BOERNE — The Nest Nature School will offer a full kindergarten program this fall, creating a new nature-based option for early elementary education in the area.
Beginning with the 2026– 2027 school year, The Nest will be expanding beyond preschool to include the full kindergarten program.
Alysa Meeks, Nest School director, touted the expansion as a natural continuation of the Nest’s current learning process.
“Since opening, The Nest has focused on providing young children with a strong foundation through hands-on learning, meaningful relationships and daily time spent outdoors,” Meeks said. “As our preschool families have grown with us, many have asked what comes next.
“Adding kindergarten is a natural next step and a response to that growing interest from parents who want their children’s early education to remain developmentally appropriate, experiential, and deeply connected to the natural world,” Meeks added.
The Nest campus is fully integrated into the broader 60-acre natural setting of The Cibolo Center for Conservation.
The kindergarten program will align with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards, she said, ensuring students meet academic expectations while learning in a way that supports curiosity, creativity and confidence.
“At the same time, we are staying true to what makes The Nest unique,” she said.
Kindergarten students will spend at least half of their school day outdoors, exploring, observing and learning through direct experience with nature. Class sizes will remain small, with a 1:10 teacher-to-student ratio, allowing educators to truly know each child and tailor instruction to their individual needs.
“We believe children learn best when they feel connected: to their environment, to their peers, and to the adults who guide them,” Meeks said. “Outdoor learning offers countless opportunities for problem-solving, collaboration, movement, and reflection. Whether students are measuring rainfall, journaling about seasonal changes, or working together to build something using natural materials, they are developing both academic skills and life skills that will serve them well beyond kindergarten.”
Being part of The Cibolo, she said, allows students to learn on conserved land, surrounded by native plants, wildlife and open spaces that invite exploration and stewardship.
“For families considering kindergarten options, we understand that this is a significant decision,” she said. “Our goal is to offer a program that balances strong academics with the freedom children need to grow, ask questions, and develop a genuine love of learning.
Enrollment for the kindergarten program will open March 2. families interested are encouraged to reach out, ask questions and learn more about what a nature-based kindergarten experience can offer their child.
For details about The Nest Nature School and the new kindergarten program, call 830-857-7711 or visit cibolo.org.
As we prepare to welcome our first kindergarten class, we are grateful for the support of the Boerne community and excited to continue growing alongside the families we serve.
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