Columbia Crest Academy
Nature-Based Program
Continue the Adventure with Our Nature-Based Program for Preschool - 8th Grade! 
After an amazing first year, we are excited to offer limited spaces for the 2025-2026 school year!
Located in Ashford at Columbia Crest Academy in the stunning natural surroundings near Mt. Rainier, our nature-based program provides an extraordinary educational experience.
We encourage interested families to apply soon, as space is very limited.
This is your chance to give your child an unforgettable, hands-on learning adventure!
Preschool & TKers = Little Explorers
Kindergarten - 5th Grade = Junior Explorers
6th - 8th Grade = Wilderness Explorers
Why Choose Our Program?
Expansive Forest Campus: 14 acres of trails and outdoor learning, with access to Sahara Creek, the Nisqually River, and Tahoma Woods
Hands-On Learning: Engage directly with the natural world
Essential Life Skills: Develop practical skills like cooking, sewing, and gardening
Health Benefits: Support active lifestyles and physical wellness through outdoor play
Creativity & Problem-Solving: Spark curiosity and innovation in a natural environment
Environmental Stewardship: Build respect for nature through guest speakers and outdoor projects
Holistic Development: Foster well-rounded growth—physical, emotional, and intellectual
Research shows that outdoor education enhances children's well-being by promoting physical activity, improving motor skills, and boosting overall health. Exposure to sunlight, fresh air, and green spaces strengthens immune systems and fosters mental and emotional well-being.
Apply now to secure your child's spot and join us on this exciting learning journey!
We look forward to welcoming more families into our community for an incredible year of exploration and discovery!
Nature-Based Learning at Columbia Crest Academy: Exploring Our Natural Environment
At Columbia Crest Academy, our nature-based learning matrix serves as a roadmap for engaging students in meaningful, hands-on exploration of our natural world. Centered around our school-wide theme, Exploring Our Natural Environment, this matrix outlines the grade-level themes, guiding questions, and culminating field experiences for all 11 grades, from Pre-K through 8th grade.
Each grade investigates an essential question tied to the natural world, fostering curiosity and critical thinking while aligning with developmental milestones and academic standards. Students dive into topics such as plant life cycles, animal habitats, erosion prevention, pollination, fire safety, and more. These inquiries culminate in field experiences or projects that bring learning to life, like planting gardens, building erosion models, creating habitat dioramas, and producing documentaries.
This intentional, place-based approach not only connects students to the environment but also nurtures a sense of stewardship, problem-solving, and collaboration. The matrix is a reflection of our commitment to cultivating lifelong learners who are curious about and connected to the world around them.
Explore the full matrix document to learn more about each grade’s unique theme, question, and culminating project. Together, we’re inspiring the next generation to engage deeply with our natural environment and discover their role within it.
Key Program Features
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Outdoor Classroom: Students will have the opportunity to learn in natural environments such as forests, providing them with firsthand experiences of the natural world.
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Partnerships with National Park Rangers: We are proud to announce that we are partnering with rangers from Mount Rainier National Park, providing students with unique opportunities to learn from experts in environmental conservation and outdoor education.
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Facilities: Our school features a greenhouse, fully operational garden, and facilities for activities such as cooking and sewing, enabling students to develop practical skills and learn about sustainability and self-sufficiency.
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Experiential Learning: The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, where students engage in activities such as hiking, gardening, wildlife observation, and environmental stewardship projects.
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Interdisciplinary Approach: Subjects are taught in an interdisciplinary manner, allowing students to make connections across different disciplines while exploring topics related to ecology, sustainability, and outdoor skills.
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Holistic Development: The program focuses on the holistic development of students, fostering their physical, emotional, and cognitive growth through outdoor activities and experiences.
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Community Engagement: Students are encouraged to engage with their local community and environment through service-learning projects and partnerships with environmental organizations.
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Proximity to Natural Features: Located within walking distance to the Nisqually River, Sahara Creek and the Tahoma Woods Ranger Station of the National Park, our school offers unparalleled access to unique areas, allowing students to explore and learn in a rich and dynamic outdoor environment.
Overall, we aim to provide a refreshing alternative to traditional classroom-based education, offering students an immersive learning experience that fosters a deeper connection to nature and a greater appreciation for the environment.
Nature-Based Skills Progression
