Enrollment is now open!

To fully understand what makes our program so special, reach out to director Alysa Meeks for a guide through our unique outdoor learning spaces. We can’t wait to have you for a visit!

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Strong Bodies, Inquisitive
Minds & Wild Hearts

At The Nest, education is about nurturing a lifelong connection to nature.

The Nest Nature School is a premier nature-based preschool rooted in play, exploration, and discovery. Designed for children ages 3–5, our program integrates developmental learning with real-world interaction with the natural world while nurturing confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

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Address

The Nest Nature School:
33 Herff Road, Boerne, TX 78006 ▸

CONTACT

Director, Alysa Meeks:‍ ‍(830) 357-7711 ▸
Email: nature@cibolo.org ▸

Our Philosophy

At The Nest, we believe:

Strong Bodies: Children develop physical confidence through active outdoor play.
Inquisitive Minds: Learning emerges naturally through exploration, questioning, and discovery.
Wild Hearts: Early connection to nature builds empathy, wonder, and stewardship.

Curriculum & Experience

Our program blends structured developmental goals with unstructured play in natural spaces:

Research-based, nature-centered curriculum that exceeds early learning standards.
Hands-on, outdoors learning that supports academic, social-emotional, and physical development.
Small class sizes and experienced educators focused on the whole-child experience.
Seamless indoor and outdoor classrooms that foster curiosity, confidence, and independence.

Nature-Based Learning

Research shows that learning in natural settings:

Strengthens cognitive and social development
Improves attention and creativity
Fosters physical health and resilience
Cultivates environmental stewardship from an early age

At The Nest, children don’t just learn about the world—they experience it!

Take a Tour with Ms. Alysa

See real learning in action and how we inspire confidence, curiosity, and a deep connection with nature in every child.

Your Questions, Answered

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.
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.
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.
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.
Schedule Options:
Flexible enrollment including 2-day, 3-day, and full-week options
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.
The core school day runs from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Summer programming hours are 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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.
Yes! The Taste of The Nest is a special opportunity for families with children aged 18 months to 3 years to experience the magic of our nature-based learning community! Join us for a fun and engaging morning where you and your little one can explore, play, and connect with other families while discovering the unique educational approach at The Nest.
The Perch
At The Nest Nature School, fostering a sense of community is just as important as nurturing a connection to nature. That’s where The Perch, our dedicated parent-teacher group, takes flight. Named for its role as a place of support, collaboration, and perspective, The Perch serves as a gathering space for parents and teachers to work together in enriching the school experience for our children.

The Perch provides an opportunity for parents to engage more deeply with The Nest’s mission of nature-based education. Through meetings, events, and volunteer efforts, members of The Perch collaborate with teachers and staff to plan activities, support classroom projects, and strengthen the bond between home and school. From organizing seasonal celebrations and family events to assisting with outdoor learning initiatives, The Perch is a vital part of The Nest community.

More than a parent-teacher group, The Perch is a space where relationships are built, ideas are shared, and everyone works together to ensure The Nest is a thriving and joyful environment. It’s a reminder that just like the nests we observe in nature, the success of our children depends on a strong and supportive community working together.
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.
Choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, and at The Nest Nature School, we believe that an exceptional early childhood education is a transformative investment in your child’s future. Our nature-based curriculum nurtures curiosity, fosters a love of learning, and supports holistic growth—cognitive, social-emotional, and physical. Tuition at The Nest ensures your child benefits from small class sizes, a dedicated team of highly qualified educators, and a unique, immersive learning environment that extends across our beautifully designed campus and 60 acres of natural landscapes.
Our scheduling options are designed to meet the needs of busy families, with flexible choices for 2, 3, or 5-day programs. Additionally, we offer after-school Nature Camps and summer programming to provide year-round care and enrichment. By enrolling your child at The Nest, you’re providing them with the foundation for a lifetime of learning, confidence, and connection to the natural world.
At The Nest Nature School, we believe every child deserves access to an exceptional education, regardless of financial circumstances. While we strive to keep our tuition competitive and affordable, we understand that some families may need additional support to make this important investment in their child’s future. That’s why we are proud to offer scholarships to ensure that finances are never a barrier to experiencing the transformative education we provide.
We are committed to making the financial aid process welcoming, confidential, and accessible. If you are interested in financial assistance, please know that your request will be handled with care and respect. Our School Director, Alysa Meeks, oversees all financial aid inquiries and will work directly with you to guide the process with sensitivity and professionalism.
Our scholarship program is made possible through the generosity of donors who believe in the power of education and nature to change lives. By working together, we ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a nurturing environment that inspires a lifelong love of nature and learning.
For more information about financial aid or to begin the application process, please contact Alysa Meeks directly at alysa@cibolo.org. We are here to help and look forward to supporting your family’s journey with us.
Our scheduling options are designed to meet the needs of busy families, with flexible choices for 2, 3, or 5-day programs. Additionally, we offer after-school Nature Camps and summer programming to provide year-round care and enrichment. By enrolling your child at The Nest, you’re providing them with the foundation for a lifetime of learning, confidence, and connection to the natural world.

Taste of The Nest

Curious about the Nest?

Taste of The Nest is a special opportunity for families with children aged 18 months to 3 yearsto experience the magic of our nature-based learning community! Join us for a fun and engaging morning where you and your little one can explore, play, and connect with other families while discovering the unique educational approach at The Nest.

When: Wednesdays or Thursdays, 9:30am – 10:30am
Where: The Nest Nature School, 33 Herff Road
Who: Families with children ages 18 months – 3 years
Price: $35 per child per session
Limited Spots: Max 12 children per session

Register

Upcoming Sessions:
March 18 & 19 – Exploring Trees
March 25 & 26 – Finding Flowers
April 1 & 2 – Down in the Dirt
April 8 & 9 – Watching Water
April 15 & 16 – Mushy Mud
April 22 & 23 – Incredible Ice
April 29 & 30 – Colors in Nature

Waitlist: If tickets are not available for your preferred date(s), join our Waitlist, and we’ll notify you if a spot opens up.

Come build community, experience hands-on learning, and see what makes The Nest so special!

"The Nest has been such a gift to our family. Our daughter comes home muddy, tired, and full of stories about insects, creek walks, and the ‘secret places’ she’s discovered. We’ve watched her confidence grow right alongside her curiosity. The teachers create such a nurturing environment while still giving the kids real freedom to explore. It feels like childhood the way it’s meant to be."

— Nest Parent
“What sets The Nest apart is the balance between learning and wonder. Our son is learning letters, numbers, and problem-solving skills, but he’s also learning how to care for the land, work as part of a community, and feel comfortable outdoors. The sense of belonging here is real. As parents, we feel supported and connected, not just enrolled.”

— Nest Parent
“I like The Nest because we get to go on adventures! I build forts and look for bugs and climb on big rocks. My teachers help me when I’m sad and cheer for me when I try something new. I like being outside with my friends. It’s my favorite school.”

— Nest Student