Life is better
in the dirt
There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!
We are a fully outdoor, Reggio Emilia/inspired school located on six acres across the street from Farm 12. The 2024-2025 school year was our pilot program year with a small group of students. For the 2025-2026 school year, we will be a licensed outdoor school with part-time and full-time options.
The Grove is very child-led, and exploratory play is at the top of our priorities. Children will be in all weather, playing with animals, learning life skills, gardening, getting dirty, and so much more!
The Grove Farm School
50/50
An affordable, enriching experience is our top priority. 50% of our children are on state childcare or a sliding scale/reduced rate.
Fully Outside
Regardless of the weather, we are outside all day! Teaching kids resilience, adaptation, and perseverance.
Child-led
We believe that children have more to teach us than any adult-written curriculum. Most of the day is spent using our imagination and creativity.
Holistic Approach
Supporting the whole child is supporting the body as much as the brain. It’s also supporting the family at school and the family at home.
We’re a part of something bigger
It’s a big family around here!
Step By Step
Since 1997, Step By Step has helped give babies a healthy start and moms the skills they need to build strong, thriving families. With our unique in-home model and dedicated team of nurses and counselors, we work to ensure every mom gets the care and support she needs during pregnancy and in her early parenting years.
Farm 12
As a social enterprise of Step By Step Family Support Center, Farm 12 was built to preserve this historic piece of farmland, enrich lives and holistically strengthen families, create job opportunities, be a gathering place for our community, and ultimately, produce profits to fund the mission of Step By Step.
The Barn School
Coming early 2026, The Barn School is our full early learning center for little ones 6 months to 5 years old. Opening on-site at Farm 12!
This early learning center will be a mixed indoor and outdoor experience while still focusing on a holistic approach to childcare.
Learn more
It takes all of us to raise the next generation, and honestly? We think it’s the most important job we have. Come alongside us!
From The Grove Families
Grove Parent
2024 - 2025 school year
“(My daughter) comes back happier, more confident, and excited to share with me about her day. I have noticed the impact it has had on her curiosity about nature around her, as well as her resilience in various weather conditions.
I have been reading “The Anxious Generation” regarding the harmful impact of the increase in technology combined with the loss of free childhood play and the influence it has had on the last two generations. What you all are doing is the complete opposite of both and is changing the narrative for our littles. So grateful to be a part of The Grove community! Thanks for creating something unconventional for our kiddos.”
Grove Parent
2024 - 2025 school year
“As a first-time mom, I had no idea what to expect from preschool for my son. All I know is he loves being outside, and I couldn’t imagine him sitting at a table for hours out of the day. In just one year at The Grove, he can communicate so much better, and he knows so many numbers and colors. Best of all, he has made lifelong friends, and I never have to feel guilty about how much time he’s spending outside! The teachers at The Grove are so kind and nurturing to him as well as pushing him to be the bravest and kindest boy!
Grove Parent
2024 - 2025 school year
“As a child with speech difficulties, the Grove has been the perfect school environment for our son. Their play-based approach perfectly aligns with both (his) needs and our desires for his early childhood development. We wholeheartedly recommend The Grove and will continue to embrace it as a vital part of our children's lives.”
Take back childhood
We’ll be right there with you.
@thegrovefarmschool
