classroom experiences & OUTDOOR LEARNING

Enroll in 2024-2025

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Enroll in 2024-2025 〰️

Enrollment OPENS Jan 31st!

Spots are limited! Enroll your child today to secure your spot in the 2024-2025 school year!

emergent based learning


At AOA, we use an emergent educational approach using nature based exploration in Mansfield, TX. Our educational approach is influenced in part by Reggio Emilia and Forest School educational philosophies.

Our educational approach is an invitation to EXPERIENCE our natural environment, while our students DISCOVER fundamental concepts that allow them to GROW in mind, body, and spirit. We strive to meet the Texas Pre-K Guidelines for School Readiness.

classroom experiences

  • Arts & Crafts

    Every week at AOA your child will get to experience the joy of creativity. Our crafts are designed to lead your child in discovering new materials and growing their ability to use different utensils such as scissors, glue, paintbrushes, etc.

    All crafts will be delivered by the respective teachers.

  • Chapel

    At AOA we believe in not only growing the child’s mind and body but also their spirit in Christ. Chapel will give your child the opportunity to experience and discover God through lessons delivered by our teachers. Teachers will encourage the bible verse of the month and walk alongside your preschooler in their relationship with our Lord and Savior.

    Chapel will be held bi-weekly in order to teach your student about Jesus and continue to grow them in the Holy Spirit.

  • Discovery (Gardening)

    While you’re with AOA, your child is experiencing the wonders of gardening! They will learn about the fundamentals of what it takes to grow a living thing. They will have the opportunity to discover new flowers and plant vegetables in their respective classroom gardens. Our gardening classes will be held during the times that the students are not participating in the Stretch-N-Grow program. In addition to working on the garden, they will assist in taking care of our chickens and learning about life cycles of animals.

  • Stretch-N-Grow

    “Where Fitness Meets Fun!”

    Every Thursday and Friday your students will have the opportunity to participate in our Stretch-N-Grow program. This will be taught every week by a teacher at Stetch-N-Grow Fitness here in Mansfield. Each week our designated teacher from the fitness program will come visit our school and lead your littles in activities like yoga, sports, unique exercises and so much more.

  • Spanish and Movement

    Each class will get a Spanish and music time each week in their classroom. Anothen has a Spanish teacher that comes into the classroom to facilitate learning.

    Spanish is taught through literature and music.

  • Outdoor Learning

    We believe that kids learn through play and being outdoors. Everyday our students spend a large part of the day outside. Many days the classes will eat, learn, and have open play outside. Teachers also go on nature walks each day to allow kids intentional time outdoors.

5 benefits of being outdoors

  • Being outdoors improves motor skills, overall physical health, lowers body mass index and creates an appreciation for our environment.

  • Teachers report better overall student behavior and satisfaction. Students have also proven to become more open towards caregivers and parents.

  • Nature-based play and learning influences cooperation skills and reduces conflict. It also improves a child’s peer-to-peer relationships.

  • Improves critical thinking, problem solving and creativity. Children also show an increase in self awareness and communication skills.

  • Being outdoors helps us grow closer with our Creator. Students can also experience an increased level of peace and thankfulness.

  • nature walks

    Students will go on daily walks as a class throughout our designated forest areas. This allows the students to experience nature and discover new things.

  • Cooking & baking

    Each month your student will participate in a cooking day with their classmates. They will learn the value of following instructions, how to practice being safe in a kitchen and some early fundamental skills.

  • Observing Creation

    From incubating and watching baby chicks hatch to observing the butterfly process during the spring semester, you can expect your students to experience new ways of life and the power of creation.

  • We believe in the power of learning outdoors and being creative.

  • Therefore, we offer several different classroom opportunities for your students.

  • This allows each student to experience and discover new things while growing in their education and in their spiritual walk with God.