The Campus

A Haven for Exploration and Learning

Nestled within the historic Herff Farm, The Nest Nature School is a magical place where children connect deeply with the natural world. Every morning, as children pass through the front gate, their excitement is palpable—they run eagerly to their classroom Cottages, ready to greet their teachers and dive into a day of discovery. With approximately 70% of their day spent outdoors, children at The Nest learn and play in harmony with nature, under the canopy of majestic oaks and across the beautifully designed outdoor spaces.

Each class is anchored in its own "Cottage," thoughtfully designed to include indoor spaces, screened porches, and dedicated outdoor areas. These Cottages open directly onto the nature-inspired playgrounds, fostering a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor learning. To enhance physical, social-emotional, and cognitive development, the campus features five distinct “mini-parks”—a central play area and four additional spaces located between the classroom Cottages. These areas are the result of a collaboration with Adam Bienenstock of Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds, a world-renowned designer of natural play environments. Logs, tree stumps, boulders, and wooden beams create imaginative play opportunities, while sand and mud play areas, trails, and wildlife habitats encourage exploration and sensory engagement.

The Nest campus is fully integrated into the broader 60-acre natural setting of The Cibolo Center for Conservation. Daily adventures take children beyond their Cottages to explore the Cibolo Creek waterfront, the Herff Farm Teaching Garden, and the Monarch Meadow, turning the outdoors into an expansive and dynamic classroom. In this setting, Mother Nature herself becomes an inspiring teacher, fostering curiosity, resilience, and a sense of wonder in every child.

At The Nest, education is about more than academics—it’s about nurturing a lifelong connection to nature. Through a blend of expertly designed spaces and the rich ecological diversity of The Cibolo, children develop an abiding respect for the natural world and the confidence to explore it. Whether climbing a boulder, observing aquatic life in the creek, or learning under the shade of an oak tree, each day is an unforgettable opportunity for growth and discovery.