Homeschooling Program 2025-2026
Outdoor Learning & Enrichment Sessions
Session Description
Our outdoor learning and enrichment program is designed for elementary-aged kids to learn through discovery and curiosity. We follow the children’s interests and guide them in exploring the natural world, helping them find answers to the questions they care about most. Every day brings something new—no two sessions are the same!
Kids enjoy a wide range of engaging activities like hands-on science and social studies adapted for the outdoors, daily nature hikes, on-the-go lessons in zoology and botany, nature journaling, art inspired by the environment, yoga and mindfulness, and Spanish language exposure. We also include community service projects, wildlife encounters, guest speakers, and plenty of time for fun and meaningful learning through play.
The 2025-2026 Academic Year starts the week of Aug. 25th, 2025 through June 12th, 2026.
Please note that we are a drop-off Outdoor Learning & Enrichment Service and not classified as “Child Care”, though given the hours of service, it may fulfill that need.
Visit “What We Do” for more details about our program or send us an email!
Capacity
Homeschooling in Nature is a small-scale outdoor learning program with a max target ratio of 7:1, with a Lead Educator and Teaching Assistants. Because capacity is very limited, spots fill up quickly. Waitlists are available, but child must be pre-registered, so that in the event of a cancellation they can start as soon as a spot becomes available.
Rates
There is a one-time $50 Registration Fee (non-refundable) per academic year. Sessions are 6 hours long and priced by the day. We offer half days on a case-by-case basis:
$60 for 1st-5th grades
$70 for TK-K (5 & 6 years old)
$75 for under 5 years old
$68 for Charter Schools (Regardless of age)
Financial Commitment
There is a minimum of 1-day signup each week, guaranteeing a spot for the child and current rate. Parent/Caregiver commits to the program on a Semester Basis: Fall (Aug-Dec), Spring (Jan-June), and a Term Commitment & Enrollment Agreement is signed at the beginning of each semester. Reserved spots are to be paid in full at the beginning of the semester, even if the child does not attend or misses a session for a personal reason. Monthly Installments are accepted, please contact Ms. Steffani to discuss payment arrangements. If spots are open, drop-in rate is $70 for 1st-5th graders and $75 for TK-K, with prior registration, but no Reg fee required.
Charter Schools
We are an approved Vendor with Elite Academic Academy, Pacific Coast Academy, Element Education, SoCal Scholars Academy, Cabrillo Point Academy, and Sage Oak Charter Schools. Our services also meet the approved criteria for other Charters like The Classical Academies, for Science Instruction and Enrichment. If you are with a Charter School, please reach out to their vendor department or your Education Facilitator/Specialist to place a request for our services, as all charters have different systems on how to approve and reimburse for our services. Charter rate is $68/Session (regardless of age), please contact us at Steffani@homeschoolinginnature.com and/or your Charter to get started.
Refund & Cancelation Policy
Refund requests made at least 3 weeks prior to the start of a Session are subject to a $35 fee per day cancelled. No refunds if less than 3 weeks’ notice. There are no refunds or credits for days missed (illness, vacation, etc.), however make-up days may be available if there are spots open within the same month. In the rare event that Homeschooling in Nature cancels a Session, a credit will be applied to a future Session.
*No Refunds or make-up options for Field Trips, Summer Program, and Holiday Camps.
Locations & Schedule
We are in nature 100% of the time. Rain or Shine! We hold Sessions in public open space areas and nature preserves, mostly in Escondido but are open to other locations with a 7-child minimum. The 2025-2026 academic year is broken into 2 semesters (Aug-Dec, Jan-June). Days offered will be decided based on community interest and sign-ups. If you are interested in a specific day or location, please reach out as we are very flexible and able to create a session that is at a more convenient location for your family! If you have a pod and are interested in our services coming closer to your area, please reach out. We are not bound by walls, so we can create outdoor classrooms and run our program anywhere :)
Hours
Homeschooling in Nature meets on weekdays, from 9am to 3pm.
Sample schedule and activity flow 1
Child drop-off 9:00-9:15
Welcome circle, safety talk, nature play 9:15-9:30
Morning hike and exploration 9:30-11:00
Snack on-the-go, sharing time 11:00-11:15
Nature play and explorative hike back 11:15-12:30
Outdoor Classroom set up and lunch! 12:30-1:00
Science lesson/discussion*, independent study, art projects 1:00-1:45
Nature play, art, and other activities 1:45-2:15
Closing circle & Storytime 2:15-2:45
Playground time & Child pick-up 2:45-3:00
*Every session is slightly different in that we focus primarily on explorative and hands-on learning rather than worksheets. Things that children encounter or come across in nature gets incorporated into each day’s teachings, building on their natural curiosity about the world. We reinforce new knowledge during discussion, and incorporate art pieces, book readings, and crafts to reinforce knowledge and make connections. We embrace our nature classroom and all its elements, weather and seasons influence the flow of our days, and we love it!
Holidays
Sessions are offered during most holidays, and on a first-come-first-serve basis. No registration fee. See Holiday Nature Days under our Programs menu for more information.
After hours & Late Pick-up Fee
On a case-by-case basis, we may offer after hours from 3pm-5pm at $20/hour (billed on 1/2 hour increments).
Late pick-up fee is $1/min after 3:05pm.
How to Reserve a Spot for 2025-2026
Enrollment is open year-round! Because capacity is limited in each Session, reserving a spot is highly recommended. To reserve a spot, click the Registration button below and and use Zelle to send the Reg fee. If you have questions before signing up, please send an email to Steffani at Steffani@HomeschoolinginNature.com
Nature-based Education
Our programs are rooted in science and nature, using the outdoors to refocus children’s attention on the world around them. Nature-based play and learning tap into kids’ natural curiosity, helping them stay engaged and better able to learn. Outdoor experiences are more than just enrichment—they foster focus, connection, and a lasting love for the environment. By building meaningful relationships with nature, children grow into thoughtful stewards who care for the planet and advocate for positive change in their communities and beyond..
Inquiry-based Learning
Inquiry-based learning nurtures children’s natural curiosity, builds critical thinking skills, and teaches how to apply the scientific method—all essential for young learners. It encourages them to ask questions, explore ideas, and find solutions on their own and with others. Instead of memorizing facts, children ask questions, investigate real-world topics, and discover answers through hands-on exploration. This approach turns learning into an exciting journey, where kids take the lead and develop a deep, lasting understanding of what they’re studying. For homeschoolers, inquiry-based learning is especially powerful. It adapts to your child’s interests, allows for flexible pacing, and blends naturally with everyday life.
Child-led & Play-based Approach
We honor each child as an individual, allowing them to learn at their own pace and follow their curiosity. We place value on discovery rather than knowledge as it’s at the heart of our approach, not just memorizing facts. In a supportive, multi-age setting, kids build leadership, confidence, and life skills through hands-on learning and daily group discussions. Our program fosters kindness, connection, and a true love of learning, and a more ethical treatment of our planet. We build and nurture a mutually positive relationship between children and nature—helping children grow both socially and academically.
Scholarships/Sponsorships
We would love to offer this program to every child who would like to join, but realize not all families can afford it. We are community-driven, and during the pandemic years, we sponsored several students by welcoming them on a regular bases without pay. We would love to further this opportunity with your support! If you are interested in sponsoring children in our community, please reach out! You may also nominate a child using the form below to be added to our scholarship waitlist. As we secure funding, we can let you know if/when the child may start. Please note that this option is just starting, but are excited and optimistic for it to grow! Thank you!
