Nature School
River Legacy Nature School
Why Nature School?
River Legacy Nature School provides an environment that encourages a child’s inborn sense of wonder and curiosity to flourish. Indoor and outdoor explorations at River Legacy Nature Center introduce children to the natural world through an inquiry based curriculum.
3 year old Curriculum: This age group focuses on River Legacy Park’s animal and plant life, exploring what they need to survive. Opportunities to encounter ladybugs and snails, earthworms and opossums, native wildflowers and so much more build their understanding of nature’s diverse life forms.
4 & 5 year old Curriculum: This age group turns their attention to River Legacy Park’s habitats and how they meet the needs of creatures that live there. Among the units of study are The Living Tree, The Forest Floor, The Decaying Log, and The Creek. A growing understanding of the interdependence between animals and plants fosters an appreciation of nature’s delicate balance.
Nature School Sets Students on a Path to Love Learning!
- Children ages 3 to 5/6 (not yet enrolled in kindergarten) attend class once weekly for 30 weeks, September – May. Twice a week classes available for 4-year-olds.
- Every session includes a trip into the woods, weather permitting, where classroom lessons come to life.
- Balanced curriculum with an experiential learning approach encouraging an exploration of nature.
- Ratio of 2 highly qualified teachers for every 9 to 12 children guarantees personal attention.
Registration for 2023-2024 Nature School year opens February 13
Each class meets once a week, see options below:
3-Year-Olds
Monday: 9am to 1:55pm (bring lunch) FULL
Tuesday: 9am to 12pm FULL
Wednesday: 9am to 1:55pm (bring lunch) FULL
Fri: 9am to 12pm FULL
4/5 Year-Olds
Monday: 9am to 1:55pm (bring lunch) FULL
Wednesday: 9am to 1:55pm (bring lunch) FULL
Fri: 9am to 12pm
*Tue/Thur: 9am to 12pm
*Meets twice a week
Universal Student Information (download here)
Please complete after online registration. Link to the form is available during the registration process and in confirmation email.
Immunization/Medical Form (download here)
Please submit an updated copy annually. Link to the form is available during the registration process and in confirmation email.
Upon registration, you may pay in full for the 30 week school year tuition or pay the required $200 deposit and choose a payment plan. Refunds (less a $25 processing fee) are made only for withdrawals 30 days in advance of the first class meeting. Withdrawal and refund requests must be submitted in writing. If a class is canceled by the Nature Center, a full refund will be made. Once registration is complete, a fee of $25 will be required for each change of class request. A request must be submitted in writing along with the fee.
• Our student information and emergency release form is integrated into the online registration process.
• All classes have a hands-on science focus with engaging curriculums.
• Students should wear closed-toe shoes and socks. (Please, no flip flops!)
• Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended and must be applied before entering the building.
• Students must be signed in and out of class each day by an authorized adult.
• Students in full day classes should bring a lunch and drink as noted. To help us safeguard the well-being of all our students, please do not send nut products.
When can I register for Nature School?
Registration for the 2023-2024 Nature School year will open Februrary 13, 2023.
Can I schedule a tour of Nature School?
Yes! To schedule a tour please contact our Education Director, Sherrie Ripple.
Can I drop off my child at the front door of the building?
Because we take our responsibility for your child’s safety seriously, our protocol requires that an authorized adult sign each child in and out at the classroom door each day of camp.
How early can I drop off my child?
Classroom doors will open at 9 am. If you arrive earlier, you and your student can enjoy the activities in the Science Center Atrium until classroom doors open.
How do you handle peanut and other food allergies?
The snacks we provide in all classes every day are commercially produced and peanut free. Packaging with ingredient lists is available for your examination upon request. All students in full day classes are asked to bring a lunch that does not include any nut products. If you would prefer to have your child bring a snack from home that you know will meet his/her health needs, our teachers can readily accommodate that change in snack routine.
Education Director
Sherrie Ripple
sherrie@riverlegacy.org
817.860.6752 ext. 105
Registrar
registrar@riverlegacy.org
817.860.6752 ext. 102
Follow us on social media! @RiverLegacyNatureSchool!






