Core Classes (Mon-Thurs)
The heavens tell about the glory of God. The skies show that his hands created them. Day after day they speak about it. Night after night they make it known. But they don’t speak or use words. No sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into the whole earth. Their words go out from one end of the world to the other.
— Psalm 19:1-4 (NIRV)
Our Learning Environment
Our home-based, two-acre outdoor learning space backs up to the pristine Thorn Creek Forest Preserve. Your child may see white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, and a choir of birds in our oak and maple forest.
Our classes are designed to immerse our students in nature. That’s why each session Monday-Thursday includes time for a hike or independent learning station.
These classes are designed for families who want to take a different approach to core academics but don't have the bandwidth to do it themselves. Morning classes focus on the most important subjects: math and language arts. Afternoon classes focus on the next most important subjects: science and Spanish. You can sign your middleschooler up for the two courses (half-day) that fit their needs, or for the entire day.
Please review the families that are the best fit for this environment.
Remnant core classes are for students who are at least 10 years of age and ready for at least 5th grade level work.
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Counting Creation (math)
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Living Word Lab (language arts & social studies)
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Genesis 1 (science)
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Raíces de Español (Spanish)
Counting Creation
(math)
Math is not just numbers and equations. It's the pattern of creation. Students will slowly master foundational math concepts that help them investigate and understand the world around them. We build calculation skills by exploring nature, life skills, scripture, and history.
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Instructor to student ratio: 1:15
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Maximum of 30 students
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Minimum Requirements: All students must at least be ready to dive into advanced multiplication and division.
Time: Monday-Thursday, 8:45 to 10:45 am
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8:45 to 9 — Drop off/Free Play
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9 to 10:30 — Class
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10:30 to 10:40 — Cleanup/Free Play
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10:40-10:45 — Parent Pick Up
Cost: $225 per month for each child
Living Word Lab
(language arts/social studies)
We use Scripture as as the source text to build reading fluency, reading stamina, discourse skills, comprehension, and writing skills. The goal is to connect Biblical passages and related living text to historical periods and modern events.
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Instructor to student ratio: 1:15
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Class maximum of 30 students
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Minimum requirements: All students must be able to fluently read and write recaps from the NIRV Bible translation
Time: Monday - Thursday, 10:45 to 12:45 pm
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10:45 to 11 — Drop off/Free Play
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11 to 12:30 — Class
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12:30 to 12:40 — Cleanup/Free Play
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12:40 to 12:45 — Parent Pick Up
Cost: $225 per month for each child
Genesis 1 Investigation
(science)
This outdoor science class uses Genesis 1 and other living books as the source text to explore God’s creation. It blends life sciences, physical sciences, and earth sciences into an investigation-based approach, not only to learn the information, but to spark worship for our Creator.
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Instructor to student ratio: 1:15
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Maximum of 30 students
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Requirements: All students must be able to fluently read from the NIRV Bible translation—and they must love dirt.
Time: Monday - Thursday, 12:45 to 2:15 pm
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12:45 to 1 pm — Drop off/Free Play
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1 to 2 pm — Class
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2 to 2:10 — Cleanup/Free Play
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2:10 to 2:15 — Parent Pick Up
Cost: $175 per month for each child
Raíces de Español
(beginner Spanish)
As our country’s second most popular language, we train young people in the basics of Spanish language structure. Our outdoor environment zooms in on nature and life skills to practice verb conjugation and vocabulary building in action.
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Instructor to student ratio: 1:15
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Maximum of 30 students
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Minimum requirements: Must love music
Time: Monday - Thursday, 2:15 to 3:30 pm
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2:15 to 2:30 pm — Drop off/Free Play
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2:30 to 3:30 pm — Class
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3:30 — Parent Pick Up
Cost: $175 per month for each child
Payment Terms
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Core classes require a full-semester commitment.
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10% percent discount available for siblings
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All class payments due on the 15th of the month prior to the start of the class. Students are not permitted to attend class until full payment is received.
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Core class enrollment DOES NOT include Friday Skill School classes. Please check out those offers separately.
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Food is not included in class fees. Each must bring a snack/lunch and a refillable water bottle.
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Makeup session will be offered for classes that Remnant cancels due to emergency weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.
Refunds & Cancellations
A request for refund means the family has already paid the monthly class fee for a core class and would like to receive their payment back. Remnant Nature Academy does not offer refunds for core class payments.
A request for cancellation means the family has enrolled in the class for the semester, but want to discontinue enrollment and monthly class payments after the class has started. Remnant will consider cancellations on a case-by-case basis when and if the student’s spot in that core class is filled.
Class Size
At Remnant, our core classes maintain a 15:1 student-to–instructor ratio with opportunities for parent volunteers. Our max capacity for each class is 30 students, one lead teacher, and one assistant teacher.
That choice is very intentional. In a world where middle schoolers are often lost in crowded classrooms, we believe being seen is not optional—it’s essential. Teachers actually know their students, how they learn, what motivates them, where they struggle, and where they shine. If a young person needs more support—academically, emotionally, or socially—we will notice early. And when a young person is ready to soar, we don’t ask them to wait. They are engaged, not coasting.
Our multi-age classrooms are another powerful advantage. Middle schoolers need to learn from each another. Mixed ages allow students to grow at their own pace rather than being boxed into an arbitrary grade-level expectation. Younger students benefit from peer models. Older students develop leadership, confidence, and responsibility by guiding others. Everyone learns that growth isn’t a race—it’s a process.
Here's the process to enroll
Step 1: Complete the Enrollment Request Form
If Remnant seems like a fit, the next step is to complete a family enrollment form. This helps us get to know your family better. This includes information about your child’s learning history, interests, strengths, and needs, as well as your family’s values and goals. This step explains how your child might be supported and challenged within our small, multi-age learning community.
Step 2: In-Person Meeting
For Core Classes only. For Skill School, skip to step 3
Next, we will schedule an in-person interview with families who want to enroll in core classes. Because these are leveled academic classes, we need to aligned on expectations, learning styles, and how our approach aligns with your family values. We will take baseline information on your child's strengths, needs, and their ability to learn outdoors. Our goal is to confirm that Remnant Nature Academy is a healthy and supportive fit for everyone involved.
Step 3: Confirm Your Spot
Families who are accepted into their class(es) of interest will receive an official welcome letter along with instructions to submit the enrollment deposit. Once the deposit is received, your child’s space is secured.