HOME LEARNER PROGRAMS

A hands-on, community-based experience while learning in nature.

Curious to learn about two day Home Learning Programs? Read on to learn about the Vancouver Program and North Vancouver Programs.

Learning takes place outdoors on Tuesdays and Thursdays in mixed-aged groups of children in two primary locations: Vancouver and North Vancouver. The children explore nature through hands-on activities, hikes, field trips, and play in forest and farm settings. These programs focus on exploring local places and covers many topic areas such as science, engineering, social studies, physical education, art, music, drama, and storytelling.

To learn more about these programs, the first step is a phone call with our program director Tricia tricia@freshairlearning.org. The next step is a program visit or try it day, and finally registration. We look forward to connecting with you further!

VANCOUVER NATURE LEARNERS

At the Vancouver Nature Learners, learning takes place outdoors at Everett Crowley Park and surrounding green spaces in the Vancouver area. The children explore nature through hands-on activities, hikes, field trips, and play. Families combine our program with their own home and community-based learning activities.

This program focuses on exploring local places and emergent learning typically covers topic areas such as science, engineering, social studies, physical education, art, music, drama, and storytelling.The class also participates in the stewardship program supported by the Parks Board.

The Vancouver Nature Learners' roots are firmly planted in our love for Windsor House School, which thrived for close to fifty years as part of an international community of democratic learners. As such, it follows the principles of engaging children in learning through democratic and non-coercive methods. This program strives to honour and foster each child's emotional growth and attachment.

Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:30 - 2:45pm

Program cost: $1950

NORTH VANCOUVER
NATURE SCHOOL PROGRAM

Learning takes place indoors and outdoors on Tuesdays and Thursdays in mixed-aged groups of students. The students explore nature through project-based learning, hands-on activities, hikes, and field trips. Families combine our program with their own home and community-based learning activities. Our program focuses on exploring local places and covers topic areas such as science, social studies, physical education, and writing.

Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 - 2:30pm

Program cost: $1950

A SAMPLING OF ACTIVITIES IN HOME LEARNING PROGRAMS:

Free play and exploration of the natural environment
Planting and restoration work, including taking care of mason bees
Creating with natural and up-cycled materials
Harvesting and cooking of plants
Hands-on work with traditional skills and crafts
Co-creation of learning activities
Community building and connection to the wider community
Learning about Indigenous voices, pedagogy, and practice
Field trips to local areas of interest

DEMOCRATIC INQUIRY-BASED LEARNING

The democratic process strengthens communication and collaboration. This allows students to take charge of their learning, which provides a sense of independence, responsibility, and accountability. We value strong attachments between caregivers and children, and welcome family and parent engagement, collaboration, and respectful communication. A true democracy is one in which every person can contribute, and the diversity of those contributions serves to strengthen the whole.

Inquiry-based learning occurs in collaboration with teachers, who respond to the students’ natural curiosities, interests, and discoveries with further questioning, resources, and activities. This provides a safe space for young people to engage in creative, discovery-based thinking.

WE VALUE:

Self-directed learning in a non-coercive environment
Multi-age groupings
Nature-based play
Parent participation
Gratitude for and connection with each other and our environment
Communication that respects everyone’s needs
Freedom with responsibility
Diversity and inclusion
Respect for local First Nations values and history.

PAYMENT POLICIES AND INFORMATION

Try It Days

Try it days are offered a few times a year. Visit this page to view upcoming dates, or contact Tricia below, to learn more and schedule a program visit

Contact: tricia@freshairlearning.org

Payment Policies & Information

Each registration requires a one-time $35 non-refundable membership*. Membership fees fund our scholarship and bursary program.
First month's fees due upon registration. These are nonrefundable.
We require 4 weeks' notice should you decide to withdraw. Remaining fees returned or canceled.
After January, fees are non-refundable, unless we can fill the space.
Class transfers are $50.
We accept homelearning (OL) funds and AFU funding. Contact info@freshairlearning.org
Payments up to 30 days late will be assessed a 10% administration fee.
Payments more than 30 days late will be assessed a 25% administration fee.
Spots vacant after a month will be filled.

*Membership Information:

10% off adult professional development programs
Registering a sibling? Enter "Sibling 2026" to get 25% off the memberships.
Do you have a scholarship? Contact us to waive the membership fee: info@freshairlearning.org

Sick Policies:

All programs: there are no credits or refunds for classes missed due to illness.

If fees pose a financial challenge for your family, please contact us about scholarship funds, to waive the membership fee or alternative payment schedules BEFORE YOU REGISTER. Contact info@freshairlearning.org

*2026-2027 Scholarship deadline for alumni families February 15th 2025

*2026-2027 Scholarship deadline for new families June 1st 2025