Nature as Teacher
The outdoors is not a backdrop — it is a guide. Through observation, exploration, and seasonal change, children develop inquiry, patience, flexibility, and ecological awareness.
About Roots Eco School
Growing Children. Growing Community. Growing a Regenerative Future.
A nature-based, caregiver-attended learning collective rooted in curiosity, connection, and care for the Earth.
Our Story
Roots Eco School began with a simple, powerful belief: childhood deserves to be honored.
Founded by mothers who longed for a more connected and meaningful way for children to learn, Roots grew from a shared vision of education that blends academic depth with nature-based exploration. What began as a dream is now a living ecosystem of learning — a place where muddy hands, songs, storytelling, and seasonal rhythms shape both children and community.
We are humbled to nurture our first seasons as a school, cultivating not only learners, but explorers, neighbors, and friends.
Our Vision
To be a living ecosystem of learning that inspires a brighter, more connected, and resilient world for generations to come.
Our Mission
We provide a regenerative learning environment that nurtures the whole child — mind, body, and spirit — while cultivating a thriving community.
We strive to:
- Nurture curiosity through hands-on, nature-based learning
- Foster community through shared learning, celebration, and stewardship
- Model regeneration by leaving the land and one another better than we found them
- Inspire resilience by helping children see themselves as capable and essential to the living world
Our Educational Philosophy
Education at Roots is a living relationship between child, community, and the natural world.
Community & Village
Learning happens in relationship. Families participate alongside children, modeling collaboration, care, and shared responsibility.
Mixed-Age Learning
Children learn from one another through peer modeling, leadership opportunities, and shared discovery.
Practical Life Skills
We build executive functioning, independence, and responsibility through meaningful, real-world experiences.
Creativity & Imagination
Storytelling, song, craft, and open-ended play nurture language, emotional intelligence, innovation, and joy.
Curriculum & Teaching Approach
At Roots, childhood is honored as a sacred season of wonder.
Our curriculum weaves together:
- Nature-Based STEM exploration
- Waldorf-inspired rhythms and storytelling
- Reggio Emilia principles that honor each child’s voice
- Social and emotional development
- Early literacy and math foundations
- Fine and gross motor skill development
Our guides blend structured instruction with free play, balancing teacher-led moments with child-driven discovery.
A Shared Rhythm
Sessions are held on Fridays from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (EST).
- Opening Circle with songs and stories
- Nature Exploration and Free Play
- Seasonal Craft Projects
- Snack & Tea
- Closing Reflection Circle
All classes are caregiver-attended, strengthening connection between generations and deepening the sense of village.
Health, Safety & Care
We prioritize well-being through thoughtful health policies and gentle, relationship-centered conflict resolution.
Our core agreements are simple:
- Gentle hands
- Gentle voices
- Be good to one another and the Earth
We model co-regulation, name feelings, and support children with calm, restorative practices when needed.
Tuition & Accessibility
We offer flexible payment options to meet families where they are:
Monthly Plan
Quarterly Plan
Annual Tuition
Sibling discounts are available for families enrolling more than one child.
Communication & Community
We believe in transparent, open communication.
Families receive weekly updates and reminders through our communication app, and our founders are available via email and phone as needed.
This is not simply a school.
It is a collective — a living village learning side by side.
Planting a new model of learning & living.
Roots Eco School
Little Village Learning Collective
New Albany, Ohio