Seedling School
Seedling School is a weekly drop-off program for children ages 5 to 7, led by Amy Rupp. It focuses on hands-on learning, nature connection, and social-emotional development. Beyond the weekly sessions, families participate in a flexible cooperative, working together to plan field trips, activities, and meet-ups, fostering a vibrant learning community. Families can also choose to join Wandering Roots, an extension of the program that offers additional opportunities for exploration and connection.
Amy’s vision for Seedling School is expansive and full of possibilities. Learn more about it here.
A Flexible Cooperative
Seedling School operates as a flexible cooperative, allowing families to collaborate in ways that suit their individual needs and rhythms, rather than being tied to a single location or learning framework. This approach fosters a supportive community where families can share enriching experiences, learn from one another, and create a personalized, thriving educational environment.
Additional gatherings, hosted by the Forest Collective and Generation Circle, help cultivate yearly traditions that strengthen intergenerational bonds and foster a sense of belonging within the broader community.
Drop-off Rhythm
Seedling School's drop-off program follows a rhythm that supports a child’s natural desire to explore, learn, play, and move. This rhythm adapts to the changing seasons, creating a dynamic flow that connects children with the environment.
In fall and spring, our day begins with a provocation to spark curiosity, imagination, and creative thinking. During winter, the focus shifts to outdoor exploration, allowing children to engage with nature in a hands-on way.
Amy tailors each session to the unique needs and interests of the group, incorporating crafts, activities, and enrichment opportunities that enhance the learning experience. Through creative projects, nature-based explorations, and engaging play, the program fosters hands-on discovery, social interaction, and imaginative expression.
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A Reggio-Emilia approach to introducing a concept/question. Provocations are open-ended time to explore through open parts and creative questions. Children arrive with their families and can ease into the morning by exploring themes that allow for creativity, collaboration, and thoughtful play. Provocations questions follow the child’s academic progression throughout the year.
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During circle time, children will build fine motor skills with fingerplays and gestures and gross motor skills with skipping, balancing, jumping, clapping, and more. Practicing music skills such as singing, rhythm, and keeping a beat with the body and the voice. It is also a great opportunity to build literacy through rhymes, speech, vocabulary, memory and to practice mathematical concepts such as counting, adding, subtraction, and word stories.
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Group games offer children the chance to practice and develop essential social skills, such as cooperation, communication, and teamwork. These games encourage children to engage with their peers, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Through play, children learn to take turns, share, follow rules, and resolve conflicts, all while having fun and staying active. Additionally, group games help to reinforce academic concepts and physical coordination in an enjoyable, hands-on way, making learning both effective and engaging.
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By weaving character study into our daily rhythm, we create an environment where children are encouraged to embody these values in both their learning and interactions with others.
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What makes Seedling School truly special is the freedom that comes with spending most of our time outdoors, where there are no walls to confine us. Play is at the heart of our experience, seamlessly integrated throughout the day. It flows naturally with our activities, allowing children to learn, explore, and engage in imaginative play without boundaries. This fluid environment encourages creativity and fosters a deep connection with nature, while also providing ample opportunities for hands-on learning and personal growth.
Drop-off Program
Currently Enrolling:
Tuesdays in April & May 2025
Cost: $35 per session
Ages: 5 to 7
Location: Shared privately with enrolled families
Interested in joining? Complete the form below to reserve your spot!
Current Schedule:
Forest Kindergarten
Ages 5 to 7
Fridays, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (FULL)
Summer Camps
Ages 5 to 12
Three days a week
Learn More
Wandering Roots – Spring Learning Adventure!
Twice a week
Families- Ages 5 to 10 (Not a drop-off program)
Pick your adventure punch card!
Join us for puppet shows, apple orchards, bees, foraging, group games, and art experiences! More details coming soon.
Interested in joining? Fill out the form below and mention "Wandering Roots."
Gathering Interest for the 2025-2026 School Year:
Pick one or two days a week—schedule to be determined
Cost: $35 per session
Location: Shared privately with enrolled families