Flourish Nature School FAQs
All your Flourish Nature School Questions Answered Right Here ⇢
What curriculum do you use?
At Flourish Nature School, The Wonder Garden curriculum serves as the framework for our daily planning. This curriculum was intentionally selected, as it beautifully aligns to our mission in teaching to the whole child — mind, body and soul with a nature-based lens!
However, to remain in alignment with our core values, our educators keep an emergent curriculum mindset. This means that the children's interests, needs and play will lead the majority of our day and "plans" can (and will!) change at any given moment.
Johnsonburg is a faith-based non-profit. Is Flourish Nature School faith-based as well?
While Johnsonburg Camp and Retreat Center is a faith-based organization, Flourish does not weave religion or any singular faith into our curriculum to remain inclusive. Our focus remains on the connection between child and nature, as well as the development of the whole child.
Are there registration requirements?
Due to safety and limited staffing, we do have a few registration requirements for children.
Children must be potty trained and able to independently use the restroom prior to enrollment.
Children also must possess basic safety awareness. We cannot offer one-on-one assistance. Students requiring more attention than the prescribed student-teacher ratio (1:6) must be accompanied by a parent-provided professional Therapeudic Staff Support at all times. Please contact Flourish Nature School if your child has any type of special needs or requires a TSS to ensure our school is the best fit.
How much time will you spend outside?
At Flourish Nature School, we prioritize outdoor play and believe in the importance of children experiencing nature in all weather conditions — with proper safety precautions, of course! We do aim to spend most of our time outdoors. For your child’s well-being and safety, we have a required and suggested clothing list for families.
ALSO! We are very fortunate to have a beautiful indoor classroom where we will be spending our time during inclement weather!
What is inclement weather?
Some of childhood’s most wonderful memories include playing in the rain, jumping in puddles, and catching snowflakes on our tongues. On days like this, your child’s extra set of clothing will come in handy. We will follow our children’s lead in determining when they’ve had enough but will move indoors when conditions include strong winds, freezing rain, extreme temperatures, thunderstorms, or unhealthy air quality.
Does Flourish close for inclement weather?
In the event of snow or severe weather conditions where school must be closed, the director will notify parents/guardians via email and text message as soon as the decision is made. We will take into account neighboring school districts, however, the decision will be made by Johnsonburg Camp and Retreat Center.
Do parents need to stay on property with kids?
Parents are only required to stay on property for drop-in classes or parent-and-me classes for our younger friends.
Is there an indoor classroom?
Yes! Our indoor classroom is where we will be spending the first 30-40 minutes of our day together and where we will be spending our time during inclement weather!
What is your refund/cancellation policy?
Should you decide to withdraw your child for any reason, we kindly request a one-month written notice. If the withdrawal occurs any time after the first of the month, full payment for that month is required and your credit card on file will be charged. The initial non-refundable enrollment fee of $100 that is paid upon enrollment will remain non-refundable.
We apologize, but we cannot offer refunds at anytime, for any reason.
May I visit Johnsonburg Camp and Retreat Center on my own?
You must have a scheduled appointment to visit Johnsonburg’s campus! You may arrange a time to visit the school with the preschool director or call the camp office to find out other event opportunities available to the public at Johnsonburg.
Do you offer one time drop in classes?
We hope to offer this in the future!
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