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OUR MISSION: To inspire a life-long appreciation and love of nature by connecting children with the outdoors. We do this by immersing ourselves in nature and using it as our classroom. 

Completely outdoors, our on-site classes at School of the Wild are held at Lovett Pinetum, our home campus. We use nature study as our educational backbone and offer plenty of opportunities for exploring, self-directed play, and discovery. The Pinetum expands over 100 acres and has both coniferous and native forests, wetlands, creeks, springs, and fields for all our adventures. School of the Wild provides an engaging, multi-age learning experience in the best classroom - the great outdoors! 

What does a typical day look like for our students?  In Explorers (ages 7-12), our classes include a morning nature study lesson as well as a snack break and a student-led exploration in the forest. Students have a lunch and play break mid-day, followed by an afternoon nature art, experiment, or mini-project session, along with poetry tea time and play time in the creek, forest, or field. 

Our Kinder students (ages 5&6) welcome the day with a review of the weather and season followed by a hike, snack, and nature study lesson. They eat lunch mid-day and then enjoy creek time or another hike followed by a craft and free play to end the day. 

2026 SUMMER SCHOOL OF THE WILD! Classes held at our home campus - Lovett Pinetum in Strafford, MO.

APPLY HERE FOR KINDER CLASSES FOR AGES 5 & 6 - TUESDAYS FROM 9AM-2PM 

Animal Architects - June 2, 9, 16, 23

Up high, down low, under water, or underground, animals build their homes without hammers, nails, or saws. Join us as we explore how various Missouri creatures construct shelters and nests to raise their young without one trip to the hardware store! We’ll even try our hand at recreating some of these masterpieces built by amazing animal architects. Tuition is $180 per month per student or $170 per month if you sign up for both months of Summer Kinder classes.

Backyard Bug Bonanza! - July 7, 14, 21, 28

Summertime is abuzz with insects! Day bugs, night bugs, loud and quiet bugs, aquatic and land bugs! It’s a Backyard Bug Bonanza! "Bug out" with us as we explore the lives of some fascinating flying, jumping, crawling critters. Join us as we collect, inspect, and observe where these insects live and what makes them special. Tuition is $180 per month per student or $170 per month if you sign up for both months of Summer Kinder classes.

APPLY HERE FOR EXPLORERS CLASSES FOR AGES 7-12 - TUESDAYS FROM 9AM-2PM

Camping by Day - June 2, 9, 16, 23 

What do s’mores, shelters, and hiking sticks have in common? Camping, of course! While we won’t be sleeping under the stars, we will still learn about them along with simple shelter building, outdoor cooking, and more. Discover the great outdoors with us this summer!  Tuition is $180 per month per student or $170 per month if you sign up for both months of Summer Explorers classes.

At the Beach - July 7, 14, 21, 28 

Saltwater, sand, and sunshine are the name of the game in this class. Explore the ocean without leaving Missouri as we learn learn about beach creatures, sandy shores, and sea-going species. Set sail with us this summer! Tuition is $180 per month per student or $170 per month if you sign up for both months of Summer Explorers classes.

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2026-27 SCHOOL YEAR ENROLLMENT OPEN FOR SCHOOL OF THE WILD! Classes held at our home campus - Lovett Pinetum in Strafford, MO.

*Space is limited and when classes are full, you may email Laura@fireflynatureschool.com to be added to our waiting list for the upcoming school year.

Here are our class offerings for the 2026-27 school year! *Students attend one day per week. 

 

KINDER CLASSES FOR AGES 5&6 YEARS

APPLY FOR THE 2026-27 KINDER CLASSES HERE.

Kinder classes will discover the delights of Missouri flora and fauna in their natural surroundings through the seasons. Students will engage both fine and gross motor skills as they learn through nature journaling, play, exploration, creative movement, song, art projects, and more!

Tuesday or Thursday from 9:00am-2:00pm

Tuition per student - $1168 for the school year or 8 payments of $146

*10% sibling discount for additional students enrolled from the same family

EXPLORERS CLASSES FOR AGES 7-12 YEARS

APPLY FOR THE 2026-27 EXPLORERS CLASSES HERE.

Explorers will continue their survey of Missouri ecosystems as they master Missouri’s prairie habitat and investigate grasslands around the world. From prolific prairie grasses and flowery forbs to speedy animal species with crafty camouflage, students will examine the extraordinary ecology of this expansive ecosystem. 

Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday from 9:00am-2:00pm

Tuition per student - $1168 for the school year or 8 payments of $146

*10% sibling discount for additional students enrolled from the same family

 

ADVENTURERS CLASSES FOR AGES 13-16 YEARS

APPLY FOR THE 2026-27 ADVENTURERS CLASS HERE.

Principles of Photography - Students will study principles of design and photography in nature, exploring natural science and photographic arts each week. With ample opportunities for learning and practicing during class as well as engaging photography “homework” assignments, Adventurers will spend creative time outdoors and work together to host a spring student showcase of their work. *Students must bring their own camera - DSLR camera preferred, but digital cameras including phones will work.

Wednesdays from 9:00am-12:00pm

Tuition per student - $872 for the school year or 8 payments of $109

SotW FAQ:

Is this a drop-off school, or do you offer family-style classes. 

Our classes at Lovett Pinetum are drop-off programs where your child will spend the day with us. Our nature school complements any curriculum and is a way to add hands-on science, art, social studies, language arts, math concepts, and more to your child's learning.

Why do you charge tuition? 

Our classes have many costs associated with them such as insurance, teachers, facilities, activities, field equipment, and supplies.

What do you do if it's raining or snowing? 

Rain, snow, sunshine, fog, it's all weather that we can learn in and about. We will dress for the weather and have a blast! In case dangerous weather pops up during the day, we have a safe, indoor gathering space. 

What does my child need to bring? 

Students will need to bring a water bottle, snacks, and lunch with them as well as things like weather-appropriate shoes and clothing, bug spray, and sunscreen. We will send out a supply list for registered students. We provide all outdoor equipment and many supplies for students to use. 

Contact Us!  Have questions? Feel free to reach out. We are happy to help.  laura@fireflynatureschool.com