Full-Time Nature School

1. Holistic Nature Kindergarten (3.8 – 6 years)

Monday to Thursday | 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM or 3:30PM | Uxbridge Homestead (Concession 6 & Davis Drive) and Sharon Homebase (Sharon Hope United Church)

2. Holistic Nature Primary Class (Grades 1/2)

Monday to Thursday | 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM or 3:30 PM | Uxbridge Homestead (Concession 6 & Davis Drive) only

Our Holistic Nature School is an invitation to step off the beaten path, and return back to the basics. It is an opportunity to return children back to the earth, while exploring forests, creeks, meadows, gardening and time with farm animals. We hold a vision of creating safe and inviting spaces in nature for children to thrive. Learning happens holistically and organically with small class sizes (1:7) and Certified Teachers or Early Childhood Educators. This helps each child feel supported as they meet key developmental milestones in a nurturing environment.
Every day is filled with hands-on learning outside. Kids play, ask questions, and discover new things as they are given the space to follow their own interests. We see nature as a teacher and practice reverence, social-emotional learning, mindset and physical literacy each and every day.

At Ignited Outdoor Learning Centre, children learn across subjects. We connect learning in fun and real ways. Children use reading, writing, math, and science in their daily activities. This helps them think, work together, and solve problems creatively.

Small class sizes

Only 7 children per adult for calm, focused learning.

Caring teachers

Led by certified teachers, ECEs, and Forest School educators

Forest Days

Explore forests, farmland, and creeks through free play and discovery.

Learning Blocks

A gentle daily rhythm supports learning in all subject areas.

Our Philosophy

At Ignited Outdoor Learning Centre, we visit the same places often so children feel a strong connection to the land, and notice changes with the seasons.
We follow the children’s interests and build our days around their questions and ideas. Nature guides our learning, and every day is full of real-world experiences such as seeing our pond tadpoles turn to frogs, planting seeds and nurturing them through the season, or noticing the sounds of the birds around us and choosing to study them.

A Sample Day

9:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Arrival & Greeting

Learning Blocks 1–2

Lunch & Free Play

Learning Blocks 2-4

End-of-Day Routine

Extended Enrichment until 3:30PM

Learning Blocks

Each learning block blends reading, writing, math, science, arts, mindfulness, and movement.

Children might:

– Listen to stories, sing, or go on nature walks

– Try math challenges, science or literacy activities-Practice mindfulness, make art, or build in the forest
– Reflect, journal, and share what they learned.

Exciting Forest School Activities

Children might:

-Use ropes, saws, and other tools

– Build fires and cook
– Make forts and shelters

-Care for farm animals

-Identify plants and animals

– Snowshoe, puddle jump, and bird watch
– Journal and mindful moments in the forest
– Learn about land-based wisdom

Holistic Assessment

We focus on each child’s full growth. Instead of grades, we share stories of learning and give feedback through the year. Children are active in their learning and help set their goals.

We work with each child to meet key learning goals from the Ontario & Finland Curriculums, while also growing socially, emotionally, and mentally. We honour each child’s path and support who they are becoming.

Enrollment Information

Ignited Outdoor Learning Centre runs from mid-September to mid-June. We take breaks during the winter holidays (late December to early January) and for two weeks in March.

Families can choose what works best for them:

Join us Monday through Thursday. Full-time students get first choice for spots.
Pick either:

– Monday & Wednesday, or

– Tuesday & Thursday 

We also offer a Forest Friday  Kindergarten Program at our Sharon location for families who want a full five-day week.

Ignited can be your child’s full-time educational experience or an extra program alongside homeschooling or public school.

Our learning is inspired by world leaders in education, like Finland. We believe in starting formal academics later and focusing on play, nature, and child-led learning. These experiences build the skills children truly need for the future.

We’re bringing back the true spirit of “the learning garden” — right here in Ontario!

🌿 Ready to join us?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Holistic nature kindergarten is a school where kids learn by exploring nature including forests, creeks, ponds, farms, and meadows. Nature is their classroom and teacher!

Kids grow in every way: they build social-emotional skills, a strong mindset, and physical literacy through outdoor play and discovery.

Small groups are led by certified teachers or ECEs in a safe, caring space that inspires learning from the inside out.

Along with nature time, kids also learn skills in reading, writing, and math to meet key milestones in a nurturing and inspiring way.

The idea is to truly bring back the vision of the Kinder “garden”, where children are outdoors and childhood is protected.

Our holistic nature kindergarten is on a beautiful 12-acre piece of land in Uxbridge, Ontario, near Concession 6 Road and Davis Drive.

The school has many different Outdoor Classrooms beside forests, creeks, and meadows where kids can feel free to learn and explore organically. There is also a cozy indoor classroom, a garden, and a small homestead barn where children can learn about nature, animals, and growing food.

You won’t find pavement, synthetic grass or fences here. It’s a magical place where kids learn from the Earth and feel safe, happy, and free to grow in every way!

Yes! Your child will be ready for Grade 1.

In this program, our goal is to nurture children’s innate curiosity and love of learning through a supportive and enriching environment. Children will work on skills in reading, writing, and math, while also growing in other ways like confidence and teamwork.

Because the class sizes are small, teachers can give each child extra support that fits their own learning style.

They’ll practice their skills in fun and creative ways, ensuring a love of learning is protected.

Kids bring their own nut-free snacks and lunch. However, some days we will share in cooking days and learn to make bread, pizza, soup, tea and more! We will also host seasonal family potlucks to bring the community together!

The program runs Monday to Thursday in Uxbridge from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM.

If families need five full days, they can add on the Friday program in Sharon, Ontario.

There’s also after-care available until 3:30 PM if needed.

The school year goes from mid September to mid June, with a Winter and March Break.

Yes! This year, your child can come for 2 days a week or full-time.

You can choose which days work best on the registration page.

However, full-time students get priority for available spots. 

Yes! All staff have First Aid and CPR training. We follow Forest and Nature School Safety plans from the Canadian Nature Alliance and check for risks during outdoor and farm time. All staff are trained in our safety protocols which you can find in our Parent Handbook.

Please fill out our enrollment form, and send the initial deposit.  We recommend registering early as spaces remain small for this program.

We can’t wait to work with you and your child and be a part of the growing Ignited Community!