Big School Programs
TK-6th Grade
Garden Patch Big School is a place where childhood is honored, curiosity is nurtured, and learning comes to life through meaningful experiences. Our program blends strong academic foundations with hands-on, project-based learning in a warm, community-centered environment.
We believe children learn best by doing. Through integrated studies, students explore literacy, math, science, and the arts in ways that are engaging, relevant, and connected to the real world, their world. Whether working in the garden, collaborating on projects, or investigating big ideas, students are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and take ownership of their learning.
Our mixed-age community fosters mentorship, leadership, and deep relationships. Younger students learn from older peers, while older students grow in confidence as role models and leaders. Social-emotional development is at the heart of our program, with a focus on empathy, communication, resilience, and collaboration.
Outdoor learning is woven throughout the day, giving children regular opportunities to connect with nature, explore freely, and develop a sense of stewardship for the environment. Chickens, gardens, and open space are not just favorite features of our campus—they are part of the learning experience.
At Garden Patch Big School, we are growing more than students—we are nurturing capable, compassionate, and curious individuals who are prepared not only for the next step in their education, but for life.
Sunny Sprouts
Sunny Sprouts is our afternoon enrichment program that offers a space for children to continue their day through meaningful, hands-on experiences. Designed for our full day students and homeschool families, this program provides opportunities for creativity, connection, and exploration in a nurturing, play-based environment.
Children engage in a variety of enriching activities including art, science, nature exploration, gardening, cooking, storytelling, music, movement, individual and collaborative projects. With a strong emphasis on social-emotional development, children will build friendships and grow in confidence as they learn alongside each other.
Outdoor time is an essential part of our afternoon, allowing the children to unwind, explore, and connect with nature. Our program supports a variety of educational paths, offering a balance between structure and freedom while honoring each child's individuality and love of learning.
Sunny Sprouts Enrichment
Sunny Sprouts is available 2, 3 or 5 days a week.
Garden
Come join us for hands-on science in the garden, where you will learn a deeper understanding of the natural world through planting, tending, observations, and harvesting while using real life skills like patience, focus, and confidence. Students explore foundational concepts in science and basic math skills as they count, measure, compare, and track growth.
Grub
Children are invited to the table to create something joyful and delicious from start to finish. While they are not required to eat, they are highly encouraged to use all their senses when exploring the different ingredients and final product. While preparing wholesome, fun recipes the children gain independence, confidence, and practical life skills. They will learn to follow multiple steps, measuring ingredients, and use kitchen tools safely.
Music & Movement
Through singing, dancing, instrumental exploration, and creative expression, allowing children to naturally develop a sense of rhythm, coordination, and listening. Music becomes a language through which they can communicate, create, and connect. Songs and movement support memory, sequencing, and early literacy skills while strengthening focus and sound awareness. Children get to experience the joy of participating in a group, expressing themselves freely, and building confidence in our supportive environment.
Construction
Construction encourages children to become builders, designers, and problem-solvers through hands-on exploration. Using a variety of materials—such as wood, loose parts, recycled items, and simple tools—children are encouraged to plan, build, test, and revise their creations. Whether constructing small structures or collaborative projects, children engage in meaningful work that sparks creativity and critical thinking. This class empowers children to take risks, think creatively, and experience the satisfaction of bringing their ideas to life.
Art
Our art class offers children a rich and inspiring space to explore creativity, imagination, and self-expression. Through a variety of materials and mediums (such as paint, clay, drawing tools, collage, and natural elements) children are invited to create freely and authentically. The focus is on process over product, allowing children to experiment, take risks, and discover their unique voice.
Science
Science provides children to explore the world around them through curiosity, observation, and hands-on discovery. As natural born scientists, they will perform experiments, nature exploration, and lead open-ended investigations, children are encouraged to ask questions, make predictions, and test their ideas. Science is an active process of wondering, exploring, and learning by doing. The children will engage with foundational concepts in life science, physical science, and earth science as they observe living things, explore materials, and investigate natural phenomena. Whether they are mixing, building, observing, or experimenting, they begin to understand how the world works in meaningful and memorable ways.