Frequently Asked Questions

No, Ground Ed is not a traditional school. Every student enrolled in our programs is a registered homeschooler. We operate as a homeschool enrichment program, offering hands-on, nature-based learning experiences that support each child’s education while fostering curiosity, resilience, and a love for the outdoors. Families remain responsible for meeting their state’s homeschooling requirements.

We maintain a low teacher-to-student ratio to ensure each child receives personalized attention, support, and connection. Our typical ratio is 1:8, allowing us to foster strong relationships, guide meaningful learning, and keep everyone safe and engaged in our outdoor setting

Families provide their child’s snacks and lunch each day. We encourage healthy, nourishing foods that support energy and focus for outdoor learning and play. Please pack items your child can manage independently, and be sure to include a full water bottle.

Our daily rhythm is designed to balance structure and freedom, allowing children to explore, play, and engage in meaningful learning experiences at their own pace. Snack is optional at any time.

9:30–10:00 AM | Rolling Drop-Off & Free Play
Families can drop off anytime during this window. Kids ease into the day with unstructured outdoor play, social time, or quiet exploration, creating a calm and welcoming start.

10:05 AM | Morning Meeting & Mood Check
We gather as a group to check in, discuss the flow of the day, and introduce the structured classes available. Children will have the opportunity to sign up for classes or workshops that interest them for the day.  

10:30 AM | Class Option #1
Children have the freedom to choose between open-ended nature exploration, creative projects, or participating in the 30-45 minute scheduled class led by educators. This could include hands-on science experiments, outdoor art, movement-based games, or skill-building workshops.

11:30 AM | Class Option #2
Children have the freedom to choose between open-ended nature exploration, creative projects, or participating in the 30-45 minute scheduled class led by educators. This could include hands-on science experiments, outdoor art, movement-based games, or skill-building workshops.

12:00 PM | Lunch & Community Time
A relaxed lunch break where kids eat together, share stories, and connect.

1:30 PM | Class Option #3

Children have the freedom to choose between open-ended nature exploration, creative projects, or participating in the scheduled 25 minute structured class. This could include hands-on science experiments, outdoor art, movement-based games, or skill-building workshops.

1:55 PM | Closing Circle & Reflection

We gather to share highlights from the day, reflect on experiences, and wrap up before pick-up.

2:00 – 2:30 PM | Rolling Pick Up & Free Play

Life is full, mornings are hectic, and transitions can be tricky—for kids and grownups. At Ground Ed, we believe in creating a rhythm that supports the whole family. Our rolling drop-off and pick-up windows are designed to offer a little breathing room in your day.

At Ground Ed, we believe that true learning happens when children are internally motivated—driven by curiosity, passion, and a desire to explore the world around them. Our approach is designed to nurture intrinsic motivation in several key ways:

1. Student Agency & Autonomy – Children have the freedom to choose activities that interest them, sign up for classes that spark their curiosity, and engage in self-directed exploration. When learning is self-chosen, it becomes more meaningful and engaging.
2. Nature as a Teacher – Being outdoors naturally stimulates curiosity and problem-solving. Whether it’s tracking animal footprints, building shelters, or observing seasonal changes, children develop a love for learning by experiencing the world firsthand.
3. Interest-Led Learning – We build our curriculum around students’ interests, allowing them to dive deep into topics they care about. This makes learning feel relevant and exciting rather than something imposed from the outside.
4. Process Over Product – Instead of focusing on grades or external rewards, we emphasize the joy of discovery, effort, and personal growth. Children learn to appreciate the journey rather than just the outcome.
5. Social-Emotional Connection – When kids feel safe, seen, and supported, they take more risks in learning. Our community-centered approach helps children develop resilience, confidence, and a love for lifelong learning.

By creating a supportive, choice-driven environment, Ground Ed ensures that children learn because they want to, not because they have to—building a foundation for curiosity, creativity, and self-motivated growth.

Yes, and that trust is key to fostering intrinsic motivation and self-directed learning!

At Ground Ed, we believe that children learn best when they have the freedom to make choices about their education. Our structured class offerings are designed to spark curiosity, and we encourage kids to sign up based on their interests.

Some children may dive right in, while others might take time to observe before participating. That’s okay. Our role is to create an inviting, engaging environment where kids feel drawn to learning—not forced into it.

Over time, most children naturally begin signing up for classes because they want to rather than because they feel they have to.

We also provide gentle guidance, checking in with kids to ensure they’re aware of their options and feel supported in making choices that enrich their learning experience. This approach helps build confidence, independence, and a love for learning that lasts far beyond their time at Ground Ed.

It depends on the class! Some workshops and activities are flexible, allowing children to decide on the day whether they’d like to participate. Others, like our Spanish class, require a commitment to ensure continuity and meaningful progress.

We make it clear which classes require ongoing participation and which are drop-in style. This balance allows children to explore new interests while also experiencing the benefits of commitment and deeper learning in certain subjects.

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is woven into every part of the day at Ground Ed, both intentionally through structured activities and organically in how educators and children interact. Here’s how it shows up throughout the day:

Morning Welcome & Connection

• Each day starts with a grounding activity, like a nature-based mindfulness exercise or a group circle. This helps children check in with their emotions, build community, and set a positive tone.
• Educators model emotional vocabulary and encourage children to share how they feel using words, movement, or art.

Play & Exploration

• Open-ended outdoor play allows children to navigate friendships, solve conflicts, and practice self-regulation in a natural way.
• Educators guide social challenges by asking open-ended questions: “How did that make you feel?” or “What could we do differently next time?”
• Cooperation is encouraged through group projects, nature-based problem-solving, and shared responsibilities (like caring for animals or the environment).

Structured Learning & Hands-On Activities

• Whether it’s Farmer in Training, Art Corner, or a science experiment, SEL is built into learning.
• Lessons often tie into resilience, teamwork, and perspective-taking—for example, planting a seed and watching it grow teaches patience and care, while observing animals fosters empathy.
• Group discussions help children process experiences, celebrate successes, and reflect on challenges in a supportive way.

Conflict Resolution & Emotional Coaching

• Educators use restorative practices instead of punitive discipline, helping children navigate disagreements with guidance.
• Instead of saying, “Don’t do that,” educators might say, “I noticed that when you took the shovel, your friend looked upset. What do you think about that? What can we do to make it right?”
• Kids are encouraged to problem-solve together, strengthening their social and emotional skills.

Reflection & Closing Circle

• The day wraps up with a closing circle where children share a moment of gratitude, a challenge they overcame, or something they learned about themselves.
• Breathing exercises, movement games, or a simple group affirmation help children transition home feeling grounded and valued.

At Ground Ed, SEL isn’t just a lesson—it’s a way of interacting, learning, and growing together. The goal is for kids to leave each day feeling connected, capable, and confident in their emotions and relationships.