Outdoor Education Programs for Children in VA and SC
FINCASTLE, VA FARM SCHOOL
Upcoming Open House: October 24, 2023
Sign up under the tab "booking" at https://app.iclasspro.com/portal/valleyforestschool
The Fincastle, VA Farm School is nestled in a picturesque valley. Located on over 50 acres, the key features of this private property are a babbling creek filled with trout that's suitable for summertime swimming amidst stunning large pastures that are seemingly endless with dozens of sheep, goats, horses, pigs, and cows. Multiple barns are scattered throughout the farm including a large chicken coop which is the hub where chickens and ducks call home when they're not roaming free. 12 lush garden beds are cared for by the students and the produce is sold at the end of year Farmer's Market. A natural mountain spring is central to the farm where frogs abide all year long. Farm School was the 3rd VFS location that opened in 2022.
The Farm School of Valley Forest School is focused on homesteading skills, gardening and animal husbandry including caring for horses, sheep, rabbits, chickens, ducks, and llamas. Students are actively involved in responsible water management to contribute to the health of the Chesapeake bay water shed, including trout introduction. These students experience hands-on farm to table food production through raising meat chickens, vegetable and herb gardening, and food preservation. All farm animals are lovingly cared for, respected, and regenerative practices are followed when possible.
FARM PRESCHOOL- AGES 3-4
Farm preschool programs are ideal for children and parents who appreciate outdoor education and want to introduce their child to farm living in all 4 seasons in some of the earliest and most formative years of life. The program for 3-4 year olds focuses on physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development intertwined with connecting with nature and knowing where food comes from.
All VFS programs are 100% outdoors in total nature immersion. Preschool classes are 4 hours.
Enrollment for one semester is required. Enrollment for one year is preferred. Classes are on a weekly basis for 1-3 days per week.
Visit our parent portal to view more details about our farm preschool programs including class times, requirements, and tuition/fees.
FARM KINDERGARTEN- AGES 5-7
Farm Kindergarten programs are ideal for children and parents who appreciate outdoor education and farm living in all 4 seasons in the early educational years of life. The Farm Kindergarten students focus on physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development intertwined with connecting with nature and knowing where food comes from.
Farm Kindergarten does not replace traditional kindergarten. It is a homeschool enrichment program.
All VFS programs are 100% outdoors in total nature immersion. Kindergarten classes are 5.5 hours.
Enrollment for one semester is required. Enrollment for one year is preferred. Classes are on a weekly basis for 1-3 days per week.
Visit our parent portal to view more details about our forest kindergarten programs including class times, requirements, and tuition/fees.
FARM CO-OP- AGES 8-12
Farm Co-Op programs are ideal for children and parents who appreciate outdoor education in all 4 seasons throughout older childhood and want their child to connect to the land through farm living. The Farm Co-Op program focuses on physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development intertwined with connecting with nature and knowing where food comes from.
Farm Co-Op is a homeschool enrichment program.
All VFS programs are 100% outdoors in total nature immersion. Preschool classes are 4 hours.
Enrollment for one semester is required. Enrollment for one year is preferred. Classes are on a weekly basis for 1-3 days per week.
Visit our parent portal to view more details about our co-op programs including class times, requirements, and tuition/fees.
FARM CO-OP- AGES 13-17
PILOT YEAR BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 2023!
The Farm Co-Op program is ideal for children and parents who appreciate outdoor education in all 4 seasons throughout the oldest phase of childhood in the teen years. This Farm Co-Op program focuses on physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development intertwined with connecting with nature in a farm setting.
Farm Co-Op is a homeschool enrichment program.
All VFS programs are 100% outdoors in total nature immersion.
Enrollment for one semester is required. Enrollment for one year is preferred.
Farm Co-Op teen classes are on Tuesdays twice a month.
Visit our parent portal to view more details about our farm co-op programs including class times, requirements, and tuition/fees.