Built on a Proven Foundation
The Nature Bus Microschool is built on more than a decade of experience from The Nature Bus, a trusted outdoor education program offering nature-based learning experiences for children and adults.
Over the past 10+ years, The Nature Bus has:
- Served hundreds of children and families
- Earned 200+ five-star Google reviews
- Delivered consistent, high-quality programming led by experienced educators
- Built long-term trust with families year after year
After a decade of successful programming in the Virginia Beach region, The Nature Bus is relocating to the Charlottesville area in 2026 with the launch of The Nature Bus Microschool.
Why this matters: Families choosing a new school want to know this isn’t experimental. This section establishes longevity, scale, and trust immediately.
From Camps to Microschool
For much of the past decade, our children’s programming focused on Tinkergarten classes and summer camps. These programs became the foundation for our microschool model, blending child-led exploration, strong routines, educator guidance, and meaningful real-world learning.
The Nature Bus Microschool is the natural next chapter for us.
What Families Consistently Share
Across hundreds of reviews, parents consistently describe:
- Children excited to attend and eager to return
- Thoughtful, capable educators who care deeply about each child
- Learning that feels joyful, memorable, and meaningful
- Strong safety practices paired with freedom to explore
- Children coming home tired, happy, and full of stories
The testimonials below reflect these shared experiences.
Parent Experiences
Trust & Care
“She struck me as very competent and enthusiastic, so I felt comfortable entrusting my children with her. She did not disappoint… The teachers took great responsibility for teaching the kids and taking care of them like their own.”
“It’s truly the best-run summer camp I’ve ever dealt with. I never worried about how my child was doing because I had 100% faith and trust in these special ladies.”
Joy & Engagement
“For every day of camp week, my son was up and dressed early and couldn’t wait to jump in the car and get on the bus.”
“My 8-year-old declared this the ‘Best camp ever!!!’ He came home each day full of stories about what he’d learned.”
“After the second day of camp my younger child asked if he could do this next week too.”
Learning That Lasts
“This is so much more than childcare. My kids came home more interested in journaling, drawing, and observing the world around them.”
“My son taught our entire family why feeding geese isn’t good for wildlife. This camp encouraged all of us to explore more.”
“The journal entries are so lovely—leaves, drawings, observations. These are memories we’ll keep.”
Thoughtful, Educator-Led Programming
“Run by teachers, it has school-like elements woven into all the fun, like journaling and observation, which made returning to school easier.”
“The educators are kind, energetic, and intentional. They balance learning and fun beautifully.”
“Professional, well-planned, and flexible depending on weather and the needs of the children.”
A Program Families Return To
“We’ve been there two years in a row and will continue to do so.”
“My daughter returned for her second year and had an amazing week. Every day was a brand-new experience.”
“My son asked to go again before the week was even over.”
Looking Ahead
The Nature Bus Microschool carries forward everything families have trusted for over a decade – care, consistency, curiosity, and connection -into a small, relationship-centered school designed to grow with children year after year.
Families joining us in Charlottesville are not joining something untested. They are joining the next chapter of a program that has already earned the trust of hundreds of families.
