Nature-Based Early Childhood Education Programs

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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:

• Nature Connection

• Play-based Education 

• Community Building 

• Place-based Programming

• Environmental Literacy & Stewardship

• Emergent, Inquiry-based and Child-led Learning 

• 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:​

• Infants & Toddlers - Little Sprouts - Parent-Child Playgroup

• Ages 3-4 - Nature Play Preschool

• Ages 4-5 - Farm School Pre-Kindergarten & Bridge Program

• Ages 4-6 (+ currently enrolled 3s) - Farm School Summer Session - Farm Camps

• Ages 5-10 - Homeschool Crew - Homeschool Enrichment Program

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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.

• Application fees are due at the time of registration and are non-refundable.

• Application fees are waived for currently enrolled families re-enrolling for the new year.

• Enrollment fees hold your child's place on our roster and are non-refundable.

• Supplies fees are due August 1, 2026.

• Nature Play Preschool and Farm School families enrolling multiple children receive a sibling discount of $200 each year.

• Yearly cost must be paid in full on or before August 1, 2026 and does not include application, enrollment, or supplies fees.

• 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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