Frequently Asked Questions:

 

General Questions (All Programs)

Are your teachers certified?

Yes. All Farm School by the Sea lead teachers are certified to teach preschool and/or elementary education in a traditional classroom setting. While our teachers embrace nature-based, experiential learning, they bring strong professional training in child development, curriculum planning, and classroom instruction. This blend allows us to provide a program that is both academically intentional and developmentally appropriate.

How much time do children spend outside?
Children spend a large portion of their day outdoors, using nature as a powerful learning environment while balancing structured indoor academic time. During a typical 4-hour day, we have approximately 3 hours of outdoor time and 1 hour of indoor time. 

What happens in bad weather?
We prefer to embrace most types of weather, instead of referring to weather as "good" or "bad". We play outside in light rain, splash in puddles, and even enjoy cold weather with proper gear. During severe or unsafe conditions, programming shifts indoors.

Why are children encouraged to enjoy different types of weather?

Learning to be outdoors in a variety of weather helps children develop adaptability, resilience, and confidence. Rain, wind, cold, and heat offer valuable sensory experiences and learning opportunities. With proper clothing and safety guidelines, most weather allows for meaningful play and exploration. We believe children thrive when they learn that comfort and joy can be found in many conditions.

What should my child bring each day?
Children bring their own backpack with snack, lunch, reusable water bottle, and wear weather-appropriate clothing. Clothing should be comfortable and able to get messy. Rain boots with tall socks are encouraged. A full change of clothes should be included in their backpack. All belongings should be labeled with your child's name.

How will I know how my child is doing?
Families receive regular communication through Brightwheel, newsletters, photos, and conversations. Teachers are available to discuss academic progress and social-emotional growth during parent-teacher conferences as well. 

Is Farm School by the Sea a good fit for every child?
FSBTS is a strong fit for children who thrive with hands-on learning, outdoor exploration, and a balance of academic instruction and play. Farm tours help families determine if the program is a good fit.

What is risky play and why do you support it?​

Risky play includes age-appropriate challenges such as climbing, balancing, using tools with supervision, navigating uneven terrain, and testing physical limits. We support risky play because it helps children build confidence, body awareness, problem-solving skills, and resilience. Teachers carefully assess risk to ensure experiences are developmentally appropriate and safe while still allowing children to learn through challenge.

​How do parents help create a successful day at FSBTS?

Parents play an important role in setting children up for success by ensuring they arrive well-rested, well-fed, and dressed appropriately for the weather. Sending children in comfortable clothing that can get dirty, packing nutritious snacks and lunches, and maintaining a positive, confident goodbye all support a smooth day. Consistent routines at home and open communication with teachers also help children feel secure and ready to learn.

What are your student-to-teacher ratios?

FSBTS maintains small group sizes with low student-to-teacher ratios to ensure each child is known, supported, and engaged. Ratios vary slightly by program and age group, but we prioritize safety, individualized attention, and meaningful relationships between students and teachers. Additional staff support is added as needed for outdoor exploration, project work, and special activities. Ratios are 6:1 for ages 3-4 and 8:1 for ages 5-10.

What are Discovery Days?

Discovery Days are an opportunity for children to experience a full day at Farm School by the Sea alongside our current students. They allow children to participate in our daily rhythm, outdoor adventures, indoor learning centers, and farm activities. Discovery Days are $60 per child and are typically offered for children entering mid-year or for families who would benefit from additional time to decide if nature-based education meets their child’s individual needs.

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Nature Play Preschool (NPP | Ages 3-4)

What does a typical day look like?
Each day follows a predictable, comforting rhythm that balances outdoor exploration, indoor learning centers, and community time. Children spend most of the day outdoors engaged in nature play, sensory experiences, and imaginative play. Indoor learning centers support fine motor development, early language skills, creativity, and social growth.

What will my child learn?
NPP focuses on building foundational skills such as communication, independence, emotional regulation, and curiosity. Early exposure to letters, numbers, shapes, and patterns is introduced naturally through play.

What if my child is shy or slow to warm up?
Teachers support children at their own pace, helping them build comfort, confidence, and positive relationships.

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Farm School Pre-K / Transitional Kindergarten (Ages 4-5)

What does a typical day look like?
Each day follows a consistent rhythm that balances outdoor exploration, structured group learning, and indoor academic learning centers. Children spend significant time outdoors engaged in hands-on, nature-based learning. Indoor time includes teacher-guided and independent learning centers focused on literacy, math, fine motor development, and problem-solving.

How do you focus on academics while remaining play-based?
Academic skills are intentionally embedded into play and daily routines. Children engage with letters, sounds, early reading and writing, numbers, counting, patterns, measurement, and basic math concepts through meaningful, hands-on experiences.

How does Farm School prepare children for Kindergarten?
Kindergarten readiness at FSBTS includes:

• Letter recognition and phonemic awareness

• Early writing and fine motor skills

• Number sense, counting, and math concepts

• Listening, following directions, and task persistence

• Independence, confidence, and self-help skills

This balanced approach ensures children enter Kindergarten academically prepared while also emotionally confident and resilient.

How do teachers support different learning levels?
Learning centers and small-group instruction allow teachers to meet children where they are, offering appropriate challenges and individualized support.

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Homeschool Enrichment (HS Crew | Ages 6-10)

What does a typical day look like?
Homeschool days follow a consistent rhythm that includes extended outdoor exploration, project-based learning, collaborative group work, and indoor academic learning centers. Children engage in hands-on experiences that support literacy, math, science, and creative expression through meaningful, real-world learning.

How are academics supported in the homeschool program?
Academic learning is intentionally integrated through thematic units and projects that reinforce reading, writing, math concepts, scientific inquiry, and critical thinking. Learning centers and small-group instruction allow teachers to meet students where they are while offering appropriate academic challenge and support.

What is homesteading at Farm School by the Sea?
Homesteading experiences may include gardening, animal care, food preparation, basic sustainability practices, and seasonal farm work. These activities naturally reinforce math, science, responsibility, and life skills while helping children understand where food comes from and how systems work together.

How does equine(horse)-assisted learning fit into the program?
Equine-assisted learning provides opportunities for students to build confidence, empathy, communication, and responsibility through safe, guided interactions with horses. Activities may include grooming, observation, groundwork, and learning about equine care. These experiences support emotional regulation, leadership skills, and real-world problem-solving.

Do homeschool students still have time for free play?
Yes! Free play and unstructured exploration remain essential components of the homeschool day, allowing students to apply learning creatively, build social skills, and develop independence.