive and enriching environment for their child.
Program Details
Day: Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, running from late August- late May (most children attend 1-2 days/ week)
Time: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: 1521 Davis Mill Rd, Fremont
Program Focus: Time for mindfulness and reflection, imaginative outdoor play and educational instruction, animal care and "farm chores", hands-on projects like gardening, age appropriate experiments, and occasional visits from special guests such as wildlife experts, bee keepers, etc.
Cost: $240/month for 1 day/week. $430/month for 2 days/week. Payment is due on the first of every month. Sibling discounts available.
Field Trips:
In addition to our regularly scheduled Friday classes, we plan to go on one educational field trip each semester: one in the fall and one in the spring. These trips will take place on Thursdays and will be optional for parents and children to attend. We encourage all parents to attend with their child, and if you are unable to do so, you may arrange for your child to carpool with another student. Please note that our insurance does not cover transporting your child, so transportation will need to be arranged individually.
Picture Day:
We will hold one picture day in the fall semester and one in the spring semester. These pictures are optional for families to participate in and will be $50 per student each semester. The price includes 5-10 edited digital images, which will include a mix of staged and candid shots to capture the true essence of your child’s time at The Well Natured Child.
Community Potluck and Open House: Once a semester, we will host a weekend potluck and open house for students and their families. The main dish will be provided and we ask that parents bring a side or dessert to share. Attendance is optional, however, our goal is to use this time to build a strong sense of community among our school family.