Based on 75+ acres in Harriston, ON
Education Rooted in Nature, Designed for the Whole Child
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Based on 75+ acres in Harriston, ON
Education Rooted in Nature, Designed for the Whole Child
The Owl's Nest School is a nature-based private school for preschool and JK-Grade 10; serving families looking for small classes, individualized education and exceptional childhood experiential learning.
3 Classroom School House
Greenhouse Classroom
Yurt Classroom in the forest
Indoor Washroom & Outhouses
Grandpa's Cabin in the Depths of the Forest
Nature Exposure Daily (2-7 hrs)
Highly Qualified Staff
4 OCT, 1 ECE, 1 Registered Kinesiologist Team
Small Class Sizes
Individualized Support
Whole Child Approach
Exceptional Academic Foundations
Curriculum Based Learning in Nature
Explicit and Experiential Learning
Over 75 Acres of Organic Farm, Forest and Creek Classrooms
Organic Market Gardens
Vast and Diverse Forest Spaces
Maple Forest with a Sugar Shack
Mushroom Forest
Fields
Zipline
Animals
Find Your Child's Nest
Explore Our Programs By Age
Located on the beautiful grounds of the 75+ acres of Reroot Organic Farm in Harriston, Ontario, The Owl's Nest was created from a simple belief:
"Children learn best when they feel connected, capable, and seen."
We know that not every child fits neatly into a box, and we don't believe they should have to.
At The Owl's Nest, we take a whole-child approach to education. Yes, academics matter, but so do confidence, relationships, emotional well-being, creativity, problem-solving, leadership, and a deep sense of belonging.
Our families come to us for many different reasons. Some are looking for a more personalized approach to learning. Others are seeking more time in nature, stronger community connections, homeschool support, smaller learning environments, or opportunities for their children to engage in meaningful, hands-on experiences.
What connects them is a shared belief that education can be more than academics alone.
"We believe learning happens everywhere; in the forest, around the lunch table, while caring for animals, through meaningful conversations, and during hands-on experiences that bring learning to life."
Our days are intentionally designed to balance strong academic foundations with exploration, movement, nature, and opportunities for children to follow their curiosity. Guided by Ontario Certified Teachers (OCTs), Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs), and specialized educators, students receive the individualized support, encouragement, and challenge they need to thrive.
Some days you'll find us building literacy and math skills. Other days you'll find us exploring the creek, planting in the garden, mentoring younger students, speaking in front of a group, or tackling real-world projects together.
Most days, you'll find a little bit of everything.
The Owl's Nest is not designed for one particular type of learner. Some of our students love climbing trees and getting muddy. Others arrive with their nose in a book. Some eagerly embrace every outdoor adventure, while others prefer observation before participation. Some thrive with structure and routine, while others flourish when given opportunities for exploration and creativity.
We believe children grow when they are invited to experience both the familiar and the unfamiliar; when they are supported to strengthen their existing interests while also discovering new passions, perspectives, and possibilities.
Literacy, numeracy, science, social studies, the arts, and practical life skills are thoughtfully woven into authentic experiences that nurture curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, confidence, and competence.
"We aren't trying to recreate school on a farm or in the forest. We're creating a place where children can grow into themselves."
A place where muddy boots are welcome, questions are encouraged, mistakes are part of learning, and every child is valued for who they are, not just how they perform.
"Because childhood is too important to rush through. And learning should feel meaningful."
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