our core Values
Foundation
Natural Environment
Natural Environment
Through a curriculum based on foundations children learn skills which equip them for success. Lost skills prepare today's children for whatever life may throw their way!
Natural Environment
Natural Environment
Natural Environment
We understand the value of time spent in nature, which is why we are located on over sixty acres of Central Florida forested land.
Connection
Natural Environment
Connection
Our environment fosters connection to both our community and the natural world. Strong connections are an integral part of a healthy homeschool experience.
Community
Natural Environment
Connection
Community is necessary for a holistic childhood. Being able to relate to those around us helps to bring significance into our lives, which we all need.
“The care of the child should be governed, not by the desire to make him learn things, but by the endeavor always to keep burning within him that light which is called intelligence. ”.
Dr. Maria Montessori
Our Lost Skills are divided into three categories:
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Focus: thinking independently, survival, approaching problems creatively
Examples: shelter building, archery, engineering (STEM), water filtering, wilderness first aid, fishing, animal tracking, spear throwing, fire building, etc.
Nature-based Learning
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Focus: physical education, receiving the benefits of natural sunlight, movement and mindfulness
Examples: self-defense, stand up paddleboard, kayaking, sailing, high ropes course, rock climbing, swim, orienteering, yoga, canoeing
Self Sovereignty
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Self Sovereignty
Focus: using nature's resources, independence through community, health and wellness, handwork, the arts
Examples: herbal medicine (making salves, bath soaks, herbal cleaners, etc.), sewing, weaving, finger knitting, crochet, gardening, pottery, music, theater, wreathe making, foraging, braiding, basket weaving
Meet our teachers
Ms. Elle
Ms. Laurie
Ms. Laurie
Ms. Elle is the founder of Schoolhouse in the Woods, and a Montessori educator who specializes in teaching lost skills. Since she was age five, she has known that teaching would be her life's work. She believes that the children are our future, and in our turbulent world, they need support to develop into thriving humans on our planet. He
Ms. Elle is the founder of Schoolhouse in the Woods, and a Montessori educator who specializes in teaching lost skills. Since she was age five, she has known that teaching would be her life's work. She believes that the children are our future, and in our turbulent world, they need support to develop into thriving humans on our planet. Her hobbies are gardening, yoga, being on the water, nature exploration, traveling, and spending time with her family. She loves teaching at Schoolhouse in the Woods, and is passionate about helping children to reach their highest potential!
Ms. Laurie
Ms. Laurie
Ms. Laurie
With almost two decades of classroom teaching experience, Ms. Laurie is a fabulous addition to our talented team of Schoolhouse teachers. Her areas of speciality include Math, Marine Biology, and Art, and the bulk of her teaching experience has been with middle and high schoolers, which makes her the perfect fit for our Secondary classes
With almost two decades of classroom teaching experience, Ms. Laurie is a fabulous addition to our talented team of Schoolhouse teachers. Her areas of speciality include Math, Marine Biology, and Art, and the bulk of her teaching experience has been with middle and high schoolers, which makes her the perfect fit for our Secondary classes. Her hobbies include art, tae kwon do, scuba diving, and sky diving! She loves spending time in nature for the fresh air, sunshine, and ever-changing beauty of it all. She loves leading her students in new and exciting experiences at Schoolhouse in the Woods!!
Ms. Lisa
Ms. Laurie
Ms. Lisa
Ms. Lisa has been with us for a while now, and we don’t know what we would do without her. In addition to her 20+ years of classroom teaching experience, she is also a yoga instructor, and a very talented artist. She loves to hike and spend time in nature, and she enjoys sharing her love of the outdoors with our students!
Miss Bria
Miss Chloe
Ms. Lisa
A biologist, Florida Master Naturalist, and environmental educator, Miss Bria has worked for years in nature centers, summer camps, and non-profit organizations connecting children with the natural world. Miss Bria loves leading hands-on tours, lessons, and classes that inspire critical thinking and environmental stewardship and provide a foundation for positive interactions with nature.
Miss Chloe
Miss Chloe
Miss Chloe
Miss Chloe is our assistant teacher in our Rising Tide and Orange Grove classes. With her Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education, background as a surf instructor, and experience as a homeschooled student herself, she is an incredible blessing to our program. At Schoolhouse in the Woods you can find her reading books, swimming with
Miss Chloe is our assistant teacher in our Rising Tide and Orange Grove classes. With her Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education, background as a surf instructor, and experience as a homeschooled student herself, she is an incredible blessing to our program. At Schoolhouse in the Woods you can find her reading books, swimming with the children in Lake Winona, or listening to a lovely tale by one of our students. As a lover of nature, surfing, and all things outdoors, she believes that children need time in nature to become self-regulated and compassionate individuals on our earth.