Welcome
Homeschool Enrichment
-Enhance your child's homeschool experience
-Become a member of a close-knit community of homeschoolers
-Curriculum Tutoring
Testimonials
Hear what our loyal families have to say about us!
"I can't say enough great things about The Nature's School House. Mrs. Rachel has truly brought her love and vision for holistic learning to Brevard! From mud kitchens to learning empathy through role playing and everything else in between you can't go wrong with having your children get to experience the joy of learning through play with Ms. Rachel and her group of amazing teachers. "
- SS
"Our children have known and loved Ms. Rachel and Ms. Diane since early 2019. These two have more love and kindness than any other educator my children have ever had. This is why we are so passionate about Nature's Schoolhouse Network (previously known as the Little Blue Barn). Along with academics, NSN encourages risky play, teaches independence, conflict resolution, and shows love and connection to every child in their program. After my oldest son's first year at NSN, he was showing math and literacy skills one grade level ahead. When he was evaluated, the evaluator commented how well documented and prepared his portfolio was. It was obvious how much he had learned that year. Children require connection, love, support, and to be nurtured and guided. These positive interactions with your children shape the future. Ms. Rachel and Ms. Diane offer all of this and more!"
- Dana W.
A note from one parent:
"I occasionally get overwhelmed with gratitude for the program you've created for these kids, and I just wanted to share that with you. You should know what an important impact you are having on the lives of these children. I can't imagine what we would be doing for J if it weren't for Nature's Schoolhouse. It works perfectly to fill the gaps in what I can provide at home.
I became so discouraged as a public and private school teacher when I realized how restricted teachers are in a traditional setting and how difficult it has become for even the very best teachers to do what is best for their students. Additionally, I had concerns about kids' overall loss of freedom to roam and play outside these days. I fretted about my future children and their educational foundation options for years before they were even born. Homeschooling didn't seem like a great option for us because I didn't want my kids stuck at home every day under the helicopter supervision of their mom.
Nature's Schoolhouse quelled all of my concerns about how to provide the best education possible. It allows J to have some independence from me, make good friends, be active and creative outside, learn from other adults teaching styles, practice social skills, learn how to operate in a group where he's not the center of attention, time and space to behave like a kid with other kids, and have enriching educational experiences I can't provide in our living room. It perfectly rounds out his educational experience! A couple days at Nature's Schoolhouse and a couple days doing individualized instruction with me at home is absolutely ideal and I could not do homeschooling so well without your program.
I cannot believe our luck in being in the free state of Florida, in the great county of Brevard with so many wonderful homeschool programs and access to the PEP scholarship funds to help us afford it. You are part of the beginning of a powerful educational movement and the positive effects of this will follow these children all of their lives even affecting future generations. From my perspective, Nature's Schoolhouse is an everyday miracle. Thank you for starting this program and for continuing this program another year. It is so important for so many families. " -J.P.
About Us
Our Vision
Our vision is to provide a safe environment for children to learn and play in nature. Along with providing a service to our community, we hope to help nurture a deep relationship between our students and nature, so they are motivated to help protect our planet as adults.
Among many things, we value kindness, respect, inclusion, and environmental stewardship.
~Ours is a place where childhood is protected~
In a world that is pressing children to grow up too quickly, we are an oasis where children can come play and learn in nature and simply be children.
**Note: We are a secular program. The personal beliefs (religious, political, etc.) of our educators will never be influenced upon your children.
Interested in working or volunteering with us?
We're hiring for next year! Email for inquiries. Info.naturesn@gmail.com
Our program has a new phone number!
(321) 464-0891
SUMMER CAMP 2025 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!!
We have two weeks of summer camp available:
Week 1: Wild Florida - June 23rd-27th
Week 2: Ocean Week -July 14th- 18th
Register link below:
(unless you are a current student, then you register by sending a message on Procare)
https://form.jotform.com/230534679218057
Location
We are beautifully located under old oak trees, safely set behind a church, between another church and a school.
**We are a secular program**
West Melbourne
Follow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3104999452951654/
Our beginning
Nature's Schoolhouse Network began as the Little Blue Barn in Melbourne, FL in the Fall of 2020. The founder Ms. Rachel Miller and Diane Young, put countless hours of work and lots of love to make this dream a reality. For the first two years we followed the Florida Nature Guide, so our studies were focused on Florida's natural surroundings.
