Our Values

At JNS our values are everything. Find out what we believe in and why others believe in us. 

1. Nature

We believe that being in the natural world has inherent value. Besides being backed up by numerous scientific studies it makes kids feel good. And it wears them out, in a good way! Our school was founded on the belief that being in nature helps kids learn and grow into healthy adults. 

2. Free Play

We believe that letting children use their own environment and imagination to play is the best way to inspire creativity. It also helps them learn. Children spend a lot of time in structured environments so the free play time we give them in JNS is a way for them to relax and use their brain in a different way than they do in a traditional school setting. 

3. Self-Efficacy

Developing self-esteem and self-efficacy is very important to us. One of the best ways to develop self-efficacy is for children to be put in situations where they can control the outcome, nature is one of the best teachers for this! These are important trait they will learn here but carry with them their entire life. 

4. Community

A big part of JNS is developing a community. Nature school is built to act as a small community. In addition to being a social outlet for kids, it is also a great way to meet other parents. We do group activities that are designed to help children learn social play and how to be a part of a community. 

5. Kinesthetic Intelligence

JNS is a hands-on environment, where children learn by doing. This increases your child's gross motor control, or control of the major muscle groups in their body. Children who develop this early on will have more self-confidence and they will be able to know and trust their bodies.

6. STEM Education

STEM or Science, Technology, Engineering and Math are important skills for children to learn early on in the 21st century. Nature school helps them do just that. Our interactive, play based games gently teach basic scientific, and mathematical concepts. Children will be introduced to STEM curriculum in a gentle and age appropriate way with nature as their guide.