Nature-Based Program

CCA's Outdoor Quest

Introducing Our New Nature-Based Program for Preschool - 8th Grade

Are you ready to embark on an educational journey like no other? Located in the shadows of Mt. Rainier, we are thrilled to announce our brand-new outdoor, nature-based program starting in the fall of 2024 at CCA.

🧭Preschool and Tkers = Little Explorers 

🗻Kindergarten - 5th Grade = Junior Explorers 

🥾6th-8th Grade = Wilderness Explorers

Enrollment

We are at full enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year.  

Should any further openings become available, we encourage families to submit their application for the waitlist.

Waitlist Application

Key Program Features

  • Outdoor Classroom: Students will have the opportunity to learn in natural environments such as forests, providing them with firsthand experiences of the natural world.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Experiential Learning: The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, where students engage in activities such as hiking, gardening, wildlife observation, and environmental stewardship projects.

  • 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.

  • Holistic Development: The program focuses on the holistic development of students, fostering their physical, emotional, and cognitive growth through outdoor activities and experiences.

  • Community Engagement: Students are encouraged to engage with their local community and environment through service-learning projects and partnerships with environmental organizations.

  • 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.

FAQ