The Native School

About this program

The Native School is a nature-based community school in Carlsbad, California, serving children ages 2 through 14. Founded by a group of local families who shared a vision for outdoor education, what began as a small outdoor playgroup has grown into a thriving school with four distinct programmes spanning toddlers to middle schoolers. The school's outdoor campus offers gardens, trails, open fields, and natural play areas where children learn through direct interaction with the natural world. Whether building forts in the forest, painting with natural dyes, or learning fractions through gardening, every experience is designed to spark curiosity and foster a deep love of learning. Drawing from Reggio Emilia, Forest School, project-based learning, and place-based education, The Native School takes a flexible, child-led approach rather than following a rigid curriculum. Educators design experiences responsive to each child's questions, passions, and developmental needs, supported by small class sizes and low student-to-teacher ratios.