A Natural Start

 

Elachee Nature Academy is a tuition-based school that offers Preschool, Kindergarten and 1st-2nd Grade programs immersed in nature.

Located within the 1,440-acre Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve, in south Hall County, our nature school shares a campus with and is managed and operated by Elachee Nature Science Center.

Elachee Nature Academy’s inquiry-based curriculum exposes students to concepts that inspire an appreciation for the natural world and focus on the needs of the whole child. Small student to teacher ratios allow for personalized instruction.

School Year

The academic year is August through May, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Preschoolers may attend five (5) days, Tuesday/Thursday or Monday/Wednesday/Friday. K-2 students attend Monday-Friday. We follow the Hall County Schools 2023-2024 calendar.

Financial Aid

Elachee Nature Academy is an ‘Approved School’ through PayItForward Scholarships. This program’s annual application deadline is December 31 for the upcoming school year. Award notifications are announced after April 15.

Elachee Nature Academy is a Cognia-accredited school licensed through the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning’s Bright from the Start.

Eligibility

 

Preschool

Your child must be age three (3) by March 1 or age four (4) by September 1 of the enrollment year to be eligible for the Elachee Nature Academy Preschool program. Additionally, your child should be able to complete toileting activities independently.

Kindergarten

Your child must be age five (5) by September 1 of the enrollment year to be eligible for the Elachee Nature Academy Kindergarten program. Your child must also be competent with independent bathroom skills.

1st-2nd Grade

Your child must be age six (6) by September 1 of the enrollment year to be eligible for the Elachee Nature Academy 1st Grade program.

For Parents

What’s the Buzz?

“I am delighted my children have a place where they learn the out-of-doors are not only places to be studied and appreciated, but places of adventure, fun, learning and laughter.”

“My daughter loves bugs, trees, lizards and snakes because Elachee helped bring that wonder into her world.”

“I love the method of teaching and how my son is getting to learn in such a different and effective way!”

“We are so thankful to have found this option for our family.”

“My child says, ‘Mom let’s go on an adventure and see what we can find.’”

“I love this program for my grandchildren. It is so important that our young people learn about nature.”

“I learn from my child every day, and watching her growing appreciation of nature inspires me.”

“Most kids only get this hands-on learning once a year, on a field trip.”