WHEN:
Tuesdays & Thursdays
11am - 1pm
​first class: April 1st
last class: June 5th
WHERE:
Mead Botanical Gardens
1300 S Denning Dr
Orlando, FL
* all classes held outdoors
WHO:
Children ages 1-7
* caregivers are asked to stay for class
* older siblings welcome for free
Exploration & Wonder
In this stage, children are immersed in sensory-rich environments that stimulate their development through touch, sound, sight, and movement. Activities focus on nurturing a connection to nature by allowing infants and toddlers to explore textures, sounds, and natural materials. This play-based approach encourages the development of motor skills, cognitive growth, and a sense of security and wonder in the natural world, setting the stage for deeper exploration to come.
0-2yrs
Imagination & Creativity
At this stage, children’s imaginations begin to flourish, and our program nurtures this by encouraging playful exploration and artistic expression. Through storytelling, imaginative play, and hands-on activities, children explore their own ideas and bring their inner worlds to life. This phase bridges the sensory-rich experiences of early childhood with the curiosity-driven inquiry of later years, laying the foundation for critical thinking, problem-solving, and a deepening sense of wonder and creativity.
3-4yrs
Curiosity & Discovery
Children in this age group are naturally curious, and our program is designed to harness this by engaging them in experiential, inquiry-based learning. Through nature walks, simple experiments, and collaborative projects, they delve into topics that intrigue them, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and a deepening connection to their environment. This phase supports the development of early academic skills while encouraging a lifelong love of learning and discovery.
5-7yrs
Stages of Growth
Planting Seeds of Wonder and Growth
Spring is a time of renewal, growth, and transformation—both in nature and within ourselves. As the world awakens, we embrace the season by planting seeds, tending to the garden of our heart, and observing the magic of life cycles. Through hands-on experiences, children learn about patience, care, and resilience, mirroring the growth happening within their own minds and bodies. We nurture curiosity, strengthen friendships, and foster emotional well-being through cooperative projects, movement, and storytelling. By embracing the energy of spring, we empower children to bloom with confidence, creativity, and a deep connection to the world around them.
Flow of the Season
Weeks 1-3:​
Weeks 4-6:
Weeks 7-9:
Weeks 10:
The World Around Me
Theme: Planting​​
Topic: Exploring the Wonders of Spring​​​
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The World Within Me
​ Theme: Rooting ​
Topic: Connecting Ourselves to the Earth
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Me Within the World
​ Theme: Blooming​
Topic: Discovering Our Place in the World
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Integration​
​ Theme: Reflecting​
Topic: Celebrating Our Growth
Rhythm of the Day
11am
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11–11:30am​
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11:30 – 12pm
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12 – 12:30pm
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12:30 – 1pm
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1pm
Welcome & Mindful Arrival
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Hands-on Sensory Play
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Opening Songs & Story Circle
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Nature Exploration & Crafts​
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Free Play, Group Games
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Gratitude & Closing Circle ​
Tuition and Fees
Enrollment Fee
$100/child
due at the time of enrollment
Tuition Fee
$300/season due by March 31st
OR $40/week due on Mondays
Sibling Tuition discount
10% for second oldest child
50% for third oldest child
free for any additional children
* Step Up Scholarship is accepted.
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Are there any scholarships or financial aid available?Yes! We accept the Step Up Scholarship (https://www.stepupforstudents.org/). SOL is an approved provider on the Step Up Marketplace, which means you can pay for enrollment and tuition directly with your scholarship funds. If your child has the scholarship, please indicate that on your enrollment form, and we will send you the Step Up payment link.
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Are parents required to stay during the program?For children aged 4 and under, we ask that parents stay on-site to ensure a smooth and comforting experience for their little ones. For children aged 5 and above, parent attendance is optional, allowing you time for yourself while your child develops independence and social connection within a safe, village-like community.
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Can parents be involved in the learning process?Yes, we encourage parent involvement and welcome parent contribution! Each session, we will ask for Parent Volunteers to assist with maintaining a safe and nurturing environment during class time. The more engaged we are in the learning experience, the more our children will inspired to be as well. We also believe in the power of children learning from and interacting with a diverse community of people. If you have a special skill or passion you'd like to share with the children, please reach out to connect@sol.community to discuss how we can plan and integrate your lesson into class!
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How many children and teachers will be in the class?Our class limit is set at 25 students, and we maintain a 5:1 child-to-adult ratio at all times. This means that alongside our lead teacher, we rely on 3-4 parent volunteers to be actively present during each of our sessions. Parents play an important role in assisting with activities, ensuring safety, and offering personalized support. This collaborative approach not only strengthens our community, but also enriches the learning experience for every child.
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What is the attendance policy?If you can’t make it to class one day, that's okay—attendance is encouraged but not required. While attending every session helps your child stay connected with their peers and fully engaged in the learning journey, we offer flexibility and understanding. If you know in advance that your child will miss a class, please let us know so we can make any necessary adjustments. We do not offer refunds for missed classes, but we will provide you with any missed activities that can be done at home!
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What should we bring to class?Children should come dressed for the season and ready for outdoor exploration. We recommend bringing a water bottle, a healthy snack, a yoga mat or blanket, and and a basket or bag to hold nature treasures and craft projects. Unless otherwise instructed, we do discourage bringing any toys from home, as this can create tension between the children. Our goal is to show them that nature provides all the fun and adventure that they need.
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How do you ensure that the program meets academic standards?We do not impose rigid academic standards on children, as we believe their true gifts and intellect cannot be measured by conventional means. Every child needs the time and space to develop at their own pace, and our focus is on nurturing a deep sense of wonder and curiosity. Research shows that children primarily learn through play until around age 7, and we honor this by offering a play-based, experiential learning environment that supports natural development without the pressure of strict academic benchmarks. At the same time, we do believe in creating a strong foundation for future academic learning, so we’ve designed our integrative curriculum to provide ample opportunities for your child to discover fundamental concepts in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies simply by engaging with the materials and activities.
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How do you assess my child's progress?Assessment at SOL is holistic and ongoing. We observe and document each child’s growth across academic, social, emotional, and physical domains. We share these insights with parents through seasonal reports and parent-teacher meetings, focusing on each child’s unique journey of growth and development.
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How do you handle outdoor activities in adverse weather conditions?We believe in the importance of outdoor play and learning in all weather conditions, but will also take proper precautions when necessary. In the case of rain, the location for our class has ample pavilions and covered areas that can be utilized. In extreme weather, we will adapt our plans to ensure safety, rescheduling if necessary.