Nature Connect School

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Nature Connect School Nature Connect Outdoor School's mission is to cultivate wonder and a love for learning.

The Nature Connect mission is to cultivate curiosity, compassion, and connection with the natural world. In a time where computer and cell phone use is so prevalent, we believe it’s important to get kids unplugged from technology and reconnected with the natural world. Studies show that time spent in nature increases attention span, ability to concentrate, self- esteem, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Children who spend more time outdoors and participate in cooperative group activities also have healthier relationships with friends and family. Our vision is to support children to develop a deep love and respect for the natural world, so that they grow into empowered, resilient, and compassionate leaders in their communities. Our programs include exploring outdoors, animal tracking, bird language, nature & sensory awareness, storytelling, edible & medicinal plants, mentorship, empowerment, primitive skills & crafts, and lots of fun and play!

As the storm approaches, we’re thinking of all our Nature Connect families and our community. We’re hoping for safety an...
10/08/2026

As the storm approaches, we’re thinking of all our Nature Connect families and our community. We’re hoping for safety and protection for every family, home, and our beloved campus.

Due to the approaching storm, Nature Connect will remain closed on Thursday, October 15, following Fall Break, to allow our team time to assess campus conditions and prepare for a safe return.

Because our campus is surrounded by trees and natural terrain, severe weather can leave behind fallen limbs, hazardous trees, erosion, displaced wildlife, and other hidden dangers. We want to ensure our outdoor learning spaces are safe and ready to welcome students back.

We anticipate reopening on Friday, October 16, pending a thorough campus safety assessment.

Following the storm, we would be grateful for any community members willing to help with campus cleanup on Thursday, October 15, between 8 AM and 3 PM, provided conditions are safe. Please reach out if you’re available to lend a hand!

We’ll continue to keep families updated as more information becomes available.
Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and support as we put safety first. Stay safe, everyone. We look forward to being back together outdoors soon!

Time outside gives kids a different kind of sensory input. Moving water, fresh air, natural light, uneven ground, physic...
10/08/2026

Time outside gives kids a different kind of sensory input. Moving water, fresh air, natural light, uneven ground, physical movement. All of it helps the body work through stress and settle back down. When a child's nervous system is settled, they focus better, handle emotions better, connect with people, stay curious, and learn more easily.

A few reasons nature does this better than most things:

It engages all the senses at once (sound, touch, smell, movement, light) instead of just one or two, like a screen does.

The input is irregular and unpredictable in a gentle way. Rustling leaves, uneven ground, shifting light. That kind of natural variation is what the nervous system is actually built to process, unlike the flat, constant input of most indoor spaces.

There's no demand attached. No task, no screen pulling attention, no performance. The body can just respond.

Did you know nature is one of the few things that can calm a nervous system and hold its attention at the same time?

UPDATE: School will resume on Friday, October 16th. Thursday the 15th is now a teacher work day (no school) to cleanup a...
10/08/2026

UPDATE: School will resume on Friday, October 16th. Thursday the 15th is now a teacher work day (no school) to cleanup and reset the campus after the storm.

A quick reminder for our Nature Connect families! Nature Connect will be closed October 9-14 for Fall Break. We hope everyone enjoys the break, and we’ll see you back at school on Thursday, October 15!

10/07/2026

Nature Connect ‘s version of a jack-in-the-box.

We are thrilled to announce that holiday camp enrollment for our November camp is OPEN! Head over to natureconnectalabam...
10/06/2026

We are thrilled to announce that holiday camp enrollment for our November camp is OPEN!

Head over to natureconnectalabama.org/holidaycamps to register.

Holiday Camps are packed with nature crafts, campfires, woodland adventures, and plenty of outdoor play. It's a chance for your little ones to enjoy a magical, memorable break from school filled with games, exploration, and fun!

Dates:
November 23-24 & December 21-22

Registration has officially opened for our November dates! Don't wait — secure your spot today!

Our Homeschool Program is off to a great start! Students have jumped right into exploring, observing, and building their...
10/05/2026

Our Homeschool Program is off to a great start! Students have jumped right into exploring, observing, and building their outdoor skills.

This week, they shared what they learned about their nature-name animals, went on a “hazard hike” to identify things like poison ivy, ground hornets, spiders, and snakes, and even spotted a snake eating a frog!

They also caught minnows, sculpted with creek clay, worked on their phenology wheels and nature journals, and enjoyed quiet sit spots.

This year, students will also earn “skill-biners” as they learn and practice new outdoor skills, building confidence, curiosity, and awareness along the way!

Curious what a nature Kindergarten program looks like in action? Take a peek!
10/05/2026

Curious what a nature Kindergarten program looks like in action? Take a peek!

10/02/2026

Our Nature Nursery got to spend time with Copper the chicken!

Last call for priority access! Join our holiday camp priority waitlist that supports our scholarship fund. Give your kid...
10/02/2026

Last call for priority access! Join our holiday camp priority waitlist that supports our scholarship fund. Give your kids a break from screens this holiday season. Nature Connect's holiday camps are full of woodland adventures, nature crafts, campfires, and outdoor play, made for making memories during school breaks. Learn more at natureconnectalabama.org/waitlist

Address

7159 McIntyre Street
Fairhope, AL
36532

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3pm
Tuesday 9am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm
Friday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+12515137802

Website

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