Farm & Forest School
Where Nature is the Classroom and Curiosity Leads the Way
ROOTS Farm & Forest School is a nature-based learning community located on a 2.7-acre homestead in Sussex County, Delaware, serving children ages 2-12 years. Here, education is an immersive, hands-on experience where farm and forest exploration meets child-led, project-based learning. Our vibrant outdoor classroom includes pollinator gardens, food forests, and children’s gardens, as well as the daily care of goats, chickens, ducks, and rabbits—offering endless opportunities for discovery, responsibility, and connection.
At ROOTS, we believe children learn best through experience, engaging their senses, curiosity, and creativity. Our curriculum integrates environmental stewardship, life skills, and social-emotional growth with meaningful academics woven into everyday adventures. Through activities like community service, cultural studies, art, yoga, mindfulness, and character development, children develop resilience, collaboration skills, and a deep connection to themselves, their peers, and the natural world. Designed to support diverse learners, including neurodivergent children, our inclusive programs nurture each child’s unique strengths while fostering independence, confidence, and a love of learning.
With a small teacher-to-student ratio of 8:1 or less, we provide individualized attention and honor each child’s learning style—whether auditory, visual, tactile, or kinesthetic. Our emergent curriculum follows children's natural interests, creating authentic, play-based learning experiences that spark curiosity and engagement. Weekly off-site forest explorations, guest speakers, STEAM activities, and child-led homesteading projects further enrich their education, helping them build critical thinking skills, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.
As Delaware faces educational challenges, with a national ranking of 45th and over 50 schools in need of improvement, ROOTS Farm & Forest School provides a meaningful alternative. Our farm and forest-based education reimagines learning—offering a community-driven, holistic approach that prioritizes engagement, autonomy, and hands-on discovery.
With flexible enrollment options (1, 2, or 4 days per week), ROOTS allows families to remain actively involved in their child's education through multi-generational learning, community celebrations, and a shared commitment to lifelong exploration.
NOW ENROLLING for the September 2025-2026 School Year! Come experience the magic of nature-based learning at ROOTS Farm & Forest School.
Farm & Forest School: Learning Through Nature
Join us and experience the difference of ROOTS Farm & Forest School—where children grow, explore, and thrive.
With Delaware ranking 45th nationwide in education, ROOTS offers an innovative, hands-on approach that redefines learning. Families at ROOTS become part of a vibrant, like-minded community where children are seen, heard, and empowered.
A Meaningful Alternative to Traditional Education
From gardening and food preparation to wilderness skills and teamwork, children gain valuable knowledge they’ll carry for life.
Practical Life Skills:
ROOTS fosters multi-generational learning, cultural awareness, and leadership opportunities, helping children build strong relationships and a sense of belonging.
Community & Connection:
We follow an interest-based approach, allowing children to explore topics that spark their curiosity more meaningful learning.
Child-Led learning:
ROOTS embraces different learning styles and provides an adaptive, supportive space for neurodivergent children with trained educators and flexible teaching methods.
Inclusive Education:
Designed for Every Learner
Education at ROOTS is immersive—children dig in the soil, care for animals, build projects, and discover science and math in nature rather than just reading about them.
Hands On Learning:
With small class sizes (8:1 ratio), children receive personalized support while engaging in STEAM projects, gardening, animal care, and outdoor adventures.
Engaging Learning Environment:
Our programs integrate academic foundations with social-emotional development, encouraging creativity, resilience, and confidence.
Holistic Growth:
ROOTS blends farm and forest education, giving children the opportunity to learn through exploration, homesteading, and real-world experiences.
Beyond the Classroom:
A Unique, Nature Based Education
Why Choose ROOTS Farm & Forest School?
ROOTS is more than just an educational program—it’s a transformative learning experience where children develop essential life skills, foster deep connections with nature, and thrive in a supportive, hands-on environment.
ROOTS Farm & Forest School Options
Explore our offerings and discover which experience is the best fit for you and your child!
Encouraging independent exploration, building, climbing, and discovery.
Self-Guided Nature Activities:
A creative station for making art with natural materials.
Nature Weaving:
Hands-on fun with digging, building, and role-playing campfire adventures.
Dirt Pit & Pretend Fire Pit:
Cozy hideaways for quiet moments, reflection, or imaginative play.
Teepee & Zen Den:
Engage all five senses through plants, textures, and natural elements.
Sensory Garden & Walk:
A place for budding performers to act, imagine, and express themselves.
Dramatic Play Stage:
A space to run, race, jump, and test motor skills.
Racetrack & Balance Challenges:
Sticks, stones, pinecones—simple materials that fuel big creativity and problem-solving.
Loose Parts Play:
Stir, mix, and “cook” with soil, water, and leaves in this sensory-rich play area.
Mud Kitchen:
A whimsical space for storytelling, role-playing, and magical adventures.
Fairy Garden:
What Awaits Your Little Explorer?
A Hands-On Haven for Play, Creativity, and Connection
Where Imagination & Exploration Thrive
our Nature Playscape
The Nature Playscape is a favorite spot for our homeschool students, yogis, and after-school participants—offering the perfect blend of movement, creativity, and connection to nature. Want to experience it for yourself? Join us for Stay & Play on the Homestead! Pack a lunch, meet the animals, and let your little one explore, learn, and play the ROOTS way!
In the meantime, feel free to explore our website, follow us on social media, or check out our latest news and updates. We can’t wait to welcome you to our ROOTS community!
We’ve received your message and will be in touch soon. We can’t wait to share more about ROOTS Farm & Forest School with you!
Thank You for Reaching Out!
