Nature-Based Early Childhood Education Programs
​Enrollment opens January 5, 2026 for currently registered families!
Rolling enrollment begins January 12, 2026 for prospective families!
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2026-27 Enrollment Information for currently registered Farm School families:
Current Farm School families will receive an e-mail invitation to complete a "Returning Student Admissions Packet" through Brightwheel by January 5, 2026. Priority enrollment runs January 5–9. During this time, families may secure their child’s space for the upcoming school year. A non-refundable enrollment fee is required to secure a space on the roster - $350 for Nature Play Preschool and Farm School Pre-Kindergarten; $150 for the Homeschool Enrichment Program. The $50 application fee is waived for returning families.
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2026-27 Enrollment Information for prospective Farm School families:
Enrollment for new families opens on January 12, 2026.
Farm School by the Sea uses a rolling enrollment process to fill any remaining spaces after priority enrollment for currently enrolled families is complete. Due to our small class sizes and intentionally low student-to-teacher ratios, available spaces are extremely limited and often fill quickly. Prospective families are strongly encouraged to complete the Interest Form as soon as possible so we can schedule a farm tour and begin the admissions process. The farm tour allows families to visit the property, learn more about our nature-based program, and determine whether Farm School by the Sea is a good fit for their child(ren). Families who have completed a tour will be contacted in order as spaces become available and invited to complete the application process.
How to Apply:
1. Complete Interest Form - If you are interested in learning more about our programs, attending a farm tour, officially applying, or being notified if space becomes available, please complete an interest form.
2. Attend a Farm Tour/Open House - Prospective families will need to attend a farm tour or an open house prior to enrolling for Nature Play Preschool, Farm School Pre-Kindergarten, and Homeschool Enrichment to ensure our nature school is a good fit for your family. Once an interest form has been completed, we'll be in touch to schedule a farm tour.
3. Complete Admissions Packet - After your farm tour, parents will receive an e-mail invitation to complete a "New Student Admissions Packet" through Brightwheel. A $50 application fee and enrollment fee is required to secure a space on the roster. Enrollment fees are $350 for Nature Play Preschool and Farm School Pre-Kindergarten/TK and $150 for the Homeschool Enrichment Program. Application and enrollment fees are non-refundable.
4. Welcome to Farm School!
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Mission:
Farm School by the Sea offers nature-based early childhood education programs that foster connections with nature, community, and self. Through hands-on learning, seasonal exploration, and play, we nurture curiosity, resilience, and environmental stewardship, empowering children to grow as thoughtful, capable, and compassionate individuals.​
Located at Seahorse Stables Equestrian along the Cape Fear coast, students have the unique opportunity to explore and learn about the natural world around them among 12-acres of pastures, pine forests, coastal habitats, and barnyard friends.
Core Values:
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Nature Connection
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Play-based Education
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Community Building
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Place-based Programming
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Environmental Literacy & Stewardship
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Emergent, Inquiry-based and Child-led Learning
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Whole-child Development – Physical, Socio-emotional, and Cognitive​
Curriculum:
The Farm School curriculum is guided by seasonal patterns and offers developmentally appropriate lessons in phonics, literacy, math, science, art, and social studies. Our unique farm setting provides students with practical, hands-on experiences, cultivating a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of life on the farm. Skilled educators nurture the whole child by fostering growth across physical, emotional, social, and cognitive domains, creating an environment that values curiosity, resilience, and self-discovery. The low teacher to student ratio allows for an individual approach to each child’s developmental needs.
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Program Options by Age:​
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Infants & Toddlers - Little Sprouts - Parent-Child Playgroup
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Ages 4-6 (+ currently enrolled 3s) - Farm School Summer Session - Farm Camps
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General Information:
Location: Seahorse Stables -1280 Hill Valley Walk
2025-26 Year: September 8, 2025 - May 22, 2026 (33 weeks)
2026 Summer Session: June 8 - July 17, 2026
2026-27 Year: September 9, 2026 - May 25, 2027
(see our calendar for holidays & teacher workdays)​
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Interested in learning more? Complete our interest form to schedule a farm tour!
2026-27 Tuition & Fees:​
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Children entering Farm School must be between the ages of 3-10 and able to toilet independently.
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Application fees are due at the time of registration and are non-refundable.
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Application fees are waived for currently enrolled families re-enrolling for the new year.
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Enrollment fees hold your child's place on our roster and are non-refundable.
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Supplies fees are due August 1, 2026.
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Nature Play Preschool and Farm School families enrolling multiple children receive a sibling discount of $200 each year.
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Yearly cost must be paid in full on or before August 1, 2026 and does not include application, enrollment, or supplies fees.
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Monthly payments are invoiced for 10 months beginning August 1, 2026, ending May 1, 2027. A processing fee will be charged for monthly payments.
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Interested in joining us? Please complete our interest form to get started.
We offer Farm Tours and Discovery Days by appointment only.
Farm Tours are included with your application fee. Discovery Days are $60 per child and are offered for children entering programs mid-year or families who may need more time to decide if nature-based education will meet their individual needs.
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