About Nature Academy

Children writing and reading outdoors at Nature Academy

Family-Style Environment

Outdoor-focused Learning

Individualized Education Plans

We are a family-style year-round microschool for ages 3–12, in a residential home. We run a preschool and elementary school simultaneously. Meals and activities are combined so siblings are together and children experience social connections with different ages.

We have services for both homeschool students and public school students. Children are able to take breaks in the calm room, rest on the couch, read in a swing — so they can learn in a supportive and comfortable home environment with consistent relationships with teachers and friends.

We focus on children as a whole and unique individual and provide support for their academic, emotional, mental, physical, and psychological needs. We teach independent skills, social skills, problem solving skills, communication skills, conflict resolution, life skills, emotional regulation, and more.

Utah State LicensedDaycare
Utah Fits AllApproved Private School
Approved Vendor forChildren’s First, UFA, Harmony Ed Services, & OpenEd

Located in St. George, Utah — near Costco & VASA gym

Philosophy & Approach

At Nature Academy, we believe that children learn best through play, movement, and meaningful connections with their environment and each other.

Our philosophy is rooted in the understanding that education should be engaging, joyful, and holistic—nurturing not only a child’s intellectual growth, but also their emotional, social, and physical well-being.

Our curriculum embraces all core subjects, such as: Math, Language Arts, Science, and History. We also offer all students: Spanish, American Sign Language (ASL), Cursive Hand-Writing, Music and Physical Education. In addition to their well-rounded education, students also enjoy many activities, toys, outdoor toys and games, board games / card games, clubs, and celebrations throughout the school year.

We ensure that learning is hands-on, interactive, and tailored to each child’s individual needs. Through small group instruction by extremely talented teachers, children receive the personalized guidance they need to thrive, while our group activities foster collaboration, creativity, and curiosity.

We prioritize outdoor time, recognizing the importance of fresh air, sunshine, and movement in developing healthy, happy children. Whether exploring nature, engaging in active play, or practicing mindfulness through stretching and breathing, we encourage children to care for their bodies and minds. Our focus on proper nourishment includes hands-on experiences with healthy food, helping children understand how to fuel their bodies in ways that promote lifelong wellness.

Beyond academics, we emphasize social-emotional learning. We teach kindness, respect, and empathy, helping children build the skills needed for conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and meaningful relationships. We encourage a mindset of positivity and personal responsibility, guiding children to care for themselves, one another, their surroundings, and the earth.

At Nature Academy, we cultivate a warm, welcoming environment where children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. By fostering curiosity, independence, and a love for learning, we prepare children not only for academic success, but also for a life of purpose, kindness, and well-being.

Meet The Teachers

Kayla — founder of Nature Academy

Meet Kayla

Founder & Director

My name is Kayla, and I am the owner. I have been homeschooling my own children for the past 4 years. I have worked in the public school system for 5 years, and 3 years at private schools. I have a master’s degree in mental health and wellness, a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and a minor in child development.

I have a strong passion for helping kids build and maintain their spark, curiosity, and love for learning. There have been so many times I’ve seen that slowly diminish and disappear with methods that cause burnout and frustration. I love trying to find ways to help them learn to read and write about things they love and are interested in, and in ways that help them enjoy it.

Adrienne Swift — Preschool and Music teacher

Meet Adrienne

Preschool & Music Teacher

Adrienne has a background in music, ASL, and the arts where she has taught privately and in a professional music studio. In her seven years of homeschooling as a mom of 4 — she has led circle times, story groups, co-ops, and creative learning sessions.

Influenced by Waldorf principles, she brings warmth, rhythm, and creativity into both her academic classes, as well as her elective classes. As a Hard-of-Hearing person, she is an advocate for ensuring every child feels included and supported.

2026–2027 School Year

Schedule & Routine

Here’s what a typical day at Nature Academy looks like.

7:45–8:30Breakfast
8:30–8:50Preschoolers Spanish • School Kids outside for PE / Yoga
8:55–9:30School Kids Spanish • Preschoolers Circle Time / ASL
9:30Snack Break
9:45School Kids Music & ASL / Preschoolers PE / Outdoor Activity
10:15–12:15Language Arts & Math lessons
Kids outside playing if it’s not their turn (taught outside when weather is good). Preschoolers do their own lessons & activities outside during this time. Cursive and Art are incorporated into LA.
12:15–1:15Lunch
1:15–1:40Silent Reading / Read Aloud
1:40Show: Science 2×/week • Social Skills 1×/week • Cursive 1×/week
Rotated so part-time kids get all of them.
2:00–3:00Activity and / or outdoor play
3:00School kids gather belongings & wait in calm room for pickup
3:15All school kids gone
3:30–4:30After-school clubs & classes
Mon: Legos / Board Games • Tue: Arts & Crafts • Wed: Pokémon, Outdoor Games, Garden • Thu: just daycare
4:30Dinner
4:45Free play with craft supplies, finishing games, etc.
5:15Clean up
5:30All kids gone