At Gilbert Nature School, we believe that genuine education encompasses all facets of life. From gardening to inventing a handheld water filter to planning our next shade structure, we "Follow The Child" as we draw inspiration from student interests, our own creative passions, and the Sonoran Desert.
Our unique blend of the Montessori phil
At Gilbert Nature School, we believe that genuine education encompasses all facets of life. From gardening to inventing a handheld water filter to planning our next shade structure, we "Follow The Child" as we draw inspiration from student interests, our own creative passions, and the Sonoran Desert.
Our unique blend of the Montessori philosophy, Forest School learning, and the Wilderness Awareness School approach to mentoring form the foundation of our curriculum.
A typical week includes time tending our organic gardens, farm animals, learning survival skills and practicing wildlife watching, yoga and meditation lessons, and many hours creating and experimenting in our incredible Loose Parts Playgrounds and Mud Kitchens.
In addition, we provide all of our students with music education (with a violin pedagogy program coming in 2025!) and access to our professional-grade pottery studio.
+We are a 100% Screen Free School
+We ask our families to be Screen Free at home
+We allow children to follow their own interests
+We encourage deep concentration and flow-state experiential learning
+We partner with Let Grow and utilize the Let Grow Experience curriculum
+We serve organic snacks and Reverse Osmosis water
+We choose non-toxic cleaning supplies for our entire school
At Gilbert Nature School, students spend their mornings outside in our large outdoor learning environments. Mornings are spent in a fluid combination of group projects and free play-- an approach backed heavily by child development research.
Since children are hardwired for learning, we offer their bodies and minds the freedom they need t
At Gilbert Nature School, students spend their mornings outside in our large outdoor learning environments. Mornings are spent in a fluid combination of group projects and free play-- an approach backed heavily by child development research.
Since children are hardwired for learning, we offer their bodies and minds the freedom they need to fully develop to their full potential.
The combination of fresh air, freedom of movement, and endless opportunities to learn through trial and error each morning allows our students to truly thrive-- just as nature intended.
In our Full Day Program, when it's time to sit down and focus on academics in our carefully curated Montessori classrooms we observe that our students are fully engaged and ready to apply themselves.
At Gilbert Nature School, our mission is to provide top-notch Montessori place-based outdoor education experiences that promote physical activity, mental wellness, academic growth, and an appreciation for nature. We believe that learning in and about the great outdoors can be a powerful force for good, and we want to share that with as many people as possible.
Founded in 2023 by Clarissa Pollack, a passionate Montessori educator and nature enthusiast, Gilbert Nature School started as a small operation with a big dream. She believes that every child should have the opportunity to experience the beauty and excitement of learning with nature.
We offer a wide range of services, including our flagship Nature School program, School Holiday nature immersion camps, Summer Camps, and special seasonal events for families, all inspired by the Montessori Method and our passion for place-based learning. Our team of experienced educators is passionate about what we do and are committed t
We offer a wide range of services, including our flagship Nature School program, School Holiday nature immersion camps, Summer Camps, and special seasonal events for families, all inspired by the Montessori Method and our passion for place-based learning. Our team of experienced educators is passionate about what we do and are committed to ensuring that every adventure with Gilbert Nature School is inspiring and enriching.
Our program is founded on the academic model created by Dr. Maria Montessori and blends child-led learning, modern child development research, and the Wilderness Awareness School approach to nature education mentorship. Our philosophy is based on respect-- respect for others, respect for the environment, and respect for self. We respect each child’s Inner Teacher and trust that, when left to their own inner guidance, each child's educational path is both unique and whole.
We believe that children grow and thrive when allowed and encouraged to follow their instincts and take their own calculated risks, and we respect their judgment. In the spirit of exploration, we encourage the children to fully experience their own initiative and learn what they may.
Participants will gain educational experiences through place-based exploration, creative nature-based play, observation, guided academic studies, and fun! Children will practice innovative problem solving, sharpen their curiosity, and develop as helpful members of their community. As we discover our local flora and fauna together, our hope is that out students deepen their connection to the natural world as they blossom into lifelong learners.
Your contribution allows us to provide equitable access to nature and place based Montessori education for more children in our community.
Summer Camp is now open for enrollment.
This year's theme is Growing Our Food. Camp is 100% Screen-Free and full of enriching hands on, project based, and Montessori inspired learning activities in the fresh air with highly qualified educators.
Space is limited to ensure low teacher to student ratios.
Half Day and Full Day options available.