About us
We are a nature-based, non-profit, secular microschool offering:
A gentle, nature-based, secular education
Small class sizes for more adaptable, flexible learning experience
A community of educators: Certified teachers teach VA core standard subjects. Teachers, volunteers, and community members teach resource and enrichment courses
We teach VA core standards along with our nature-based curriculum for a focus on academic excellence balanced with nature exploration, project-based learning, arts, imagination, and play
Students enjoy art, STEAM, gardening, outdoor skills education, and much more - in addition to their core curriculum
Celiac awareness and gluten-free classroom considerations
Child-centered learning
Gentle and kind teaching styles, our teachers help to build confidence through kindness
“Oh do you have time
to linger
for just a little while
out of your busy
and very important day
for the goldfinches
that have gathered
in a field of thistles
for a musical battle,
to see who can sing
the highest note,
or the lowest,
or the most expressive of mirth,
or the most tender?
Their strong, blunt beaks
drink the air
as they strive
melodiously
not for your sake
and not for mine
and not for the sake of winning
but for sheer delight and gratitude –
believe us, they say,
it is a serious thing
just to be alive
on this fresh morning
in the broken world.
I beg of you,
do not walk by
without pausing
to attend to this
rather ridiculous performance.
It could mean something.
It could mean everything.
It could be what Rilke meant, when he wrote:
You must change your life.”
-The Invitation, by Mary Oliver
An Invitation
We are building something different.
Goldfinch Nature School is a brand new, non-profit microschool!
We are a passionate group of parents who are working to create the kind of school community we wish existed for our kids, but doesn’t yet. We have humble beginnings, but big dreams. In order to grow, we need other like-minded families to join our community.
We are currently seeking students to join our Upper Elementary cohort in Grades 3-5 for Fall 2024!
If you are a family, looking for something academically rigorous, yet unique and nature-filled for your child’s education, we would love to meet you.
If you are a teacher or tutor who specializes in nature, environmental science, STEAM, are passionate about the outdoors, and about bringing a unique education option to RVA - we have new and enriching opportunities we’d love to tell you about!
The more families that are interested in joining, the more grade offerings we will have, and more opportunity to bring on teachers and experts and build our amazing school.
If you are interested in learning more, please contact us, we’d love to hear from you!
