Blackberry Academy a Wild approach to Pre-K

At Blackberry Academy Outdoor Preschool, we believe in a play-based and place-based approach that seamlessly integrates with the natural world. Our philosophy centers on fostering children’s innate curiosity and allowing them to thrive both cognitively and emotionally.

Play-Based Learning:

• Our curriculum encourages children to be intrepid explorers of the great outdoors. Whether rain or shine, the elements become a canvas for their imagination and learning.
• We champion the idea that children possess an intrinsic ability to learn autonomously. By viewing them as competent and capable, we create an environment where their creativity truly shines.

Place-Based Education:

• Our home base is the beautiful Blue Heron Park in Phoenix, Oregon. Nestled within the “Miracle Mile” along the Bear Creek Greenway, this park boasts natural wetlands, 16 cold water springs, Blue Herons, Acorn Woodpeckers, resident Beavers, River Otters, Bald Eagles, spawning Salmon, pollinator gardens, and multiple nature discovery zones. Desert willows provide perfect climbing trees for our young adventurers.

Community Creation:

• When you sign up your child at our school, you’re enrolling in more than childcare or early education—you’re joining a community of parents who choose something different. Parents who, like you, have decided that it’s time for a little less screen time and a whole lot more green time!
• We encourage these connections by hosting seasonal community gatherings that help families build meaningful relationships. 

Land Stewardship:

• As part of our school, all families are asked to participate in a few seasonal restoration events at the park or in the Rogue Valley. We believe that children learn what is important through the actions of their caregivers—and this shared stewardship is one of the ways our school community shows up for both children and the environment.

At Blackberry Academy, we celebrate childhood, nature, and the limitless possibilities that arise when the two intersect.