Nature-Based Early Childhood Education Programs:
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Ages 3-4 - NaturePlay Preschool
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Ages 4-7 - Farm School
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Farm School by the Sea offers nature-based early childhood education programs for children ages 0-10. 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.
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Now Enrolling for NaturePlay Preschool - Spring 2024!
Our community asked, and we listened!
NaturePlay Preschool is a new option for parents looking for a play-based outdoor education program for children ages 3-4. NaturePlay includes all the excitement of our Farm School curriculum, but is adapted to suit the unique needs of the preschool child. We invite you to register online and join us for a farm tour!
Classes begin January 8, 2024. Children must be potty-trained to attend.
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Location: Seahorse Stables -1280 Hill Valley Walk
Dates: Mondays & Wednesdays - January 8 - May 24, 2024
(see our calendar for holidays & teacher workdays)
Ages: 3-4
Times: 9:00am-1:00pm
Application Fee: $50 (waived for currently/previously registered students)
Semester Cost: $2,280 (due January 1, 2024)
Monthly Payment Plan: $470 (billed January-May)
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Farm School for Ages 3-7:
Our half-day program combines agricultural literacy with forest school philosophy. This hybrid, outdoor school model enables students to gain experience connecting with nature through play. Farm School by the Sea aims to develop a bond between children and the natural world by providing them with a landscape to play, explore, and use their senses. As role models and guides, our teachers encourage curiosity, ask questions, inspire children through stories, and embody empathy for all living things.
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Curriculum:
Our curriculum follows seasonal patterns and includes developmentally appropriate lessons in literacy, STEAM, and social studies. Farm School’s unique location allows students to gain practical, hands-on experience and develop a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of the land and sea. Skilled educators support the development of the whole child by encouraging students to assess risks, explore questions, and practice environmental stewardship within their farm school community.
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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 Sustainability & Stewardship
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Emergent, Inquiry-based and Student-led Learning
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Whole-Child Development – Physical, Socio-Emotional, and Cognitive
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General Information:
Location: Seahorse Stables -1280 Hill Valley Walk
Dates: September 11, 2023 - May 24, 2024
(see our calendar for holidays & teacher workdays)
Ages: 4-7
Times: 9:00am-1:00pm
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2023-24 Enrollment Options & Fee Schedule:
1 day - Fridays Only
2 days - Mondays/Wednesdays or Tuesdays/Thursdays
3 days - Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays or Tuesdays/Thursdays/Fridays
4 days - Mondays through Thursdays
5 days - Mondays through Fridays
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Interested in learning more? Contact Us to schedule a farm tour or join us for a trial day!
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Children entering farm school must be between the ages of 3-7 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, 2023.
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Families enrolling multiple children receive a sibling discount of $150 each year.
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Yearly cost must be paid in full on or before August 1, 2023.
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Monthly cost is invoiced for 10 months beginning August 1, 2023, ending May 1, 2023. A 3% processing fee will be charged for monthly payments.
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Interested in joining us? Please click the link below to register.
We offer school tours and trial days by appointment only.
School tours are free of charge. Trial days are $60 per child.
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