Curriculum & Activities
We follow Blossom and Root curriculum. Families will have the option of purchasing the curriculum and aligning with our studies or simply using us as an enrichment program.
We will keep each student's work in a folder and send it home at both Winter Break and Summer Break.
Every day will include hands-on learning, literacy skills practice, and nature studies. In between focused lessons, children will have ample time to play outside, garden, dig, climb, and simply be a child!
Our day runs from 9:00- 2:00. Aftercare is offered on Mondays until 3:00 and Wednesdays until 4:00 only.
Monthly Tuition for 2024-25
Registration Fees: $75
Annual Materials Fees: $15 per day your child attends (1 day/week students: $15/year, 2 day/week students: $30/year, 3 day/week students: $45/year)
**Below is an accurate update for tuition fees which includes our increase in pricing for the 2024-25 school year**
Dragonflies: Kindergarten & 1st grade
MWF: $510/ month
Tu/Th: $365/ month
Fridays: $175/ month
Dolphins :1st-3rd grades
MWF: $465/ month
Tu/Th: $325/ month
Fridays: $175/ month
Sea Turtles:4th-6th grades
1 day/ week: (you can choose any day):
$160/ month
2 days/ week: $295/ month
3 days/week: $415/ month
Highly Qualified Educators
Rachel Roper: Founder, Operator, and Educator
She has a B.A. in Anthropology from UNF. During college she fell in love with teaching children outdoors while working as an Education Ranger at the nature trails on UNF's campus. She has worked in various education settings such as a Waldorf school in Jacksonville, a preschool in New Zealand, Kindercare in Orlando, and the Verdi EcoSchool in Eau Gallie.
A world traveler, she has spent time in many countries including 6 weeks in Peru and a year in New Zealand. Also, as an extreme nature lover, running a nature-based program has been her dream for years.
Ms. Adair Stutzke: Lead Educator - Dragonflies (Tuesdays & Thursdays)
My husband and I moved to West Melbourne in October of 2023. We are from the beautiful state of Idaho. We have been married for 25 years. We have two sons and one daughter. The boys live in Idaho and our daughter attends Saint Leo University in Florida. I have a BA. in Education from Eastern Washington University. My major is Reading with a minor in Early Childhood Education. I taught 4th - 6th grade for 9 years. I then decided to leave the school and help my husband run his electrical business until 2023. At that time, we decided to close the business, move to Florida and “semi” retire. During the time of running our business, I also worked several years at Scribbles, the preschool two of my children attended. I love working with kids and needed that in my life. I enjoy going out on our boat, walking the beaches, reading novels, and our new adventures of exploring the state of Florida. I am excited to be part of the Nature Schoolhouse Network. I love working with children and watching them explore and learn about themselves and their environment.
Ms. Robyn Mabus: Co-Lead Educator- Dragonflies
(Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays) -
Robyn brings over 30 years of diverse teaching experience to Nature’s Schoolhouse Network, where she assists in fostering a holistic and engaging learning environment. Her expertise spans Language Arts, Wild Math, Geography, Yoga, and the Blossom & Root curriculum, enabling her to inspire curiosity and creativity in young learners. Previously, Robyn served as Head Teacher for the VPK program at Montessori Country Day School in Melbourne, Florida. There, she implemented a comprehensive curriculum focused on reading, math, science, geography, and arts while overseeing annual testing and conducting parent-teacher conferences. Her dedication to physical well-being was evident through initiatives like Fitness Fridays and yoga classes for children, promoting healthy habits alongside academic growth.
Robyn's career began at Montessori School in Westchester, New York, where she spent nearly three decades refining her skills as a Geography and Physical Education teacher. She crafted innovative, cross-curricular lesson plans rooted in the Montessori philosophy, emphasizing hands-on learning and collaboration. Beyond the classroom, Robyn served as a certified Spin and Aqua instructor at Club Fit, where she led fitness programs for adults and seniors, demonstrating her passion for wellness and community engagement. Robyn’s credentials include an Associate Degree in Business from Mesa Junior College, multiple early childhood education workshops, and certifications in fitness and child development. Her commitment to lifelong learning and nurturing young minds makes her an invaluable asset to the Nature’s Schoolhouse Network team.
