Serving the greater Fort Bragg area
Where Learning Feels Like Childhood
From toddlers to third graders, our programs are thoughtfully designed to nurture curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Whether in the classroom or under the canopy of pine trees, children at Independence Academy explore the world around them while building strong academic and social foundations. Each stage of childhood matters here and every moment is a chance to grow.
BOOK A TOUR
A magical beginning for your little explorer Ages 6 months - 24 months
This is a beautiful nature-based parent & child experience, where learning blossoms under the sky. Held Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9–10 AM, this membership program runs September–November and February–June, offering guided circle time with stories, music, and songs, simple engaging crafts and open-ended playground play, time on the nature trails, in the gardens and visiting the farm animals, and an opportunity to connect with like-minded families. Please complete the application below so we can prepare to welcome you and your child into the Inde community!
Please complete the application below so we can prepare to welcome you and your child into the Inde community!
The Flower Rooms A Gentle Space to Bloom
The Flower Rooms
A Gentle Space to Bloom
Our toddler program offers a nurturing environment where young children are free to explore, play, and grow at their own pace. Inspired by Montessori and Reggio principles, The Flower Rooms emphasize respectful guidance, independence, and joy-filled learning.
The classroom feels like a home, filled with natural light and materials that spark creativity, movement, and early academic foundations. Outside, toddlers discover nature through garden time, weather walks, and hands-on play. • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:2
MORE ABOUT THE FLOWER ROOMS:
Children build confidence and self-care skills like dressing, toileting, and caring for their environment. Potty learning is supported gently, and rest is honored with cozy quiet spaces. We believe these early years are not just preparation, they are a vital part of childhood itself.
Program Options:
• 5-Day | 8:30am–3:00pm
• 3-Day | 8:30am–12:30pm
• 2-Day | 8:30am–12:30pm
The Tree Rooms
(Oak, Magnolia, Maple)
A Living Classroom Where Roots Grow Deep
Preschool Program (Ages 3–6)
In our mixed-age preschool classrooms, children experience hands-on learning through a blend of Montessori and Reggio approaches. Guided by skilled educators, students explore literacy, math, geography, and science through materials that invite discovery.
Social-emotional development is woven into each day. Through Conscious Discipline and gentle modeling, children learn how to communicate, problem-solve, and build meaningful relationships. • Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:2
MORE ABOUT THE TREE ROOMS:
Children lead their own learning by following their interests. Projects, play, and outdoor exploration foster focus, curiosity, and resilience. Our natural playground and garden boxes offer daily connection to the cycles of nature, helping children develop a sense of care and responsibility for the world around them.
Program Schedule:
• 5-Day | 8:30am–3:00pm
A School Without Walls
INDE EXPLORERS (Grades 3.5-6)
Our nature programs invite students to explore the world around them while building strong academic foundations. With our off-the-grid facility, children spend meaningful time outdoors each day.
Through hands-on projects, animal care, and daily exposure to nature, children develop confidence, creativity, and resilience—all while practicing literacy, math, and science.
MORE ABOUT NATURE SCHOOL:
Nature isn't just a backdrop. It's an essential part of how we teach and learn. By engaging with the environment, students build real-world skills, emotional awareness, and a lasting connection to the natural world.
Where Roots of Understanding Grow Wings of Exploration
Inde Elementary is a full-time, five-day elementary program offering a blend of high-quality academics and nature-rich learning. On our quiet, wooded campus, students learn beneath the trees, at a picnic table, or inside the cozy Nature House.
Our small class size (22 students with two teachers) allows for individualized support in a mixed-age setting where collaboration and confidence grow naturally.
WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE:
• Our own Roots and Wings curriculum, built on real-world themes
• Literacy and math taught through hands-on, integrated projects
• Outdoor learning, animal care, and student-led discovery
Available to all enrolled families, Extended Exploration offers enriching care in a calm, creative setting. Children enjoy arts and crafts, imaginative play, and time outdoors, balanced with quiet moments to recharge.
What to Expect: These sessions are thoughtfully designed to keep students engaged without overwhelming them. Our goal is to support working families while giving children a peaceful start or end to their school day.
Extended Exploration
Before & After School Options
The Flower Rooms
A Gentle Space to Bloom
Program Times:
• Morning: 7:00–8:15am (3-Day or 5-Day)
• Afternoon: 3:00–6:00pm (3-Day or 5-Day)