Frequently Asked Questions
How can I enroll my child?
To enroll your child, follow our Enrollment Process outlined above. Our school calendar runs from August through May, and enrollment for the fall begins in February. Families on the Wait List will be contacted in March with next steps and available spots. If openings arise during the school year, we will reach out to families on the Wait List to fill those spots.
How can I add my child to the Wait List?
To join the Wait List, complete the steps outlined in our Enrollment Process above. Once the Wait List form is submitted and the associated fee is paid, your child’s spot on the list is confirmed.
How will I know if my child is ready?
The Nest accepts children aged 3 to 5 for our mixed-age classrooms. Your child must be 3 years old by the start of the school year (early August) and fully potty-trained. If your child’s birthday falls later in the fall semester, please contact us to discuss potential enrollment options.
Additionally, children should be confident in basic self-care skills, such as using the restroom independently and dressing themselves, as much of the school day takes place outdoors. These skills ensure your child’s safety, comfort, and ability to fully engage in our outdoor learning environment.
What is your school year calendar?
Our school year follows a traditional academic calendar, running from August through May and closely aligned with the Boerne ISD academic calendar. We observe Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring Breaks as scheduled by Boerne ISD. Summer programming is available from June through August.
What hours can my child attend school?
The core school day runs from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Summer programming hours are 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
What is the daily schedule at The Nest?
The school day runs from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Students arrive between 7:50 AM and 8:00 AM, beginning their day outdoors exploring diverse learning areas. After Circle Time, which sets the plan for the day, students enjoy a nutritious morning snack before heading out for hikes, creek exploration, garden visits, or other outdoor activities.
Lunch is enjoyed on the covered classroom porches, followed by time spent in classroom centers, art spaces, or 1:1 sessions with teachers to support individualized learning plans. The day ends with more outdoor exploration in one of our nature-inspired play areas.
How do teachers communicate with families?
Families receive weekly e-newsletters from their classroom teachers, including updates on the curriculum, photos, and reminders. Administrative updates are sent as needed. Parents are also invited to attend scheduled information sessions on child development topics and participate in social gatherings during the school year.
Teachers hold parent-teacher conferences each semester to discuss student progress and goals. Additional meetings can be scheduled as needed to ensure every child’s unique needs are met.
Are Meals provided by the school, or do families provide them?
The Nest provides a nutritious morning snack. Families are responsible for packing a healthy, hearty lunch to sustain their child’s energy for a full day of active learning. Dietary needs and restrictions can be accommodated upon request.
What happens in case of inclement weather during the school day?
We believe daily outdoor time is essential for resilience and learning. Students go outside every day, regardless of weather, and we partner with families to ensure children are dressed appropriately for seasonal conditions (e.g., raincoats, boots, warm jackets).
In cases of extreme or unsafe weather, activities will be moved indoors as necessary to prioritize the safety, comfort, and quality of the learning experience.
What is The Nest's curriculum based on?
The Nest’s curriculum is rooted in nature-based learning and guided by play-based, child-centered approaches. It is designed to foster curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, and social-emotional development. By integrating outdoor exploration with hands-on experiences, the curriculum nurtures a lifelong love of learning and a deep connection to the natural world.
What is the health and wellness policy at The Nest?
The health and well-being of our students, families, and staff are our top priorities. At The Nest, we maintain high standards for health, safety, and hygiene to support a thriving learning environment. Our approach focuses on promoting overall wellness, encouraging outdoor activity, and ensuring a clean and safe campus.
While we no longer have specific COVID-19 protocols in place, we continue to prioritize practices that protect our community from illness, including regular cleaning and sanitizing of shared spaces and materials. Families are encouraged to keep children home if they are unwell to support the health of all students and staff.
The benefits of outdoor learning are integral to our program, providing a natural way to foster physical and emotional wellness. By spending much of the day outdoors, our students are exposed to fresh air, sunshine, and open spaces, which research shows can help reduce the spread of illness and support overall health.
For any updates or specific guidelines regarding health-related concerns, The Nest will communicate directly with families and adjust policies as needed in alignment with public health recommendations.