Murray Nature School

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0%
0 acres
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of lead teachers are certified

Forest School Instructors

for daily exploration and learning in a

PRIVATE FOREST

of the day spent

learning outdoors

0%

of lead teachers are certified

Forest School Instructors

0 acres

for daily exploration and learning in a

Private Forest

0%

of the day spent

learning outdoors

About EDS Murray Nature School

EDS Murray Nature School is a pioneer experiential education program in the CSRA. Our hybrid model of student-led, inquiry-centered learning in nature paired with a careful balance of research-based language and emergent literacy and foundational math curriculum, produces an environment of learning where children grow their social and emotional awareness, gross and fine motor skills, sense of place and self, and confidence in core academics, all in the greatest classroom ever invented – the forest.

Our Forest School Teacher-certified faculty (www.forestteacher.org) are trained to create unique experiences in nature for both PreK and Kindergarten. The student’s natural curiosity leads them to discover and investigate scientific concepts like habitats, ecosystems, erosion, decomposition, amphibian and insect life cycles, seasonal changes, bird songs, and migration, through their natural explorative play. These discoveries are then reinforced through an emergent curriculum where the teachers come alongside to build on their initial learning through further discovery, journaling, and games.

The Nature School Campus

An 8.5-acre forest grove adjoining our larger 30-acre Flowing Wells Campus, the nature school campus offers a beautiful space for students to explore, wonder, study, and play. Located near the Richmond and Columbia County line and only 15 minutes to downtown Augusta, this campus is right in the heart of our area’s greatest growth, and yet feels quiet and remote.

Our Lead Teachers

David Gardner

Nature School Director, Nature Kindergarten Teacher

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EDS Faculty since 2020; 14 years prior experience

B.S., Animal Ecology, University of Aberdeen

Introduction to Forest School Certification & Forest School Teacher Certification, Forest School Teacher Institute

Wilderness Advanced First Aid, Wilderness Medical Institute

Certified Interpretive Guide, National Association of Interpreters

Heather Jackson

Nature Kindergarten

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EDS Faculty since 2023; 17 years prior experience

B.S., Elementary Education, Augusta State University

M.Ed., Elementary Education, NOVA Southeastern University

Gifted Endorsement

ELL Endorsement

Ashley Williams

Nature PreKindergarten

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EDS Faculty since 2019

Introduction to Forest School Certification & Forest School Teacher Certification,

Forest School Teacher Institute

Current Parent

Our Curriculum

We offer two classes of Nature School – one for Prekindergarten and the other for Kindergarten students. Their daily experience is guided by at least two full-time faculty members for each class, all trained in Wilderness First Aid, amongst other certifications. The curriculum closely follows the curriculum in our PK and Kindergarten program on our Walton Way Campus to ensure that students will be well equipped to enter Kindergarten or First Grade classrooms after graduating from our Nature School.

By making the world their classroom, participating in child-directed activities, and utilizing natural boundaries, students will not only display academic strides, but also strengthen their fine and gross motor skills.

We hold our Nature School students to the same standards of rigor and achievement as our Walton Way Campus students and know they will find the same levels of success in Kindergarten and beyond.

Plan Your Visit

We invite you to schedule a personalized tour and see for yourself the difference an EDS education can make in the life of your child. Please click the button below to book your visit to our Murray Nature School Campus. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear walking or hiking shoes!

Book Your Murray Nature School Tour Here

Parent Testimonials

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Nature Preschool Parent

“I could not be happier with NPS. I was dropping off my child late the other morning after an MD appt. and I could hear the other boys in the woods and suddenly they all came running up the hill, yelling and smiling; it was a wonderful thing to see, these little boys bursting out of the trees, so happy and full of life and energy. I think NPS is truly heaven on earth for little ones.”

Nature Kindergarten Parent

“The Nature Kindergarten’s first week started in fantastic style, didn’t it? [Our child] comes home unbelievably dirty, tired, and happy with himself and the world. What more do you want?! That’s exactly how it should be, I think. So thank you very much!”

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Karen Blanchard Lilly

Director of Admissions