Ms. Caitlin Petrillo: Co-Lead Educator- Dragonflies
(Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays) -
Caitlin is a lifelong learner and educator with a passion for creativity, nature, and holistic wellness. Homeschooled throughout her youth, she pursued studies in psychology, theatre, and literature during college, later expanding her expertise to include massage therapy and herbalism.
Caitlin has worked with children her entire life, growing up in a family that fostered a deep commitment to caring for others. This foundation inspired her to continue nurturing young minds, leading to her role as a preschool Garden teacher and, since 2023, a teacher in the Dragonflies classroom.
As part of a creative, homeschooling family, Caitlin values connection to nature and embraces activities like gardening, astrology, and exploring health and wellness. In her downtime, she enjoys playing board games with her family and occasionally immersing herself in the imaginative world of Dungeons & Dragons.
Ms. Leigh-Ann Draheim: Lead Educator - Sea Turtles
I'm excited to teach the Sea Turtle class this year! I have two kiddos of my own, both homeschooled: 4-year-old Juni (who will be tagging along at school) and 17-year-old Levi. My teaching philosophy centers on making learning fun, hands-on, and tailored to my students. I like to get feedback from them so they have ownership over their own learning. I grew up overseas and have traveled extensively. I spent eight years with a nature-based homeschool group and taught homeschoolers at two other homeschool enrichment programs. I've also taught sewing for 16 years and stop making/fermentation at Earthskills gatherings for 9. My mom was a teacher, so I’ve always been volunteering with and teaching kids! I hold an Early Childhood Assistant Teacher Certification, CPR/AED/First Aid certification, and an AA with a focus on Education and Behavioral Science.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy sewing custom kids' clothes, reading, traveling, and cooking yummy vegan food. I make Juni’s clothes, sourdough bread, and grow all kinds of food and native plants in our yard. I love being outdoors, camping, and sharing the joy of nature with my students. At Nature's Schoolhouse Network, I love that kids get to be active, collaborative, and engaged in diverse learning experiences.
Debbie Sola: Lead Educator - Dolphins
She has a B.A. in Psychology from American University and a B.A. in Early Childhood Education from University of Central Florida. Debbie began her teaching career as a voluntary Art and French language teacher at her son's preschool, while managing her own recruiting firm. Since receiving her Early Childhood Education degree, with Reading Endorsement and ESOL Certification, she decided to dedicate her career to educating our youngest readers for the next 20 years. She has 2 sons and a daughter that she has traveled the world with to explore other cultures during summers. She is enlivened for this opportunity to continue teaching our 7–8-year-olds with a focus on literacy and math in nature's bountiful environment.
REGISTRATION TIPS
- Fill out and email Registration Form to:
- Payments are due by the 1st of every month. Late fees will be applied if not paid by the 5th
-Registration fee is $75
- Materials fee depends on number of days your child attends.
Program Calendar 2024-25
School Calendar 2024-25
Our school calendar is similar to BPS with a few differences.
- Wednesday 8/7: Teacher Meet & Greet @ 4:00 pm at school
- Monday 8/12: First day of School
- Monday 9/2: Labor Day - NO SCHOOL
- Monday 9/9, Tuesday 9/10: Picture Days
- Monday 10/14: Indigenous Peoples’ Day - NO SCHOOL
- Monday 11/11: Veterans’ Day - CELEBRATING IN SCHOOL
- 11/25- 11/29: Thanksgiving Break - NO SCHOOL
- 12/23- 1/3: Winter Break - NO SCHOOL
- Monday 1/20: MLK Day - CELEBRATING IN SCHOOL
- Monday 2/17: President’s Day - NO SCHOOL
- 3/17- 3/21: Spring Break - NO SCHOOL
- Friday, 4/18- Good Friday - NO SCHOOL
- Monday, 4/22: Earth Day Celebration
- Friday 5/23: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
**Please note that we are celebrating a few holidays in class this year. These particular holidays are not considered less important than the others, we are simply trying to spread out the breaks. It felt as though we had too many Mondays off last year. If you choose to keep your child home to celebrate these holidays, we completely understand. We will be acknowledging and learning about the holidays in school, though.
Photo Gallery
