Skyline Community School, Inc.

Our Mission

To provide a nurturing space that inspires children to preserve and deepen their connections to community, self, and the natural world. We strive to create a positive educational experience that meets the needs of the whole child and continues to adapt to the changing world.

Founding Principles

• Create a positive, secure environment where children’s own unique abilities guide their individualized learning plan. We explore ways to practice stewardship of the natural world. Curiosity is encouraged and play is foundational.

• Plan and implement intentional learning experiences that meet the developmental needs of the whole child - social, emotional, physical and intellectual. We set the foundation for lifelong learning by giving adequate time to master skills in a judgment free zone.

• Encourage our students to have fulfilling, healthy, balanced lives, rooted in deep connection with our natural environment. A strong moral compass will guide them on their path and will instill lifelong healthy practices of valuing oneself.

• Celebrate diversity by incorporating a range of ages in one classroom to allow students the opportunity to learn from and share knowledge with one another.

In recent years there has been increased research and discussion around the idea that children and adults benefit from extended time spent outdoors. From summer camps to afterschool programs to forest kindergartens and wilderness survival skills schools, there is a growing movement dedicated to getting children into the sunshine and fresh air to learn about the environment and to explore the world that surrounds us.

At Skyline, our nature immersion program offers students an opportunity to do so much more than just learn about the natural world; we give children the chance to truly become a part of it. In all weather, and in all seasons, we create a safe and inclusive space where everyone is welcome and where kids get to be kids, running, playing, jumping, climbing, learning, exploring, and adventuring within a community of nature-loving adults, parents, guides, mentors, and other children.

We recognize that not every family is immediately comfortable outside in all seasons. With the correct clothing and gear, gentle guidance, hands-on nature-based activities and lessons, and plenty of time for free-play, Skyline children and families quickly gain the confidence, spatial awareness, and environmental literacy to become comfortable outdoors regardless of climate, weather, and other natural environmental factors.

In a language immersion program, students carry out all their tasks and communications in the language they are immersed in. The language itself becomes a tool to explore the world through, and a lens through which to see it. Similarly, in a nature immersion program, all daily tasks are carried out against the backdrop of the natural world, and nature becomes the lens, toolbox, and living lesson book through which we experience the world.