Our Community Shares

  • ”We love how much our daughter has learned here! Since starting, she has become so sure of herself and adventurous outdoors and on hikes. It's so fun to see her scrambling, jumping, and exploring on her own agenda. We have noticed her inquisitiveness and curiosity about her environment and peers grow immensely. At home, she is more capable of following her own ideas and projects and seeing them through. It's a joy to hear about her day each day. We love the small mixed group. Our daughter knows everyone well, looks up to the older kids, and has the confidence of being an example to younger ones. The mix of Montessori teaching with free outdoor play really seems to work for her. Finally - the value placed on community, kindness, and respecting our earth is so appreciated."

    — Joel (Nature Casa & Summer Camp Parent)

  • “We couldn't be happier with her experience at Westdale Nature School. Miss Kristi and Miss Heather are simply outstanding. You have created a warm and nurturing environment where every child feels valued and supported. The level of dedication and passion you both bring to the program is truly commendable. Not only do you both excel in providing a well-rounded education, but you both also prioritize the social and emotional development of each child. We have seen firsthand the positive impact you have had on our daughter's growth and confidence. Your creativity in lesson planning and ability to adapt to each child's unique needs is impressive. Moreover, the communication between teachers and parents is excellent. I always feel informed and involved in her progress. The fact that she is learning so much and still having fun doing it is remarkable. Overall, we really do thank God we found your school. We highly recommend Westdale Nature School to any parent looking for a nurturing and enriching environment for their child's early education.”

    — Martina (Nature Casa & Summer Camp Parent)

  • “Our daughter has absolutely thrived in the WNS program. She has become more adventurous and resilient during all seasons of outdoor play, and we have experienced utter joy seeing her deepen her exploration and ability to listen and observe the natural world around her. She is undoubtedly so proud of her community of classmates, and waxes rhapsodic on the daily about her experiences at school, whether it be about celebrating a classmate's birthday, the beautiful seasonal songs they sing together at circle time, or all the fun shenanigans the children get up to in the play yard. We can tell she has grown confident in her social and learning abilities, and carries a sense of pride in her accomplishments. The WNS program has deeply enriched our daughter's life.”

    — Cass (Nature Casa & Summer Camp Parent)

  • “They are finding creativity in everything now. Proves that so much fun can be found in a small space- no need for a huge backyard! The simplest of items that they find in our yard can keep them happy for a long time- little sticks and maple keys for example- they are building boats, making soup, so many ideas! Really appreciate no need for big, plastic toys when so much imagination blossoms from what they can find in a natural environment (plus a blue blanket as the sea :)”

    — Alicia (Nature Casa Parent)

  • “In every way possible! After our tour it was so easy to see that my child would thrive in this environment of learning with the outdoors education & Montessori approach. I grew up with a similar mindset and experience. It would be so amazing if we could introduce this culture to my child! You can tell the energy of the group is so wholesome and is truly amazing the work you as teachers are doing and giving to these children."

    — Janey ( Nature Casa Parent after the initial tour)

  • ““We enjoyed pretty much everything. I loved the gentle themes of the week to keep things interesting for campers enrolled in multiple weeks. I loved how it took place almost entirely outdoors. I loved how aftercare was offered. He loved the freedom to do what he enjoys and float in and out of more structured activities. It really met him where he was at each day. Loads of outdoor time.”

    — Margie (Summer Camp & Nature Casa Parent)

  • "I love above all that my child adored it! Also, the beautiful garden and caring staff. And the performances!Being outside all day! The staff! Making forts!

    — Frances ( Summer Camp Parent)

  • “We've noticed really exciting, wonderful growth in our child this past year! He's more at ease in social situations with other children, and is finding his voice to communicate needs/dislikes to others. We're happy to see him sharing his silly, imaginative side more freely with others. He's confident in his interests ("I do love math!") and is always up for outdoor adventures - no matter the weather. We're so grateful for WNS and the caring educators that nurture my child's curiosity and a joy of learning that we know will serve him well in school and life! ”

    — Sun ( Nature Casa & Summer Camp Parent)

  • “In the few months she has been at Westdale Nature School, we have noticed an increase in my child's confidence socially, as well as on our regular family hikes, which she seems to experience as "hers" more than before. She runs ahead, and is growing in her sense of being at home in nature, turning over stones, collecting sticks and including us in her curiosity. She has been so pleased to make several friends, particularly one that she feels quite close to. She is a more reserved person in social settings, and we have noticed that becoming someone's friend, contributing meaningfully to a friendship, and enjoying regular time together with the children at school, has increased her confidence.”Just want to say thank you for the wonderful place and atmosphere you cultivate for the children! It has been very special for my child to be with you for the few months and we really value the ways you have nurtured her.

    — Ania ( Nature Casa and Summer Camp Parent)

Thank you to the wonderful parents who let us share their thoughts.

We are grateful for our parents’ involvement and kind community. We genuinely enjoy connecting and open communications with our families. We love our community events and spending time with our families(and their extended families) at the Apple Orchard, Soup Social, Lantern Walk, Parent Meeting, Education Evenings, and Year-End Picnic. We really do have incredible families at WNS.