Nature-Based Early Childhood Education Programs:
​
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.
​
General Information:
Location: Seahorse Stables -1280 Hill Valley Walk
2024-25 Year: September 16, 2024 - May 23, 2025 (32 weeks)
2025 Summer Session: June 2-27, 2025
2025-26 Year: September 8, 2025 - May 22, 2026 (33 weeks)
(see our calendar for holidays & teacher workdays)
Daily Options: Please scroll down for more information on program offerings by age.​
Interested in learning more? Contact Us to schedule a farm tour or join us for a trial day!
2025-26 Tuition & Fees:
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​​
​
​​​​​​
​
-
Children entering Farm School must be between the ages of 3-12 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, 2025.
-
Nature Play Preschool and Farm School families enrolling multiple children receive a sibling discount of $200 each year. Summer session families receive a $25 discount per family, per week.
-
**Yearly cost must be paid in full on or before August 1, 2025 and does not include application, enrollment, or supplies fees.
-
***Monthly payments are invoiced for 10 months beginning August 1, 2025, ending May 1, 2026. A processing fee is included for monthly payments.
​
Interested in joining us? Please click the link below to register.
We offer school tours and trial days by appointment only.
School tours are included with your application fee. Trial days are $60 per child.
Click Here for the Enrollment Checklist
​
Farm School
Summer Session
Ages 3-7
This summer, we are thrilled to launch the Farm School Summer Session, a nature-based adventure designed for children ages 3-7! This unique program blends the excitement of Nature Play Preschool and Farm School, creating an immersive, outdoor learning experience tailored to young children.​
​
The Farm School Summer Session provides a perfect balance of structured learning and unstructured play, allowing every child to thrive, grow, and create lasting memories. Whether they’re tending to chickens, grooming ponies, planting in the garden, or exploring the woods, children will enjoy a summer filled with adventure and discovery, making meaningful connections with each other, nature and farm life.
​
2025 4-Week Summer Enrollment Options:
Dates: June 2-27, 2025 (Monday-Friday)
Ages: 3-7 (age 3 by January 1, 2025)
Options:
Week 1: June 2-6 - Woodland Wonders
Week 2: June 9-13 - Barnyard Buddies *On Waitlist*
Week 3: June 16-20 - Pony Pals *On Waitlist*
Week 4: June 23-27 - Farm Friends *On Waitlist*
Times: 9:00am-1:00pm
Cost: $350/week -10% discount for 2+ weeks; $25 sibling discount per family, per week
​
Nature Play Preschool
Ages 3-4
Nature Play Preschool is a 3-hour option for parents looking for a play-based outdoor education program for children ages 3-4. Nature Play includes all the excitement of our Farm School curriculum, but is adapted to suit the unique needs of the preschool child. Lunch Bunch option is available daily. We invite you to register online and join us for a farm tour!
Children must be potty-trained to attend.​
​
2025-26 Enrollment Options:
Ages: 3-4 (age 3 by September 1, 2024)
Days: 2 days/week (Mon/Wed or Tue/Thu)
3 days/week (Mon/Wed/Fri)
4 days/week (Mon-Thu)
5 days/week (Mon-Fri)
Times: 9:00am-12:00pm
Lunch Bunch Option: 12:00-1:00pm (additional $15/day)
​
Farm School
Ages 5-6
Farm School Kindergarten (ages 5-6) aims to develop a bond between children and the natural world by providing them with a landscape to play, explore, and use their senses. Our half-day program combines forest school philosophy with traditional academics by integrating outdoor, experiential learning with structured academic instruction. This hybrid model enables students to gain experience connecting with nature through lessons learned in our outdoor classroom. As role models and guides, our teachers encourage curiosity, ask questions, inspire children, and embody empathy for all living things.
​
2025-26 Enrollment Options:
Ages: 5-6 (age 4.5 by September 1, 2024)
Days: 2 days/week (Tue/Thu)
3 days/week (Mon/Wed/Fri)
4 days/week (Mon-Thu)
5 days/week (Mon-Fri)
Times: 9:00am-1:00pm
​
Homeschool Enrichment
Ages 6-12
Expand Your Homeschool Experience with Outdoor Education & Equine-Assisted Learning!
Join us on Wednesdays and Fridays for half-day homeschool enrichment, where students immerse themselves in farm and forest life through hands-on, nature-based learning. Our program enhances your homeschool curriculum with project-based activities, outdoor exploration, and equine-assisted experiences.
​
Many Farm School graduates continue their journey with us, strengthening their connection to nature while forming lasting friendships. As they grow, they become mentors, inspiring and guiding younger students in our vibrant learning community.
Each week, our enrichment days align with Farm School’s engaging themes, offering a seamless blend of academics, adventure, and real-world learning. Give your child the opportunity to thrive in a supportive, nature-rich environment!
​
2025-26 Enrollment Options:
Ages: 6-12
Days: Wednesdays and Fridays
Times: 9:00am-1:00pm