About Us

Our Philosophy

At Mary Elizabeth Farm School we believe that caring is at the heart of every healthy community.  We work and play on this land purposefully, caring for not only ourselves and each other, but for the animals, the river, the fields and the woods.  We teach children using tools that we believe everyone can relate to: farm chores, hiking, gardening, building forts, sledding, potlucks, swimming and other imaginative play.  We work hard to create a family atmosphere where parents and children can feel at home.

Our approach starts with understanding the child.  We want to know their interest, weaknesses, strengths and emotional needs.  We get them emotionally involved through field trips, sing-a-longs, hikes and transforming the room.

Our classroom reflects the variety and complexity of children’s needs.  We work to create a “family.”  That’s why you will see warm, intimate spaces:  couch, pillows, lamps, lots of books, plants and displays of children’s creative art work.

We talk about how to make and keep friends, living a good healthy life and being responsible, giving and loving.

We value connections to others and finding oneself.  These connections and responsibilities need to be taught.  Belonging to a group means being needed and believing that you have something vital to contribute.

We build a sense of community.  Each morning, the children use each others names and get to know interests and feelings.  Your child is learning to take turns without arguing, pouting or quitting.  Your child continues to learn about community through sharing, inviting others to join, solving conflicts and being friendly.

We do not do for children what they can do for themselves.  By sensitively observing, listening, actively participating and documenting discoveries of the children, we are able to provide appropriate materials and activities.

We maintain an atmosphere of respect and peacefulness in the classroom by listening to the children and their concerns, helping them solve conflicts cooperatively and teaching respect, empathy for people and the natural environment.